"After the United States entered World War II, a new Selective Service Act required that all men between the ages of 18 and 64 register for the draft. The Fourth Registration, or Old Man’s Registration, was held on April 27, 1942. The purpose of this registration was to collect information on the industrial capacity and skills of men who were born between April 27, 1877 and February 16, 1897 (ages 45 to 64). It was not intended that these men be drafted into military service but to determine if their labor skills could be used in the war effort. The registration would provide a complete inventory of manpower resources in the United States. The men had to fill out an extensive questionnaire, but unfortunately, the questionnaires have not survived." *

*Source: The Newberry - Chicago's Independent Research Library

JAMES HENRY GIBBAR SR. was born on February 14, 1888 near Brewer, Perry County, Missouri, the son of Pius Alfred Gibbar and Mary Ambrosia (nee Kline) Gibbar.​

In 1942 when the "Fourth Registration" or "Old Man's Registration" was instigated, James Henry Gibbar was 54 years of age, married to Mary Eleanora "Ella" (nee Belsha) Gibbar, and lived on Cranes Island, Chester Township, Randolph County, Illinois. The couple had eight children and James' occupation was farming.

Although required to register for the draft, James Henry Gibbar did NOT serve in the military during World War II.