Harry Aird’s WWI Service: 52 Ancestors 2025 Prompt “Surprise”

A Funny Draft Card Leads to Serious Service for Grandpa Harry

Henry “Harry” Aird: 1886-1966 (Paternal Grandfather)

While I knew my father-in-law John Aird had served in the Army in World War II, I hadn’t been aware that his father, Henry “Harry” Aird, had also been in the Army, serving his adopted country in World War I. An Ancestry hint first led me to Harry’s amusing draft card, and from there to a few records verifying his service.

John Aird, left, in WWII uniform, with his father Harry Aird, who served in WWI

Harry Aird was born in Dundee, Scotland, on September 16, 1886, to parents James Aird and Jane Ann Robertson. He was the fourth of their seven children. Following his father’s death in 1908, Harry decided to emigrate to the United States. His older brother, William, had already emigrated in 1906 with his wife and young children, and had settled in the Detroit area. Harry followed his brother to Detroit in 1910, and found a job as a hardware salesman.

When America began preparations for entry into World War I, men across the country were ordered to register for the draft. Harry complied. His draft card, dated June 5, 1917, stated that Harry was single, worked as a salesman for Bostwick Braun Company based in Toledo, Ohio and said he was a naturalized citizen. The second page noted that he had blue eyes, brown hair and was tall in build.

But the real kicker on the draft card is Harry’s response to Question No. 12 at the bottom of the first page, which reads: “Do you claim exemption from draft (specify grounds)?” The few times I have seen this question filled out, it mentioned disabilities, like a weak heart, lung problems or missing fingers or leg and foot issues. The second type of response usually dealt with being the sole support of aged and sick parents or of minor children.

But Harry gave a very unique response. The draft board representative wrote that Harry “does not want to go.”

Obviously the Army didn’t think Harry’s lack of enthusiasm was grounds for exemption. He seems to have been quickly drafted into the Army. His exact service dates are unclear from the records I have seen. He was discharged in 1919. The article below lists him among the Detroit veterans who need to pick up their official discharge paperwork, and his Fold 3 service record lists his discharge as February 1919.

The final little puzzle piece involves Harry’s naturalization as a U. S. citizen. I found a naturalization index card in his military records. I am not sure if that index card indicates that the army merely reviewed his naturalization status, or if he took advantage of the military’s offer of expedited naturalization for any immigrant who served in the war.

Harry had only lived in the U. S. for six years when he filled out his draft card. Since in 1910 naturalization required five years of continuous residence at the minimum, unless Harry started the naturalization process right away, he might not have been fully naturalized by the time he was drafted. I have placed a request with the National Archives to try to get Harry’s service record. Perhaps that will help to shed light on his military service and naturalization.

Interestingly, just four days after Harry completed his draft board interview and draft card, he married Mary Shields. The marriage record shows a Pastor Christopher Burnett performed the ceremony, and their witnesses were their siblings James Aird and Margaret Shields. 

Did Harry know he was about to be drafted and wanted to get married before he shipped out? Did he hope the marriage would prevent his being drafted? Or was the wedding already planned, and not wanting to leave his soon-to-be bride led to him telling the draft board that he didn’t “want to go”?

Harry Aird died November 6, 1966, so I will never be able to get answers to many of my questions. I will continue to search for Harry’s military records, although the National Archives responded to my request by stating that most of the service records from World War I were destroyed by fire years ago. At least Harry’s surprising response to why he should be exempt from service has survived.  

Sources:

Fold3, US, Index to Naturalizations of World War I Soldiers, 1918 (https://www.fold3.com/publication/107/us-naturalization-index-wwi-soldiers-1918 : accessed Jan 9, 2025), database and images, https://www.fold3.com/publication/107/us-naturalization-index-wwi-soldiers-1918

U. S. Veterans Administration Master Index entry for Harry Aird. https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61861/records/670316?tid=81812584&pid=78014052183&ssrc=pt

Marriage Record for Harry Aird and Mary Shields. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9093/images/41326_342329-00147?pId=460439

United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6482/images/005257979_03790?pId=18134121