Grandfather Albert's World War I Draft Registration

In 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and because our volunteer army was lacking soldiers, a draft was called. On three designated days in 1917 and 1918, all men born between September 11, 1872 and September 12, 1900 were required to fill out the draft registration form. About twenty-four million men registered; however, more than 80% were given exemptions or were deferred and never served.

My grandfather, Albert Elling was one of the men who was required to register and his registration appears above. The June 5, 1917 registration was for all men ages 21 - 31.

 


It is a little difficult to read (even when you enlarge it by clicking on the image) so I'll give the details here:

Albert Elling
25 RD (Rural Delivery) Delta, Ohio
Born January 28, 1888
Natural born (as opposed to naturalized citizen born elsewhere) Napoleon, Ohio U.S.A.
Citizen, Farmer, Self-employed Delta, Ohio
Has a wife and child (Paul, born 1914)
Married, white and has no military background
He describes himself as tall and stout with dark blue eyes and light brown hair
Completed June 5, 1917 in Fulton County
And best of all, we have his signature.