Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 December 1918 — AMERICAN CAPTURES FATHER [ARTICLE]

AMERICAN CAPTURES FATHER

Word has reached here, say the Knox papers, that John Kotzer, Jr., son of John Kotzer, Sr., a former merchant at Cher, captured bis father in France. The Kotzers went to Chicago from Ober six years ago. Three years ago the elder Kotzer disappeared and -nothing was heard ot him until word came from the son that he had actually his father, a German soldier, at Chateau Thierry. • Kotzer was a German, and when Germany called Its sons to comeand fight he responded. The son entered the fight oh the side of humanity, and put at least one Hun ont of the running.

H.-4 with Liberty motor; Biplace, Sop with; all types of Nieuports and the Morane monoplane, a very little ship. I have been in Paris, Orleans, Lyons, Marseilles, Nice, Dijon, Toul, Nancy and any number of smaller places. I have heard the guns, have seen German plane# flying over the line. I have instructed many boys who did get up there and some will not come back. Can you understand how it feels not to have gotten up dhere? I have tried to get there but I couldn't get away. You will understand, but will strangers or even our friends and neighbors? It would have been different if I couldn’t fly, but I can fly any machine. I have rambled over what I have done, where 1 have been, etc. T will soon be home to tell you all about it, maybe very soon, at least In a few months. T like the French people and I like them better every day, but I will be glad when I can get back home. Most respectfully, >

PAT.