World War I marked a significant turning point in American military and social history. As the war escalated in Europe, the United States initially maintained a stance of neutrality. However, by 1917, the situation had changed drastically, prompting the U.S. to enter the conflict. This entry into the war necessitated a rapid expansion of the American military forces, achieved primarily through the implementation of a draft registration process. This was the first time since the Civil War that conscription (the draft) was required to ensure that the United States would have sufficient troops to support the war effort. Unlike the Civil War, men who did not want to participate in the war effort could no longer hire a substitute to take their place.
Implementation of the Draft
The Selective Service Act of 1917 was the legislative backbone of the draft in World War I. Signed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 18, 1917, the act was a pivotal move to increase the U.S. military presence overseas. The act required all men aged 21 to 30 to register for military service. This age range was later expanded to include men 18 to 45. All men living in the U.S. were required to register, even those who were not U.S. Citizens. However, aliens could not be forced into service; they could volunteer or claim an exemption. Aliens had filed their “Declaration of Intention” (first papers) toward citizenship could be drafted unless they specifically requested an exemption on the grounds of not being “a subject of the United States.” Over 24 million men registered for the draft between 1917-1918, reaching 98% of men born between 1872-1900.
The Selective Service System oversaw the draft's administration, organizing local and district draft boards. These boards registered eligible men, determined their service eligibility, and administered exemption and deferment claims. Here in Mahoning County, there were four Draft Districts. The Mahoning County Draft Board assumed office on May 28, 1917, on the Fourth Floor of the Mahoning County Court House. The first officials were William F. Maag Sr., James R. McAleer, John L. Graney, and Dr. R. E. Whelan. Districts 1, 2, and 3 served the city of Youngstown and were located at the Mahoning County Court House. District 4 comprised the rest of the county. Boardman, Austintown, Canfield, and Coitsville Township residents also registered at the Court House. Residents of the other county areas registered at various halls and buildings set up to process draft registrations. On May 31, 1919, the Mahoning County Draft Board closed six and a half months after the end of the war.
Registration Days
The draft registration during World War I was conducted in three major waves:
June 5, 1917 - This first registration day targeted all men between the ages of 21 and 31. Over 9.6 million men registered on this single day.
June 5, 1918 - Known as the "second registration," this included men who had reached the age of 21 since the first registration.
September 12, 1918 - The third registration expanded the age range and included men aged 18 to 45, significantly increasing the pool of potential draftees.
Here in Mahoning County, the first man to register for the draft was Marin Hegel, a naturalized citizen from Austria. He would eventually serve our country in the Army during WWI. Even though registration was mandatory, it is estimated that some 300,000 men did not register in the United States. Those who could not register on registration day because of illness were instructed to send “ a competent friend” who would be deputized to register for them. Those who failed to register could be charged with a penalty of imprisonment for up to a year, which could also result in immediate induction into military service. Here in Ohio, to ensure that all men registered, all saloons and liquor establishments were ordered closed on Registration Day!

(The Youngstown Vindicator, June 6, 1917)
The Lottery System
The draft was not a simple call-up of all registered men. Instead, it utilized a lottery system to ensure fairness and randomness in the selection process. Each registrant was assigned a serial number. During a public event, numbers were randomly drawn to determine the order in which registered men would be called up for physical examination and potential induction into military service. Three million men would be drafted during WW1.
Exemptions and Deferments
Not all registered men served in the military. The draft boards considered several grounds for exemption or deferment, including industrial and agricultural roles deemed essential to the home front, family dependency, and physical or moral unfitness. While this system was intended to be fair, it sometimes led to accusations of bias and inequality, particularly among lower-income and minority communities.
Social and Political Impact
The draft significantly altered American society. It mobilized a large portion of the male population, reshaped industries due to labor shortages, and stirred debates about civil liberties, particularly regarding conscientious objectors. Moreover, the draft's broad reach helped to break down regional and class barriers, as men from diverse backgrounds were thrown together under a common cause. The wealthy could no longer buy their way out of service through substitution.
Genealogical Value
World War I draft registration cards can be an invaluable resource for genealogical research due to several reasons:
Personal Information: These cards typically include detailed personal information about the individual, such as full name, age, date and place of birth, and sometimes the names of family members. This can help confirm identities and connect family lines. This is particularly useful when trying to find an ancestral town of origin, especially for immigrants whose available information may be limited. They were also in many cases, the first type of “identity cards” issued to men.
Residence Information: The cards list the registrant's home address at the time of registration, which can be useful for tracking ancestors' movements or locating where they lived during a specific period.
Physical Description: They often contain descriptions of the registrant's physical appearance, including height, build, eye color, and hair color, which can add personal details to a family history.
Occupational Information: The cards may include the registrant's occupation and place of employment, offering insights into an ancestor's economic and social status.
Dependency Information: Some cards note dependents or marital status, providing more family context and helping to identify potential family members.
Signatures: Seeing an ancestor's handwriting can be a personal touch that adds a unique element to family history.
Where To Find Draft Registration Cards
The original records are kept at the National Archives—Southeast Region in East Point, Georgia. Microfilm copies are at the National Archives regions that serve their respective states. In addition, some large libraries have the film of these cards for their own state. WW1
Draft Registration cards can be found online at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and Fold3.com.
Conclusion
The draft registration process during World War I was a monumental task that significantly impacted American society and the war's course. By compelling millions of men to register for potential service, the United States rapidly expanded its military forces and demonstrated its industrial and logistical capabilities on the world stage. The experiences from this era would shape military and social policies for decades to come, reflecting the profound influence of the Great War on American life and governance. For genealogists, the documents have given us one more source of evidence for researching our 20th-century ancestors’ lives.
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