110 Years Ago, 1916, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator

“Call to arms now awaited by soldiers. Local companies will be recruited to full war strength. Logan will likely remain with Co. Fever of excitement attends preparations for departure – definite orders expected today.”

“A fever of excitement and preparation pervaded the local headquarters of Companies H. and M. of the Ohio National Guard Monday following the announcement that the Fifth regiment of which they are a part, would likely be called with others of the country for action on the Mexican border before nightfall.

“Both Captain Wade C. Christy of Co. M., and Captain John A. Logan of Co. H., received telegrams Monday morning from Adjutant L. J. Linn of the Fifth at Cleveland, stating that orders to mobilize the local companies would be received before noon. Both captains began at once to get in touch with the men of the companies and those who reported at the headquarters were set at work getting guns, clothing and other equipment in order for immediate use. As soon as the order to mobilize actually comes the men will be gathered at the old armory, 124 East Federal Street, where Co. H is now stationed and at the headquarters of Co. M in the old court house where they will remain in uniform until time for them to depart for Upper Arlington, near Columbus, the point designated as the mobilizing point of the troops of the state.

“Both Captain Christy and Captain Logan have issued calls for 100 or more recruits for each company to bring the organization up to war strength, which is placed at about 150 men for each company.

“The local captains were in telephonic communication with Col. C. X. Zimmerman of the Fifth infantry, O. N. G., at Cleveland Monday morning. They were told that their orders would be sent (to) them at the earliest possible moment and that they should hold themselves in readiness for departure for the mobilization camp at any time….

“Captain John A. Logan of Co. H. who tendered his resignation of that organization some days ago to Col. Zimmerman, was informed by that officer Monday by telephone that the resignation had not been accepted and that he would be expected to take charge of the mobilization of Co. H. and all preparations for their departure for Mexico. It is understood that he will accompany his company in the capacity of captain….

“Just when the troops will leave is not known as (of) yet but it is believed that a couple of days at least will be allowed for the companies to recruit to war strength.

“Besides the local men who are members of Companies H. and M, there are a number of men in the city who are members of other companies throughout the state. Many of these received telegrams to rejoin their companies at once, on Monday. In some cases the first by which these men are employed will hold their positions open for them until they return, but in others their going means the loss of their positions as men will have to be put in their places when they leave. Although the Sheet & Tube Co., Erie Railroad company and other concerns stated some time ago that they would grant their employees leave of absence when called on for duty by the National Guard in case of riots or strikes, it is understood that this does not apply in case of war, and, therefore, it will be optional with the employers whether or not employees get their positions after their period of service with their companies is ended.”

— Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.