The Draft Board in Accomac
In April, 1917, with tension at its height, every eye eagerly scanning the papers, every ear eagerly acute, the looked for summons came -- War with Germany was declared -- and with it came the stupendous task of raising an Army, taking America's sons from the store, from the farm, from the Bar, from the schools -- from every profession and walk of life, to put a gun in their hands and send them to a foreign land to battle for RIGHT. It was not an easy task, and how to perform it without crippling the great interests on which the United States must depend, and with the additional duty of augmenting those resources for the benefit of the countries that had been already engaged in the mighty struggle, was a problem that confronted the administrators at Washington. That the most useful in some pursuits should be retained at home, that the best fighting material might be sent to bear the brunt of the actual warfare, that the most physically able might be selected for the intensive training, involving that to which only the participants are competent to testify, Draft Boards -- Local and District Boards -- were organized, and to them was entrusted the task of selecting those "fit for service"; these had to be classified into four classes; questionnaires were filled out and the exemptions claimed were passed upon; not an easy task at best, and one that would necessarily involved dissatisfaction, criticism, and such; nevertheless, one which had to be performed. Examinations and reexaminations were had, classifications and reclassifications; until eventually the machinery began grinding out an Army which reflects credit to those entrusted to the care of selecting it.
The Local Board of Accomack County consisted of B. T. Melson, Chairman, John D. Grant, Jr., and Dr. John H. Ayres, all of Accomac, Va. These gentlemen did their duty fearlessly, conscientiously and well, and due credit should be given them for the excellent representation sent from this County.
Assisting the Board were:
Dr. J. L. DeCormis, Dr. W. F. Kellam, Dr. John W. Robertson, Dr. S. S. Kellam, Dr. W. M. Burwell, Dr. B. W. Mears, Medical Examiners, and Dr. Seymour P. Ward, Dr. George L. Fosque, Dr. O. R. Fletcher, Dr. Rooker J. White, Dr. George T. Sledge, Medical Advisory Board, and Samuel J. Ross, Chief Clerk,
Accomac County's representation in the World War was about 1200; the exact figures not being at hand, owing to the large number of volunteers whose names have not all been ascertained. This number clearly shows the magnitude of the work the Board was called upon to perform. 1097 men were sent to Camp as physically fit, and but a very small number were rejected after having been passed by the Local Board, which bespeaks the efficient service rendered.