C L Mann at Two Points in Time

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, from Ancestry.com

During World War I, men born between September 11, 1872 and September 12, 1900 were required to register for the draft on September 12, 1918.  When he was 40 years old, married and had 10 children at home, my Great Grandfather Clarence L Mann completed this requirement.  




He was living and farming in Ellis, Gage County, Nebraska then. My Great Grandma Cora Mabel Mann was his nearest relative. I can imagine how she felt about the idea that he might have to go to war. 

Most of the 1917-1918 draft registrations I've seen are signed with the registrants full name, as if maybe they were instructed to do so. It's a nice way to get that information if it's not known. And signatures are such personal things and wonderful to have!  Great Grandpa's handwriting is very nice.

His description is medium height with slender build, blue eyes and brown hair and no obvious physical disqualifications. He signed up at the Local Board for Jefferson County, when his address was Ellis, Gage County. It may be that his land was actually just across the county line in Jefferson county.








On April 27, 1942, the fourth round of registration for World War II was conducted.  Men who were between 45 and 65 years old were legally required to register for the draft. Notice the top line below - "Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897". Clarence was born in June of 1878.

World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 from Ancestry.com

Twenty-five years after that first draft, now living at 626 W Mary Street in Beatrice, he states "no regular employment". At 63 years old, I assume this means he is retired. His hair has gone gray, his eyes still blue, he stood 5 ft, 7 inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. What caused the scar on the base of his left thumb? 

My Great Grandpa Mann and Great Grandpa Menke both registered on April 27, 1942 at probably the same place in Beatrice. They shared two grandchildren in 1942 - my dad and his sister. I'm sure both families were relieved that neither man was sent off to either war. These draft registration cards are interesting and give an idea of what their lives were like at two particular points in time. 


UPDATE 7/26/18: I've learned now from Clarence's youngest daughter that the scar on his thumb was likely from butchering. Also that he worked until he was 73 years old and may have been off work at this time due to an eye injury he got while working for the Gage County bridge crew. The settlement from his injury helped him buy the last house he owned.