1917
Wilbur Gets Called to War
In 1917 the German Foreign Minister sent a telegram to Mexico inviting them to join the war as Germany's ally against the United States. In return, the Germans would finance Mexico's war and help it recover the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The British intercepted the telegram and passed the information on to the United States. President Wilson released the telegram to the public which then became known as the “Zimmerman Telegram”. This combined with Germany sinking seven US merchant ships, President Wilson called for war on Germany on April 2, 1917. The United States having in real army at the time, the Congress passed the Selective Service Act on May 18 and proceeded to draft 2.8 million men. The local papers published lists of the men that had been called up to serve their country. Even with the war going on, life on the farm continued.
Mr. J. D. Mixson of
the Wacahoota section of old Marion, is in town today. He says the
farmers in that part of the country have had an exceptionally good
run of crops this season, and prosperity reigns.
The Ocala Evening
Star, November 12, 1917
Updated 02-03-2024