Draft - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Draft card look up for Nicola Pescioli

baseballmn1 — 2013-04-16 05:45:45Z

Nicola Puzella, to my best guess, based on a smudged WW1 draft card was probably from either Terracina or Torrecuso, if that helps at all.

Re: Draft card look up for Nicola Pescioli

baseballmn1 — 2013-04-16 05:43:07Z

Nicola Puzella was my great grandfather. He lived in Logansport, IN. Not sure where, in Italy he was from.

Re: WWI Draft cards accuracy

dewdy2005 — 2013-03-30 16:19:24Z

Im just having a hard time finding information on him he died June 1929. I do not know if Sebestianai Bertuca is even his real name.(he could not read or write) He used an alias James Costa during the prohibition so the newspaper articles I have use that name. The WWI draft registration card had his name at what we think is his real name (Or what he told he wife and children then they passed it down). He came from Curinga, Italy, we think. Just a bunch of we thinks and no actual paper proof. This family search thing is fun and hard at the same time :)

Re: veteran status

DecMay — 2013-03-28 23:32:15Z

I have an in-law with a father served in WWI was in boot camp about same time and never left the states. The war was over Nov 11, 1918 with limited troops left till about 1920.

There is 3 book set complied in 1920 titled "Soldiers of the Great War" by W.M. Haulsee.
It lists soldiers that suffered causalities by state of residence and type of casualty...killed in action, died of disease, died of wounds, died of accident, or wounded in action. Also gives rank or position (private, sargent, wagooner etc., and "home town".

This is a free access website...
http://archive.org/details/soldiersgreatwa01doylgoog

Ancestry also has it on their database also.

If his reason for being in an institution was from a war injury then he could be listed.

The only "Veteran Benefit" of WWI was a soldiers home "The National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers" and a Bond payable in 30 years.

The State Archives may have the older records of the institution if closed down. Does the death certificate have a box asking if a Veteran? Is he in the 1930 Federal census with box 30,(asking if a Veteran), filled in with "Yes" or "No"? Are you sure he was an "inmate" or maybe transitioned into a staff member at a later date. If he had problems when he got home after the war, in those days a family member could sign papers to have another family member committed. Maybe he never went back home because of that kind of treatment.

Re: WWI Draft cards accuracy

DecMay — 2013-03-28 02:39:19Z

I would say it depends on if you can determine if he filled out the card himself and was not dictating it to a person at the draft board. The sound of five and nine are similar that is why in radio communications one says "niner" to make sure 9 is understood clearly. Also are you looking at the scanned or microfilmed image of card or a transcription?

He could have been trying to be "older" in the belief being over 30 would be less likely to be drafted.

A four year difference is not bad as records that old go so use the one claimed at death or use the one you have the most records of it being. Or I would just use 1885/89 in my databases.

P.S. If still an "alien" then could not be drafted but could volunteer.

Re: WWI Draft cards accuracy

ERhodes1135 — 2013-03-28 02:27:09Z

The info is as accurate as the person furnishing the info. Some lied to keep from being drafted and for other reasons.

WWI Draft cards accuracy

dewdy2005 — 2013-03-27 20:58:35Z

How accurate is the information on the WWI draft cards. I have conflicting dates of birth for my Great Grandfather with all the information I have collected on him. Some year of birth to be 1885 and some 1889. He died in 1929 and was born Italy so I dont have much. He did use an alias name for his illegal activities and was shot down after the fifth attempt on his life. (I have newspaper articles on him)
Michelle

Re: veteran status

jancosticihrig — 2013-03-25 18:22:24Z

thank you so much. I will follow your suggestion today.
Good luck in your own search.
Jan

Re: veteran status

irishgen2009 — 2013-03-25 18:06:28Z

I think a soldier is classified as a veteran the day after his discharge. In world war I the term shell-shock was used to describe the condition World War II used the term battle fatigue and now it's PTSD. The soldier may well have returned home and lived with his family before it was decided he was suffering from severe shell-shock and sent to the institution.

