Conscription Chaos: Montana’s Draft Board Plagued by vacancies and Eligibility Woes

July 30, 1917, was a chaotic day in Butte, Montana, as the local draft board struggled to cope with the weight of conscription. The master key list of names of those subject to elective conscription for the army had finally been received by the board, but a major hurdle stood in its way – a vacant position. Clerk and Recorder F.E. Christensen had resigned due to his ineligibility, citing his age as the reason. This left the board without a quorum, making it difficult to move forward.