Original 1917 Certificate of Discharge from Military Service, issued by the Local Board for the County of Marshall, State of West Virginia (Moundsville). This rare World War I-era document certifies that Peter Hanselman was exempted from military service on account of dependent family under the Selective Service Act of May 18, 1917.
Dated November 12, 1917, and signed by Charles Harrigan (Chairman) and John J. Sleppner (Clerk), this form (No. 145) was prepared under the authority of the Provost Marshal General. The reverse side lists the legal penalties for false statements or evasion of the draft, as specified by the U.S. Criminal Code and the Act of May 18, 1917.
This certificate offers a compelling glimpse into the administration of the World War I draft exemption process and the role of local draft boards during America’s first large-scale conscription since the Civil War. Documents like this were typically issued to men who demonstrated dependent family members or other qualifying hardships.