The files lost in the fire at St Louis were the collection that was arranged by the name of the soldier. They can work to reconstruct the information from the name of the soldier and the details of the unit he served - that is - the division number, type of unit - infantry, engineers, artillery, machine gun, etc. The reconstruction is based upon the documents called Special Orders which each unit issued that detail the name of each soldier when he was assigned to some particular duty. There can be special order documents for each day of the year and some of them will have over 100 names so you can imagine what a time consuming task it is to find the paper for a particular name.

The US National Archives has records for the WWI divisions at their location in College Park, MD. At their web site select Search ARC - Archival Research Catalog

http://arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/BasicSearchForm?jScrip...

put 301641 in the search box - this is the ID number for the catalog description of "Records of Divisions". When you locate the description click on the tab "Archived Copies", then click on the "View Container List" which lists SOME specific boxes for each division. Note this box list is INCOMPLETE. There are twice as many boxes listed on the paper finding aid in the consultation room.

veteran status

jancosticihrig — 2013-02-22 22:40:42Z

My relative left PA on May 29, 1918 for Camp Humphrey, VA boot camp.
He never returned home.
On his death certificate I find he entered a mental institution sometime in 1919 and stayed there until his death some 50 years later.
His stepfather told siblings he died in the war. (I understand this explaination as the current culture towards mental illness for that era.) I also may assume this man did not return to his home and then go to the mental institution.
So my question is this: At what point in service does one become a veteran? Furthermore PTSD was not known as such in 1918-1919.
I plan to write to NARA and ask about records. However this is the "big fire" time period so I expect not to find any answers since the cemetery did not find any.
Any suggestions?

Re: WWI Draft Registration Lookup - Joseph Harvey Holt

BarbraRea1 — 2013-02-18 14:17:27Z

Thanks for all the great information. I see what you mean about the dates being off. I suppose he didn't really know his exact birth date and maybe didn't have a certificate. This definately the same person of course. Appreciate it.

Re: Harry Heck

badenroots — 2013-02-17 06:25:30Z

Thank you for checking.

This must be a different Harry Heck.
The one I am looking for was born on Aug. 04, 1895 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and he was married to Elizabeth Basler.

Re: Harry Heck

diskoverit — 2013-02-17 04:24:32Z

Found a Harry Joseph Heck, b. March 3, 1895, born/lived Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne, Pa. Age 47yrs. 5'11", 190lbs. dark hair.
WWI draft registration #2336. Husband of Barbara Heck. employed by American Car & Foundry.

Re: WWI Draft Registration Lookup - Joseph Harvey Holt

diskoverit — 2013-02-17 04:05:38Z

I'm sure you already have this information. If not, his draft registration card list's his next of kin as "George Holt".

Found him in the CADI, and place of burial.
Name: Joseph H Holt
Social Security #: 446016199
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 8 Jul 1898
Birth Place: Arkansas
Death Date: 4 Aug 1960
Death Place: Kings

Findagrave memorial:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=HO...;

According to his WWI registration card, Joseph was born July 6, 1899, Arkansas. Don't be concerned with the year of birth that differs from the CADI, this isn't so uncommon. Occupation: farmer, Alex, Grady Ok. His Father is next of kin, George Holt, Alex, Grady Ok.
Date of enlistment, Sept. 12, 1918, Grady Ok.

Re: 4-F classification

barrymccabe1 — 2013-02-12 21:38:11Z

Thanks

Re: 4-F classification

irishgen2009 — 2013-02-12 18:53:00Z

www.familysearch.org has the 1920 census image for viewing if you are a person who does indexing. Fort Myer is ED 11, Alexandria County, VA,about 23 pages. Line 1 is the General Peyton C. March, 54 yrs, born PA. Search for him and you'll find the first page.

Re: 4-F classification

barrymccabe1 — 2013-02-12 18:04:50Z

Hi,

Where/how did you find the 1920 census record for Ft Myer?

