Local Volunteers Depart for Military Service in World War I
As the United States mobilized for World War I, communities across the country saw their young men leave home to serve in various branches of the military. The August 9, 1917 issue of the Courier Democrat highlighted the latest group of volunteers and draftees from Nemaha County, Kansas, as they departed for their respective training stations and assignments.
With John Tyner and Harry Newton awaiting their turn at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, others boarded early morning trains for military units across the region. The article lists men assigned to artillery, infantry, and training camps, including Cedric Routh, Luzerne Harvey, Edver Welborn, and Harry Myers. Notably, Earle Taylor of Seneca was promoted to sergeant, tasked with ensuring that the Hiawatha recruits reached their destination safely.
This brief but poignant report reflects the patriotism and duty felt by local men as they prepared to serve in the war effort. It also provides insight into the impact of the draft and volunteer enlistment on small-town America during the Great War.
Only two volunteers are left in this community this week, John Tyner and Harry Newton, who are awaiting their turn at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. The boys who left for their respective companies Saturday and Sunday were:
Cedric Routh, Headquarters Company, 1st Missouri Light Field Artillery; Harry Myers, Battery B, Third Missouri; Luzerne Harvey and Edver Welborn, who are members of Company B, Horton; Frank Winkler and Earl Henderson, Battery B, Lawrence; Edward Ochse, Carl Iles, and Albert Koelzer, Company H, Lawrence; George Andrews, Roy Benshoff, Elisha Britt, Orville Clowe, Robert Iles, Orville Largent, Albert Mars, Thomas Rudbeck, Earle Taylor, and Hubert Wiley, all of Company F, Hiawatha.
Earle Taylor of Seneca has received the non-commissioned office of sergeant and was delegated to see that the Hiawatha boys got off on the early morning train Sunday. Lon Britt of Atchison is corporal.