Registration day passed quietly in Wilmore, yet with a spirit of real patriotism and deep loyalty.A larger number registered than had been expected. Registering began early. Gilbert Sells being the first to Register. Forty-eight were registered in Powell township.
A flag pole had been erected and a new flag secured which was raised for the first time that day. This was a community donation throughout. Crawford Shearer gave the timber for the flag pole, William King brought the pole to town and did much of the work erecting it. John Testerman purchased the flag, a nice one 8x12 ft. in size, while in Wichita last week, paying $17.50 for it. This amount was donated by the business men of the town. The Schrock Lumber Company gave the cement to anchor the pole, O. H. McCorkle did the blacksmith work, C. E. Richardson gave the necessary rope, in fact everyone gave and did all they were called upon to do . W. E. Fisher, the only civil war veteran living in Wilmore, oversaw the job and was made custodian of the flag. J. M. Payne, our Spanish-American soldier, was made assistant custodian.
Another feature of the day was the badges which were presented to the men as they registered. They were of red, white and blue ribbon and bore the inscription, "I have answered my country's call. Registered at Wilmore, Kansas." These were pinned on the men by a number of girls who wore red, white and blue sashes. The badges were designed and made by Mrs. Joseph Jackson and Mrs. Elbert Heflin.
Following are the names of those who registered in Powell township:
Brown, George T.
Bolejack, Ernest E.
Bolejack, Clarence A.
Brammer, Thomas A.
Campbell, Nat
Cruse, Percy
Doerflinger, Arthur
England, Charles L.
Ferrin, Fred Arthur
Ferrin, Walter W.
Fisher, Cecil
Griffin, John R.
Grace, Jack A.
Holliman, David F.
Hendricks, John W.
Herr, Homer E.
Hughey, Frank
King, William B.
Kennedy, William H.
Masterson, Clarence O.
Larimer, T. Oliver
Lacey, Thomas
Moore, Roy C.
Nielson, Frank
Nelson, Christopher C.
Olivea, Andrez
Patullo, Halket L.
Proctor, Fred
Proctor, William E.
Preston, George E.
Roark, James
Ray, Charlie G.
Sell, Gilbert W.
Shearer, Clarence L.
Swain, Joshua L.
Shearer, Glen H.
Smith, Lewis R.
Scott, Lewis R.
Smith, Leslie F.
Thomas, Walter
Weddle, Nathaniel
Wood, Harold B.
Walker, Oscar C.
Ward, Montie H.
Waltz, Harvey F.
Ward, Ollie H.
Washburn, Russell H.
Also see:
May 4, 1917:
More Volunteers for the Army and NavyJune 15, 1917:
Complete List of Comanche County's "Boys of 1917".June 28, 1917:
Red Cross Fund Oversubscribed, The Wilmore News, 28 June 1917.July 13, 1917:
Complete list of Comanche County boys who are subject to draft.July 27, 1917:
The Great Army Draft Has Been Made.
Comanche County's Honor RollAugust 2, 1917:
NOTICE OF CALL AND TO APPEAR FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The following named persons are hereby notified that, pursuant to the Act of Congress approved May 18, 1917, they are called for military service of the United States by this Local Board.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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