WWI Draft Registration Lookup - Joseph Harvey Holt

BarbraRea1 — 2013-01-25 00:26:44Z

He was born July 8, 1898 I believe AK. I think his draft card is in Grady, OK. Can't find him before 1930. Thank you. Barbra

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-09-25 07:00:55Z

I have to disagree with you. I have been here for a few years. I could agree with you. If you had some information on the subject.

I really didn't expect to find what I did with the info you gave. Which is next to nothing. You don't have any info for them to go on. Even with what I found without something to back it up with more info. It would be almost impossible to distinguish between them.

You are guessing that he was in the Royual Flying Corps. If you had a Service or Regimental no. His birthday would be helpful. You need more info. Then they will be able to help you.

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

timkendall76 — 2012-09-24 07:15:17Z

Thanks! That's what I found, initially. I've had further success and intend to visit the NA.

Thanks again for checking and your suggestions!

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

timkendall76 — 2012-09-24 07:13:41Z

Thank you. That's is very helpful. I do have quite a lot of information however, my issue with National Archives, is that I have found their website to be anything but user-friendly; from my point of view, I found it to be complicated and impenetrable.

Again, thank you for the advice.

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-09-24 06:39:10Z

I did a quick military search. 458 Service Records on the info. you gave me. No Alexander Kendall. 215 Pension Records. No pension records. There was nothing for the Royal Flying Corps.

There are other records and I suggest you do a military search and type in his name and under military. Put in WW1. Under "Keyword". Put in Royal Flying Corps. You will have a lot of info come up.

You may do a general search and under Keyword put in "Royal Flying Corps;, but under all the info. Put in as much info as you know about him. Birth, Father, mother, spouse, & children. Where he might have lived at.

If you have any idea where he was born at and grew up at. That is where he most likely enlisted from. Especially if he went in as a young man. He might have lied about his age and went in as a very young man. Good luck.

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-09-24 05:46:49Z

Ancestry and the National Archives can be very helpful to you both; but it is according to if you are giving them information to work with. The more information you can give them. The more they can help you. There is Basic info if you have it. It will lead you directly to him and sometimes just give you a hint of him.

You basically need some of the info that I have mentioned in the following paragraphs; But just a portion of it might start you on your way. You have made family trees. Check the Public Family Trees to see if anyone else has made a family tree on him and has some military info; but check the below paragraphs.

What kind of information do you have in reference to his military history. The following should be supplied if you have it. (1.) First and Last Name and Mid Initial and any other christian name or names. Sometimes if his name is John. He might have been called Jack. (2.) ETB Estimated or definate date of birth. The year is generally sufficient (3.) What country did he enlist from United States, England, Canada, Austrailia, Ireland, Wales; etc. (4.) When did he enlist and where from. (5.) Was he in the Artillery, Infantry, etc. (6.)What was his Rank, Ser. or Regimental No., Batalion No. or Division. (7.) Regiment (8.) Medals. (9.) Date of Death (10.) Father, Mother, Spouse, Children (This helps in identifying him from his service and Pension records if there are any).

The more info you can give them. The more info they can give you. Its just like putting together a family tree.

In order for someone to help you search for him. They need certain info. Thats the name of the Game.

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

timkendall76 — 2012-09-10 10:58:41Z

Hi,

Thank you so much for helping out with the information. It's very much appreciated!

Good luck with your research.

Tim

Re: WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

Clurry — 2012-09-08 10:12:23Z

We are also trying to get hold of similar records and have been a little frustrated with the system on the archives. Having found the one we are looking for, we are now having problems ordering it!

Anyway since I've worked out how to use the archives to find records, I have managed to find the location of the record you are looking for and the reference number so I hope this helps.

It is here:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycatalogu...

Reference no: AIR 79/609/66172

This was the only record I could find for an Alexander Kendall so I assume its the correct one.

His service number is 66172 and according to the 1918 muster roll, he enlisted on 13/3/1917.

WWI - Royal Flying Corps - Personnel Records

timkendall76 — 2012-08-21 20:37:54Z

Hi,

I'm trying to find enlistment / service records for my grandfather, Alexander Kendall who, I'm led to believe, was an airman in the Royal Flying Corps.

