Bio: Meyer, A.J. (Fined for Unpatriotic Remark – 1918)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Meyer, Winter, Epp, Smith, Fitzgerald, Kuntz, Andrews

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/18/1918

Meyer, A.J. (Fined for Unpatriotic Remark – 13 Jul 1918)

A.J. Meyer, a young farmer residing a mile northwest of Chili, while in an intoxicated condition in this city last week, expressed a hope in the presence of several witnesses, that the Kaiser would win the war. It was one of the worst hopes he had ever made and only for leniency shown him by the court, on account of his intoxicated condition, and the further fact that his farm interests would suffer if a jail sentence was imposed, he was made to pay a fine. Meyer is a single man and owns an 80 acre farm, employing a Mrs. Winter as housekeeper. Last Friday in company with Rudolph Epp, a neighbor, the two came to town and after visiting several thirst parlors, Meyer was willing to say almost anything. His remark about the Kaiser was overheard by Charles Smith and Miles Fitzgerald, who informed the police and soon Officer Kuntz landed the Kaiser sympathizer in jail. The following day he was given a hearing in Judge Andrews’ court and pleaded guilty to the charge. He said he was no sympathizer of the Kaiser and that it was the liquor he drank and not from any feeling of his own that the unpatriotic remark was made. He said he bought liberty bonds and war savings stamps and if the court would show leniency, he would never again take another drink. He was made to pay a fine and costs amounting to $35 and given his liberty, but not before he was cautioned by the court that on his behavior in the future depended his rights and freedoms as a citizen. Marshfield Herald.