Cephus Snow

1890–1928. barnwell, south carolina

Cephus Snow was born around 1890 in South Carolina to Smart Snow and Alice Grayson. A laborer by trade, he was a member of the Mingo community. Cephus passed away tragically on June 10, 1928, at the age of 38.

  • Father: Smart Snow

    Mother: Alice Grayson

  • Place of Death: Mingo, Williamsburg Co., S.C.

    Full Name: George Dorsey

    Sex: Male

    Color or Race: Negro

    Marital Status: Married

    Date of Birth: 1839

    Age: 79

    Occupation: Farmer

    Birthplace: Williamsburg Co.

    Father: Undocumented

    Mother's Maiden Name: Grace Ester

    Date of Death: June 29, 1918

    Cause of Death: Chronic heart/respiratory failure

    Informant: Peterson Dorsey

    Place of Burial or Removal: Millpond

    Date Filed: August 28, 1918

  • The death record indicates that Cephus died from being struck by a train, a violent and sudden event that necessitated a formal investigation by a coroner’s jury.

    During the early 20th century, the expansion of rail lines through rural Williamsburg County often brought industrial dangers into the heart of agricultural communities.

    For families of that era, such a traumatic and unexpected loss required navigation through both the shock of the event and the legal formalities imposed by local authorities.

  • Evidence Summary: There is a direct correlation between the Cephus Snow listed in the newspaper, The County Record (August 2, 1917), and the individual who passed in 1928.

    Context of Enlistment: During World War I, the United States implemented the Selective Service Act. The article published in The County Record served as a public notification for local men, including Cephus, to appear before their Local Board for mandatory physical and qualification examinations.

    His name appeared alongside other local men as part of the official process to determine the county's first draft quota.

    Identity Alignment: The geographic consistency of the Mingo/Morrisville area, combined with the precise timeline and age alignment between the WWI-era draft registration and the 1928 death certificate, confirms that these records refer to the same individual.

  • We are actively seeking documentation to complete these records. If you have access to official records, family documents, or photos that could assist in our research, please contact us at ourmahoganyheritage@gmail.com.