I don't have dates of enlistment or service and have found the National Archives w/site to be unhelpful and frustrating to use!

Any advice on how to locate WWI Royal Flying Corps personnel information (both via Kew and not), would be very much appreciated.

Re: Draft order

RMadigan — 2012-08-21 18:36:21Z

Thank you. Very helpful and right on point.

Richard Madigan

Re: Draft order

ycaso77 — 2012-08-21 18:05:01Z

Are you looking for the draft board lists for Jersey City?
Here's a link to records at the National Archives-
http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/16...

The boards were given quotas, and it was up to them to decide how to fill them. Also the local boards were charged with registration, determination of serial and order numbers, classification, and the call and entrainment of draftees. There were three different registrations for the draft, so brothers could be included in different series but be drafted together.

As to drafting two brothers-
They would register as "Class III- exempted but available for military service" if they had filled in thier draft registration and claimed they were supporting a parent.

Related records include Classification Lists of Docket Books maintained by local boards to show the process of classification, physical examination, claim for exemption or discharge from the draft, and the appeals process for each registrant. Each local board also maintained lists of men ordered to report to the board for induction. These show (for each individual ordered to report) name, the mobilization camp to which he was to report and the date he was to report, and the certification of officials of the mobilization camp that the man had (or had not) reported as ordered. These records are in the Field Archives branches in the appropriate regions.

http://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww1/draft-registra...

Re: Anton Reiss

badenroots — 2012-08-19 18:39:46Z

Yes, that solved the problem. Thank you, Don

Bee

Re: Anton Reiss

ERhodes1135 — 2012-08-19 15:29:41Z

Bee. I find that Eva was not born in North Dakota but Russia. The proper registration card would be for the Anton M Reis whose wife's name was not included. Don

Re: Anton Reiss

badenroots — 2012-08-19 03:37:43Z

Eva Feist was born on Jan. 21, 1893
daughter of:
Anna Kambeitz
born on Sep. 08, 1867 in Kandel, Odessa, Russia died on Jan. 01, 1941 in Hague, Emmons Co., North Dakota
and
Andrew Feist
born on Apr. 24, 1861 Strasburg, Russia and died on Aug. 17, 1939 in Hague, Emmons Co., North Dakota.

Eva's siblings
Elizabeth Feist was born on May 12, 1889 in Strassburg, Odessa Russia
Agatha Feist was born on Nov. 25, 1890 in Strassburg, Odessa, Russia
Jacob A . James Feist was born on Jul. 21, 1895
Dorothy Feist was born on Sep. 05, 1897 in North Dakota
Philomena Feist was born on Nov. 07, 1899 in North Dakota
Joseph Feist was born on Feb. 25, 1902 in North Dakota
Henry Feist was born on Oct. 03, 1904 in North Dakota
Anton Feist was born on Sep. 13, 1907 in North Dakota
Valentine Feist was born on Sep. 25, 1910 in Hague, Emmons Co., North Dakota

Re: Anton Reiss

badenroots — 2012-08-19 03:31:06Z

Thank you, Don

Looks like I am stuck with this one. Eva's parents Andrew and Anna were born in Russia. They died in North Dakota.
I thought Eva was born in North Dakota, but will have to recheck that

Bee

Re: Anton Reiss

ERhodes1135 — 2012-08-19 02:29:35Z

Bee. What was her maiden name, if Stoltz, she was in Minnesota, a widow, living with her parents. Don

Re: Anton Reiss

ERhodes1135 — 2012-08-19 02:23:09Z

Bee. I sent the card, as you can see, no name is given for his wife. In the 1920 census his wife is Eve and in 1930 she is Eva. Also she is listed as being born in Russia/South Russia. Don

Draft order

RMadigan — 2012-08-18 16:51:36Z

I have a couple of questions which are troubling about WW 1.

First-Does anyone have a list of the 10,500 draft board selected randomly in 1917 by Sec. of War? Was draft board # 8 from Jersey City, NJ included?

Second-how did the draft board determine the order of qualified men for induction? Can one find out if "A" was drafted before "B"?

