During the Civil War, a draft system was established to fill the ranks. A man could be exempted from service for many reasons. There were, of course, administrative errors, where someone already serving or previously determined to be exempt, was drafted again. There were exemptions for particular family situations, such as the only son of a widow, the father of a motherless child less than 12 years old, or the only son of aged or infirm parents. Physical and mental disabilities and "unsuitableness of age" were also considered. "Aliens" were also exempted, but they could volunteer. Reports of exemptions were often published in the local newspapers.

The Warren Mail (10 October 1863) posted exemptions for the 19th District which included the counties of Erie, Warren, McKean, Elk, Clearfield, Jefferson and Cameron. From this list we learned that Thomas Creighton of Benezette was exempted "on account of alienage." Other exemptions in the Benezette area included:

Physical disability

• Fox Township, Elk County
  • David M. Meath
  • J. Hancok
  • Joseph Taylor
• Jay Township, Elk County
  • James Brookings
  • George W. Connor
• Gibson Township, Cameron County
  • Allen Quinn

Election of parents or paid commutation

• Fox Township
  • Edmond McCaeady Jr. [sic - McCready?]
  • Reesmon Meredith
  • Daniel Attlebarger
  • S. E. Bacon

Only son of widow, dependent, aged or infirm parents, etc.

• Fox Township
  • John A. Miller
  • Henry Largy
• Gibson Township
  • Phineas H. Mason

Unsuitableness of age

• Fox Township
  • James Shavey
  • George W. Ward