Racine County, Wisconsin - Chapter 9: Protection at Home; the State Guards, 1920

WITH the departure of the National Guard troops of the various states to their mobilization camps, the states themselves were left without any military forces. The same, or greater necessity existed for them during war time as in days of peace. The suppression of riots, enforcement of law when local authorities were unable to maintain order, the training of citizens in the use of arms, the maintenance of a force at home which could be called upon by the government in times of peril - all of these duties had been shouldered by state militia organizations since the foundation of the government.

On August 24, 1917, a meeting was held at the Commercial club rooms in Racine and it was decided to raise two companies of militia in Racine for home guard service during the war. Most of those accepted were men unfitted by age or physical condition for active service with the combat forces, or exempt from such service by reason of dependencies or their employment in essential industries. Nevertheless, they desired to be trained for military duty, and stood ready to "do their bit" as far as possible.

The state guard was to be subject to the call of the governor at any time for duty within the state, and probably could have been summoned into federal service anywhere within the boundaries of the nation to repel invasion or suppress insurrection, if needed.

When Captain Drake resigned to enter the United States army, Lieutenant Olson was commissioned Captain, 2nd Lieutenant Owens became 1st Lieutenant, and F. C. Haumerson was named as 2nd Lieutenant.

The two companies were mustered into service October 4, 1917, and eventually were assigned to the Seventh regiment, of which Horace M. Seaman of Milwaukee was colonel, and Henry C. Baker of Racine lieutenant-colonel.

The state guard was held in service until steps could be taken to reorganize the national guard regiments after the demobilization of the national army. Fortunately, there was no need for any demonstration of the fighting ability of the citizen soldiery, but undoubtedly they would have rendered good account of themselves had there been any cause for their shouldering rifles, for serious work.

Co. L - First Sergeant, J. E. Wilson; Q. M. Sergeant, C. B. Washburn; Sergeants P. F. Peterson, A. W. Johnson, Ed. Rasmussen, A. W. Clutter. Corporals: William Myers, S. E. Craig, D. C. Washburn, A. E. Wilkins.

The state guards did valuable service in helping to train selected men who expected to be called to the colors soon. Many of these drilled with the local companies and obtained an elementary knowledge of drill and tactics which resulted in their rapid promotion after they were inducted into federal service.