INTRODUCTION
This information was compiled from Rootsweb and Ancestry web sites and the Regulations and 2,520 names of registrants was extracted verbatim from the Enid Daily Eagle, Draft Section, dated July 20, 1917. There are apparent errors in spelling found in the list of names but they have been transcribed as written. Extracted by Betty Jo Gibson Scott, May, 2001.

OVERVIEW
In early 1917, the United States declared war on Germany. In the first months of the American participation in World War I, enthusiasm was strong but volunteer enlistment into the army was modest. Consequently, a draft was instituted to bring in the needed number of men. On three designated registration days in1917 and 1918, approximately 24-million civilian men born between 1872 and 1900 provided information for draft registration cards. More than 80% of these civilians received exemptions or deferrals, and they were thus never called for military service. This civilian registration is often confused with induction into the military; however, only a small percentage of these men were actually called up for military service.

These registration cards comprise an invaluable genealogical resource. Because many states did not have registration of births in the years 1872-1900, these cards can be considered delayed birth registrations. In some cases, the cards provide no new information. But in other cases, these are the only surviving listings of middle names, birth locations or complete dates of birth.

It is recommended that researchers verify all information on the card! These cards are handwritten. You may have family information that will make it possible to fully decipher what is under an ink blot or identify the correct spelling of the scratched-out middle name. Great care was taken to copy the most likely spellings and date information from the cards. Remember, however, that a registration staff member filled out the card. Some of these volunteers were not great spellers! Birth data provided by men born before 1900 can be error-prone. However, the draft cards are generally more accurate because the registrant himself provided the information unlike the U.S. censuses, where a neighbor or rooming house owner may have provided the information. Staff asked the registrants different information on different registration days. Regretfully, half the cards lack a birth location. Men were not required to register in their home county or district but frequently did so.

The registration cards were filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah under agreement with the National Archives. The microfilmed set is composed of thousands of reels. It is possible to contact the National Archives in East Point, Georgia to have a search done if you know where your man registered. However, you will not be able to view the original card in this manner. Also, the card may be difficult for Archives staff to locate. Consequently, most researchers today order specific reels from the lending library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This church has thousands of local family history centers where reels can be ordered by the public for postage costs. The catalogue heading to look for is [name of state] -- military records - world war I. Then look for the reels of the county/city where your man registered. Large cities have multiple districts.

The microfilmed cards can be purchased from the National Archives at 800- 234-8861. The microfilm publication number is M1509. As of December, 1999, the price was $35 per reel. Be prepared to identify the specific city or county in which you are interested. These are thin reels, and special 42X or 65X high-magnification lenses will be needed to view the cards. It often takes several months for the Archives to deliver the reels.