The US declared war on Germany April 6, 1917. Selective Service for men ages 21-39 began in May for what was called the Great War, or even the War to End All Wars. Clabe Wilson’s name was among those subject for the draft, as well as three of Leora’s brothers–Merl, Wayne, and Jennings.
Nevertheless, both Merl and Jennings bought Kissel Kars.
The Kissel Company was founded by Conrad Kissel (who came to Wisconsin in 1857 from Prussia) and his four sons in 1906. They produced 35,000 automobiles in Hartford, Wisconsin, before the Great Depression and mounting losses forced them into bankruptcy in 1931.
That March, those optimistic Goff boys bought “the Powell ranch on Beaver Creek” and began planting a crop, mostly popcorn. Two months later their draft notices ordered them to report to Camp Dodge.
Jennings, who had bought a Kissel Kar the year before, “put it to good use” the day before leaving home. Then he asked Pa to sell it for him, which he did. For $1100.
From Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots.