Closer to the War

The early August 1917 call of 52 men for the Crown Point draft district failed to supply the district's quota: some men could not pass the physical, others received exemptions (for example, only two of the six Hobart men called were actually enrolled). A second call went out a couple week later, and this time, among the 101 men named — including a dozen from Hobart — three were from the Ainsworth area. One of those was Clarence Goodrich, who, as we know, had already enlisted. The other two were Herman Harms and Leslie Owen Nelson.* (These latter qualified for two different exemptions: they were agricultural workers, and each had a wife and baby to support.)

In mid-August Provost General Enoch H. Crowder announced the final plans for mobilizing the massive new national army that would result from this first draft (plus voluntary enlistments). The mobilization would take place throughout September in increments: the first 30% would be called September 5; the second 30% September 15; the third September 30; and the remaining 10% as soon as possible thereafter. The men selected for each increment would be required to present themselves at their local draft board on the appointed day, in civilian clothing and with the minimum necessary baggage, and within 24 hours would be on the train to their cantonment.

Two Hobart draftees (Harry McClaran and George Schavey) were included in the September 5 increment. They entrained for Camp Taylor near Louisville, Kentucky.

On September 13 came the news that three Hobart soldiers had landed safely in France.

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*I believe this to be the correct reading of the "Leash Owen Nelson" and "Leash O Nelson" that appear on the lists in the News of July 26 and August 23, respectively.


Sources:
♦ "Draft Army Called." Hobart Gazette 17 Aug. 1917.
♦ "Drafted Men Off to War." Hobart Gazette 7 Sept. 1917.
♦ "Local and Personal." Hobart News 13 Sept. 1917.
♦ "More Men Called to Make Up First Army Draft Unit." Hobart News 23 Aug. 1917.
♦ "Only Two Men Examined Enrolled." Hobart Gazette 10 Aug. 1917.