On July 28, 1914, the United States announced its commitment to the war in Europe, which was being called the Great War by the press, a World War. It had little effect upon the residents of West Texas or the areas surrounding Bexar County other than pledges of support for the effort by regional politicians. They were far too busy trying to master the elements and carve a place for themselves into the unforgiving countryside to spend much time pontificating on world events. It was only when the movers and shakers came into town did anyone take time to even find out why.
Residents in the area were deeply immersed in a local controversy as to whether or not they would be eligible to form a township. Bill Cason had been persuaded to postpone his final decision to sell his property so that he