Thirdly-Did they usually draft 2 brothers who were supporting a windowed mother?

Lot of questions I know but recently comments by a third generation family member have opened old wounds.

Thanks.

Re: Anton Reiss

badenroots — 2012-08-18 14:49:08Z

Thank you Don
That is difficult.

I found a third one and wonder, if he was also married to an Eva.

Eva was born on Jan. 21, 1893 in North Dakota
Anton M Reis registered in Logan, North Dakota

Re: Anton Reiss

ERhodes1135 — 2012-08-18 14:16:27Z

Good morning Bee. This was complicated by the fact that there were 2 different people name Reiss married to an Eva. One named Anton and the other Frank Anton, neither fit your estimated birth date. Sent both just in case. Don

Anton Reiss

badenroots — 2012-08-18 05:56:10Z

Did an Anton Reiss register in North Dakota for the WWI Draft? He was born abt 1893 and his wife was Eva.

thank you

Re: Changing your name

DecMay — 2012-08-17 02:02:18Z

I see other men named Dalrymple as enlisted in U.S. Marines from 1875 to 1940's when database years ends. Also in the VA BIRLS death index with birth years 1890 to 1900 and later for all services. So it was not the Military that required the change. When and where did he enlist? He either made a personal choice or had a something in his past that would disqualify him.
Have you found a WWI Draft Registration Card for him? Which name?

Changing your name

AnneMarieHewlett — 2012-08-15 13:06:21Z

My grandfather, who I was led to believe was called Walter Wilson but I have recently found out this his actual name was Walter Dalrymple. He was born in 1892 (give or take a few years) and I was told my aunt of mine, who I have no contact with now, that he changed his name from Dalrymple to Wilson so he could get into the military.

If that's the case, any one want to take a guess as to why he would do that? I'm baffled.

Zatko

apoolcomp — 2012-08-07 01:28:39Z

Researching the "Zatko" Family. Orginated in Radosina-Solvakia. Micheal & Hermina Zatko came to cananda about 1935, 2 sons, Victor and Tony. Any help would be great.

Re: Harry Heck

ERhodes1135 — 2012-07-31 13:52:33Z

Good morning. Yes he did. Also for WW11. Sent both cards. Don

Harry Heck

badenroots — 2012-07-31 05:50:10Z

Did a Harry Heck born on Aug. 04, 1895 register for WWI Draft in Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania?

Re: Were there exemption codes?

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-07-25 10:25:05Z

I REDITED THIS MSG. 7/23/12. Will add to it later. I have done a study of over 150 draft registration Cards and prepared and type and put together a msg. and was transposing it to the thread and then Ancestry said sorry for some reasonwe lost our connection. I went back andthe msg was gone. I am tired. It was a lot of info and I am a little #?#%#?##@*& at Ancestry need I say the words. I hope to get it together again. It took me over an hour to get it together (You guys and gals probably said "GOOD-Thank God" (Smile).

Line #12 #9

Re: Were there exemption codes?

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-07-24 23:30:15Z

I don't think this is an official card. It has no registras report. It does not have a registras signature.

He was born in 1894 and this Registration card "A" was from 5 June 1917. It was for born between June 6, 1886 and June 5, 1896. He would have been about 23 or 24, but there is no date on this card as to when he registered. It wouldn't make a difference; because he fell under the guidelines of the registration Card.

The thing it would have been dated and he would have a qualifying date on that side of the card and it would have been signed by a registra.

I think Decmay made ref to and I agree there would be a no or yes on line #12. I just got through working on a thread on this Board. The #12 question had said yes and then for clarification was written in SO #33 (Special Order #33).

Bear with me I am going to explain something. This is worth the time I think. This particular Draft registrtion had a two fold situation. Line #12 was written ?Yes?(I am not sure) and then as an explantion he was claiming an exemption under SO #33.

Question #9 asked if you have s father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12 who is solely dependant on you for support (specify which. I think he answered yes and put his mother.

Then on the Registras report (He had served in the military prior to this.) on the back side. He was listed with a disability. I think it just was checked.

