The Family of William Madden: Military Record

During the First World War, when the need for able bodied men exceeded the number of volunteers, the United States Government instituted a draft. This was done in three stages as the war progressed. The first was done on 5 June 1917 for men between the ages of 21 and 31 years of age. The second stage was done in two parts, on 5 June and 24 August 1918 for men who reached the age of 21 during that year. With the need for recruits growing, the final stage was done on 12 September 1918, widening the age span to include men between the ages of 18 and 45 - and this would have included the 44 year old William.

The following are the details recorded on the Draft Registration Card on 12 September 1918:

REGISTRATION CARD

	SERIAL NUMBER: 1982
	ORDER NUMBER: 850

	First, Middle and Family Name: William Madden
	Permanent Address: 103 Warren Street, Oil City, Venango, Pennsylvania
	Age by Years: 44
	Date of Birth: Sept 17th 1874
	Race: White
	U.S. CITIZEN: Native Born
	PRESENT OCCUPATION: Laborer
	EMPLOYER'S NAME: Continental Refinery
	Place of Employment or Business: Oil City, Venango, Pa.

	NEAREST RELATIVE:
		Name:	Patrick Madden - Father
		Address:	103 Warren Street, Oil City, Venango, Pa.

	I AFFIRM THAT I HAVE VERIFIED THE ABOVE ANSWERS AND THAT THEY ARE TRUE

			(Signed) William Madden

The reverse of the card gave the further information that William was tall, of a medium build, had blue eyes and dark hair, and had no physical disabilities.

The card was signed by the Registrar, John J. Dolecki, and was dated 12 September 1918.

As the war ended almost exactly two months later, on 11 November 1918, William was never called up to fight.

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