The Franz brothers and the draft

Three members of the Franz family all had to complete draft registration cards over May-June in 1917.

The first was Albert Edward Franz (1889-1940), He was drafted on May 24, 1917, at the age of 27. At the time he was a well-known Bible Student, featuring in the Photodrama work in Chicago and regularly writing for the St Paul Enterprise newspaper (later called the New Era Enterprise).

In answer to question 12 on the card, Do you claim exemption from the draft (specify grounds)? Albert wrote: “Yes, A Christian and member of the International Bible Students Association, also physical.”

Two weeks later, two of Albert’s brothers were also drafted, on the same day, on June 5, 1917.

The older of the two was Herman Franz (1891-1977). He was 25. He also claimed exemption. His answer: “Yes, Student member of the International Bible Students Association.”

On the same day, a third brother was drafted, Frederic Franz (1893-1992). He was 23. He too claimed exemption. “Yes, Member of International Bible Students Association.” He gave his present occupation as “Ordained Minister and Stenographer.” He would spend most of his life in Bethel and became vice-president of the Watch Tower Society from 1945-1977 and president from 1977 to his death in 1992.

A fourth brother, Alvin Franz (1901-1978) appears to have just missed the draft because of his age.

The draft cards for WW2 did not provide a section for someone to claim exemption. However, the WW2 card for Fred Franz is of interest. It gives his occupation as “Administer of the Gospel under the direction of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.” His contact was Grant Suiter, his residence was 124 Columbia Heights and his workplace was 117 Adams Street, Brooklyn.