Eric Musgrove
Contributor
This week, we will continue our multi-part series on Suwannee County’s mobilization and service in World War I.
Less than two weeks after the Suwannee Rifles reported for duty and began training locally in early August 1917, others were registering for military duty or otherwise filing exemptions. The Suwannee Democrat discussed those filing exemption claims, noting that most were due to dependents. Local politicians were involved in the war effort as well, some more so than others:
“Col. Joe Lamb has tendered his resignation as Mayor of Live Oak on account of his connection with the army, which will require his continued absence from the city, and his resignation will be accepted at an early date by the city council in special session.
“Mr. Payne, president of the council, will be acting Mayor until a successor can be elected.”
Later, in the same newspaper:
“Sheriff Lyle is helping out very materially in getting up Suwannee County’s quota for the army in rounding up the ‘slackers’. Some are trying all of the tricks in the book, but the Sheriff is equal to the occasion.”
A week later, the Democrat reported:
“Suwannee County was called upon to furnish 83 men for the army under the selective draft plan. Of this number one-third will be called for mobilization at sometime between Sept. 1 and 5th. The call will be issued through the local Board and those selected will report here, where all arrangements for their transportation will be made by the Board.
“A sufficient number of men have been secured to fill the first call for the county and the local Board feels confident, a sufficient number of those examined this week will be eligible to fill the second call the latter part of September.”
The first week of September 1917 saw the local newspaper mention:
“The officers of Co. E, 1st Florida Infantry, should feel proud of the members of their company for the gentlemanly behavior of the men as a unit. They have been here almost a month now and in no instance have they conducted themselves other than as gentlemen.
“The uniforms arrived Saturday and the men present a much more soldierly appearance when drilling than formerly. It is needless to add that the men are proud of their uniforms and it is also needless to further say that Suwannee and Madison Counties are proud of their khaki clad volunteer boys.
“Madison is to entertain them at a picnic this Friday, and Live Oak will give them a farewell send-off when it is learned for certain when they will leave for the training camp. Truth to tell, Live Oak likes to have Co. E within her gates and the folks don’t mind if the order to entrain for camp is held up indefinitely.”
More next week.
Eric Musgrove can be reached at ericm@suwgov.org or (386) 362-0564.