World War I Draft Registration

In 1917 and 1918, all males born between 1872 and 1900 were required to register for the draft. The draft registration cards are a great source of genealogical information, with registrant's home address, occupation and physical description.

Esther's dad, Friedrich "Fred" Kraus, had to register:

Name: Fred Kraus
Address: Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois
Birth: December 21, 1874, Native Born
Occupation: blacksmith, working for sel, Columbia, Illinois
Nearest relative: Katherine Kraus (wife)
Description: Medium height, medium build, black eyes, dark hair

Fred's younger brothers also registered (older brother John died in 1907):

Name: George Krauss
Address: Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois
Birth: December 30, 1878, Native born
Occupation: car repairer, Missouri Pacific Ry., in Dupo, St. Clair Co., Illinois
Nearest relative: Mrs. Louisa Harres (sister) of Columbia, ILlinois
Description: Medium height, medium build, brown eyes, dark hair

Name: Henry Krauss
Address: Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois
Birth: October 3, 1883, native born
Occupation: Blacksmith, working for self
Nearest relative: Mrs. Elizabeth Payne (sister), of Columbia, Illinois
Description: Medium height, medium build, brown eyes, dark hair

Name: William Krauss
Address: Dupo, St. Clair County, Illinois
Birth: April 5, 1889, born Columbia, ILlinois
Occupation: Car Inspector 23, Terminal RR Addn. GL? in Dupo, Illinois
Single
Description: Medium height, stout build, black eyes, black hair

Bill was the only Krauss brother to actually serve during "the World War". He was a Private in the 113 Engrs. 38the Division.

Esther had no uncles on her mother's side of the family.