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DRAFT
BOARD
A
very unpleasant branch of the war machinery of the county
was that connected with the draft board. This consisted
of W. H. Riggs, County Clerk, Dr. J. E. Benton and C. E.
Clark, Sheriff, Margaret Madison, Chief Clerk, Glenn
McQueen and N. W. Thomassen, Soldier Clerks. On them fell
the ardous task of organizing those who were eligible to
enter the service. This board had in their possession the
names of every male between the ages of 18 and 45 and a
perfect tab on every important feature connected with the
qualifications necessary to enter the service.
LIBERTY
LOANS
|
|
QUOTA
|
AMOUNT
SUBSCRIBED
|
|
First Liberty
Loan
|
$
40,000
|
$
40,000
|
|
Second Liberty
Loan
|
280,000
|
234,250
|
|
Third Liberty
Loan
|
290,200
|
345,500
|
|
Fourth Liberty
Loan
|
689,000
|
704,800
|
|
Victory Liberty
Loan
|
488,650
|
487,250
|
|
TOTAL
|
$1,787,850
|
$1,811,800
|
|
Less Quota
|
|
1,787,850
|
|
Total amount over
subscribed
|
|
$
23,950
|
The
above showing will always be a source of pride to the
people of Merrick County, and to those who successfully
managed the drives.
HOME
GUARDS
A
Home Guard Company was organized in Central City in
January 1918, with C. E. Clark, as Captain and a
membership of 110 members. The company was fully armed,
drilled twice a week and on two occasions went into camp
same as the regular army. There were five companies in
the county Palmer being the second company to be
organized, with Captain Robert Alexander. Jas. Wolfe was
Captain of the Clarks Company and later John I. Long was
made Captain. Dyo Davis was Captain of the Silver Creek
Company and M. Wilson of the Chapman Company.
The
Companies participated in battalion drill at the Merrick
County Fair at Clarks. They also had charge of the
Decoration Day services in 1918, the Fourth of July
celebration in Central City, Pershing's Birthday
celebration the 13th of September and conducted services
for four military funerals, three of which were service
men and one for Wm. Henderson, member of the Central City
Home Guards.
A
band of fourteen pieces was organized in Central City,
with Fred Wilson as Drum Major, and under the leadership
of E. J. Carter, later when Mr. Carter left the city, A.
G. Thompson was selected leader.
The
Home Guards Companies were mustered out in January
1919.
COUNTY COUNCIL OF
DEFENSE
This
Committee, of which J. C. Martin of Central City was
County Chairman, with the following assistants in each
precinct, D. J. Towslee of Silver Creek; John I. Long,
Clarks; C. A. Thomas, Frank Nash, Antone Jensen, Charles
Wood, and T. B. King of Central City; Fred Marsh, Archer;
C. K. Sinsel, St. Libory; Dr. John P. Laub and Marcus
Cornelious, Chapman; and Mrs. R. O. McNurlin, Central
City, had to do with those who failed to do their duty in
support of the war, or those who showed a tendency to act
or in any way interfere with the war. This committee had
very little to do in Merrick County as nearly every
citizen was loyal to the flag.
Mr.
Martin was appointed as Chairman of the State Fuel
Committee for Merrick County and he was ably assisted by
Geo. A. Agnew Central City; Fred C. Caulton, Silver
Creek; John I. Long, Clarks; Dr. John P. Laub, Chapman;
Axel Anderson, Palmer and Wm. O'Conner, Archer. This.
committee watched the fuel distribution and prices of
fuel in this county in a very able manner.
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