Geting back to #12 He said he was exempt from SO#33. Was it from the disability from the Army or was it because he had to to support his mother. Special Orders can be very broad or very small and unlike a general order they are issued at every level in the Army. No answer to Special Order #33 and enough time taken on this thread; but I think it was relavent in a small way.

I really think there is another official registration Record. They might be saying and I don't agree. It is some kind of record on this man and gives some info on him; because his records might have gotten destroyed and like my father. It is one of the pieces of info that there is from his Army history. Something is better than nothing. You have a litle piece of him. Official or not.

Re: Were there exemption codes?

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-07-24 11:39:31Z

I found a Family Tree for him. They have a 1930 Census on there and he listed that he did not serve in the military. (1.) He didn't have a disability listed on the Registras Comments on the back of his registration Card; But he had a deferment number and he did not list a dependant that was depending on him for support. I am wondering how many farmers got deferments. They were very necessary for the war effort.

That is if the Draft Registration card is legitimate.

I have found out some other information and sent off an e-mail and waiting on an answer. I hope it is good news.

Re: How do I find out if my ancestor served in WWI?

jamestheprimitivebaptist — 2012-07-22 03:49:55Z

Box 39 = yes
Box 41 = W
Box 42 = either a 1 or an I.

He's listed on the census for Africa, Spalding, Georgia, ED# 126-18 page 12 of 20. His name was transcribed as "Les G. Roberson". I tried to edit the names, but the incorrect still shows up without my corrections.

I just sent an email to the History Office of the GA National Guard. Hopefully, they'll be able to tell me something.

Re: How do I find out if my ancestor served in WWI?

DecMay — 2012-07-22 03:05:38Z

A death certificate for 1961 should have a box asking if Veteran. I have seen Yes, No, or Branch typed in.
He filed WWI Card in Onocee County but he was not in their list of the Soldiers Discharges Index 1914 to 2001.
http://gaoconee.eppygen.org/Mil_Soldier_Discharge.htm

To look at other counties for sources of records:
http://www.thegaproject.org/

Try local newspapers where lived 1918 to 1919 as they had lists of men that enlisted and returned home.

You also might try the GA National Guard, could be he enlisted with them and the war ended before unit was "Federalized" and never left the states. If the National Guard Unit was not Federalized then there will be no records at the NARA only at the State Archives or GA Guard records storage. Also 1930 does ask if serves in U.S. Armed or Naval Forces and NG was not considered "U.S." but a State Militia, unless "Federalized"
By 1940 NG service could then have been considered "United States". So box 39 has "yes". What is in box 41? Should be an W or S or SW or R or Ot.

Great WWI Site:
http://freepages.military.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~worldwarone...

The 1973 Fire at the NARA did destroy about 80% of Army/Army Air Corp/Air Force records from Spanish American War to early 1960's. Navy, Marine and Coast Guard were not affected as they were not stored there then.

Re: 4-F classification

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-07-21 04:24:06Z

In am not trying to be sarcastic at all; but trying to find out some definates. Some common ground. What has your family told you or you know what is a definate. That you can take to the bank. Are these definate facts. (1.) Samuel B. Martin and do you happen to know what the "B' stands for. (2.)was he born in August 1899. (3.) He was deft or partially deft. Its not much; but can you take them to the bank. (4.) He lived to be 40 or 50 years old. (5.) Death date??

Do you know his parents name, Wife, and children. Where was his wife from if he had one. They might have lived in the same area. Is there any family stories you can share that might be helpful. Did he ever talk about the war at all.

I know you might have answered these in your own way; but I would like to know what is definate.

Re: Valdemar Pedersen

Dannyssmile1891 — 2012-07-17 09:50:38Z

I saw your family tree on the internet. Are you saying he arrived here in 1928 or are you saying he was returning to the u.S.

If you look at his passport application. It differs from when he first got here. What are your conclusions and backup that that is the correct and same Valdemar Pederson. What is the connection if you don't mind.

The info. is on Ancestry. If you don't want to disscuss it. Thats okay. I left a comment on Ancestry. I would really like to know the tie in.