Shivers, Add

Add Shivers

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

S SGT U.S. Army WWI & II

Place of Birth:

Tennessee

Date of Birth:

August 18th, 1892

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Date of Death:

March 28th, 1966

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Add Shivers was born on August 18, 1892, to Stewart and Druie Shivers in Tennessee. In 1914, tensions were rising overseas that eventually sparked a world war. The United States became involved in World War I, known then as the Great War, in 1917. While living in Jackson, Tennessee, Add received a call to arms to support his country. At twenty-six, he enlisted as a private with the 811th Pioneer Infantry, Supply Company, and on October 20, 1918, departed New York for service overseas. 

The 811th Pioneer Infantry was organized in August 1918 at Camp Dix, New Jersey, as part of the U.S. Army’s African American pioneer regiments. Trained in infantry tactics yet frequently assigned non‑combat labor and transportation roles, these units performed the essential work that sustained fighting at the front. 

In Brest, France, Shivers spent his days loading and unloading cargo from ships. During his service, Add rose in rank from private to sergeant. After nine months overseas, he returned to the United States, sailing on April 17, 1919, aboard the Mt Vernon and arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey, on April 25, 1919. 

His military story did not end with the Great War. When global conflict erupted again in 1941, he stepped forward once more. According to his internment card, Shivers served during World War II in the Quartermaster Corps and earned a second promotion to Staff Sergeant, his rank upon leaving the service. While details of his WWII assignments are limited, it is known that Staff Sergeant Shivers lived a life dedicated to serving his country. 

After World War II, Shivers returned to Jackson, Tennessee, and resumed civilian life. On November 2, 1961, he was admitted to the Murfreesboro Veterans Hospital with chronic brain syndrome stemming from cerebral arteriosclerosis with psychosis. Chronic brain syndrome is a long-term condition that is marked by progressive mental decline commonly associated with dementia. After five years in VA care, he died at 10:15 a.m. on March 28, 1966, from cardiac ventricular fibrillation (cardiac arrest). He was seventy‑three. 

Add Shivers’s life reflects a life of service and sacrifice. He was laid to rest at Stones River National Cemetery, plot Q‑6703.  

Tags: stones river national battlefield, stones river national cemetery, world war i, world war ii, 811th pioneer infantry