Henry Wilson Zimmerman 1818-1890

ZIMMERMAN, RILEY

Posted By: Kay Beers (email)
Date: 4/21/2011 at 19:06:08

The History of Fayette County, Iowa Fremont Township Page 748

ZIMMERMAN, H. W., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Mill; born in Center Co., Penn., May 27, 1818. Married Margaret M. Riley Feb. 22, 1844, in Clarion Co., Penn.; she was born in same place Oct. 23, 1824. In Pennsylvania, Mr. Z. was manager of iron works for a number years; in 1851, he moved to La Salle Co., Ill., and in 1856, to this county; a pioneer settler and preacher, Mr. Z. and his family endured hardships and overcame difficulties that can only be appreciated by those who have been similarly situated. Mr. Z. has special reasons for remembering the Winter (an unusually severe one) following his arrival; he, in company with three others, was lost in a terrific snow storm while out on an expedition to recover a load of corn abandoned by his brother two days previous; almost numb with the intense cold, they wandered aimlessly about, when suddenly they were overjoyed in the discovery of a track which it was thought must certainly lead to some habitation. Their joy, however, was soon turned to despair, as it was found that they were following a track made by themselves; about to succumb under a crust of snow, blown up by the wind, they saw the tracks of oxen, these they followed and finally arrived at home in an almost exhausted condition. Mr. Z. had charge of the first M. E. congregation organized in this town; was also the first Supervisor and Justice of the Peace elected; he has held since then various other township offices. Have had ten children—Jessie, deceased; Riley E., deceased; Robert L., deceased; James S., deceased; Thomas K., Mary E., Sarah M., Willis H., Maggie S., Samuel L.; his grandchild, Cora R., daughter of James, is a loved member of the family.

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