This week, we begin the first of seven or so articles on World War I, focusing on Suwannee County’s mobilization for the war as well as some miscellaneous service and post-war information. I hope you find the series as informative as I have.
World War I (called “The Great War,” “The War to End All Wars,” and the like at the time) began in mid-1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie. A convoluted system of treaties by the major European powers caused a potentially internal affair between Austria-Hungary and their Serbian territories to spread into a world war, the most destructive in history until that point. After the Archduke’s assassination, Austria-Hungary delivered an ultimatum to Serbia to wipe out its terrorist organizations. Serbia appealed to their ethnic cousins in Russia for help. Austria-Hungary requested help from Germany, who then realized that France and its ally, Great Britain, would probably join the conflict, who then did so upon Germany’s attack, and then the conflict snowballed from there.
The United States managed to avoid entering the war for three years. During that time, life for most Americans continued as usual, although traveling to foreign ports could be dangerous. This was most tragically shown in 1915 when 128 Americans were killed aboard the liner Lusitania when she was sunk by a German submarine off Ireland. However, by 1917, it was obvious to many Americans that the United States would eventually enter the war. After repeated attacks, diplomatic issues, and the like, the United States formally entered WWI on April 6, 1917. The country began to fully prepare for war. A July 1917 Suwannee Democrat article noted:
“The Federal Militia Bureau was arranging today for transportation of the National Guard, which will be mobilized for active service August 5, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Wilson. The various state units will be organized into 16 tactical divisions and assigned to camps for final training before being sent to France.
“Co. E, ‘The Suwannee Rifles’, will be mobilized for active service on or before Aug. 5. The President’s proclamation will have the effect of discharging them from the State service and federalizing them.”
An early August 1917 Suwannee Democrat remarked:
“At nine o’clock Sunday forenoon, Co. E., 1st Florida Infantry, volunteers all, assembled at their armory in this city, 150 strong, full war strength, ready to the man to embark for France or any other place in defense of this nation. Not a member of the company was missing, although some had to travel from distant points.
“After the roll call the articles of war were read in accordance with military regulations, after which the following non-commissioned officers were appointed.
“To be sergeants: Charles B. Byrd, William S. Kalil, William H. Spencer, Richard E. Nelson, Lewis E. Texada, and Herbert B. Byrd.
“To be corporals: J. D. Henry, Bertie M. Hooper, Danniet (could be a misspelling of Daniel, EM) H. Mays, William C. Spell, Barnard D. Rawls, William C. Havird, and Percy B. White.”
However, there would be more Suwannee Countians joining the war in the ensuing weeks and months.
More on WWI mobilization next week!
Eric Musgrove can be reached at ericm@suwgov.org or (386) 362-0564.
