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| Richard Clarence Bradford WWI Draft Registration Card Mr. & Mrs. Paul McKim Collection; 2002.035.108.009 |
In its September 26, 1918 issue The Bossier Banner discussed drafting farm laborers for military service.
“There was a meeting of farmers of Caddo, Bossier
and other parishes last Thursday at the office of the Shreveport Chamber of
Commerce. The object was to discuss the
labor situation, and to arrive at an understanding with reference to the
drafting of farm laborers for military service.
Speeches were made by several members of the Parish Council of Defense
and a number of farmers.”
“Judge J.C. Pugh seemed to think that all farmers
should be exempted from the Army and finally said:”
“However I really do not believe that any man of the
last draft will ever be able to smell gunpowder in this war, because the news
we are now getting from over there indicates that our boys will have the Huns
licked to a standstill before any more reinforcements reach them.”
“But Mr. W.H. Hughes, Jr., an extensive planter of
Elm Grove, took a larger view of the situation, and spoke in a patriotic tone,
as follows:”
“I intend to fill out my questionnaire and place
myself as being eligible for Class I.
And I will do the same thing by every man who works on my
plantation. If I make out his questionnaire
and believe him to be good soldier material.”
“Our country is at war and it is our duty to go, and
to send every man available for military service. There are enough men who cannot fight to
raise the crops, and I do not believe that my farm will produce any less by
reason of the absence of those of us who go to the front and fight. Those who are left will have to work harder,
that’s all.”
“Mr. Hodges hit the point exactly. Because a man has large farming interests
there is no reason why he should be allowed to remain in the rear and
accumulate a fortune while others are at the front defending his fortune. He has more at stake, financially, than the
poor man—and should be made to fight.”
Fifteen days later, on November 11, 1918, World War
I ended and Judge Pugh was proved correct.
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| WWI Postcard from B. Herbert Britain to his family while on a ship returning to the U.S.A. Mr. & Mrs. Paul McKim Collection; 2002.035.118.003 |
To find out more about how Bossier Parish participated in both World Wars pay a visit to Bossier Parish Libraries History Center.
By: Ann Middleton
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