Zeigler, Samuel B. 1831 - 1909

ZEIGLER, ADAMS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/6/2013 at 20:49:24

Elgin Echo, Thur., 22 Apr. 1909.

Hon. Samuel B. Zeigler, West Union's greatest citizen and one of the best known men in the state of Iowa, died at his home in that city Monday morning, April 19, 1909, at 11 o'clock, after a short illness incident to the infirmities of old age. He has been in failing health for some time but not until about a week ago did he show signs of an early demise. He failed rapidly since Thursday and passed away at the hour indicated.

Samuel B. Zeigler was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 6, 1831, and was thus in his seventy-eighth year at the time of his death. He was left an orphan at the age of nine years and after his twelfth birthday had no schooling. He was born of vigorous mind and body and determined to win a place for himself. He studied hard preparing himself for a teacher and at the age of sixteen taught his first term. He taught school for five years the last two of which he studied law.

At the age of twenty-three he started for Iowa and reached Dubuque with a shilling in his pocket, walking to Delaware county the next day. He arrived at West Union in the spring of 1856 and set about carving his way to the front. At the first term of court he was examined by Judge Murdock and admitted to the bar. He formed a partnership with Milo McGlathery which lasted two years. He practiced until 1866 when he started the West Union Bank, which was merged with the Fayette County National Bank on August 2, 1872. On December 28, 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Adams, an accomplished lady of Northfield, Conn.

In politics Mr. Zeigler was a strong republican and in early days took an active part in party affairs. He was a man of heart, broad mind and did more to help the city of his adoption than any one of her citizens. His industry and integrity brought him fortune. He was active in business circles of the state. In his death West Union has lost her greatest citizen, Iowa one of her most prominent pioneers and the republican party one of its staunchest supporters. Public spirited to a fault, his influence was ever for the good. Some ten years ago he was named by President McKinley as United States consul at Aix la Chapelle, Germany, where he served the government with the same fidelity that he served his own private interests.

Mr. Zeigler was connected with the business interests of this city. He was president of the Elgin Canning Company as well as a heavy stockholder in the company at the time of his death. He had been in business in West Union for a greater number of years than any other man and it is probable that he holds the same records in Fayette county. Mr. Zeigler was the oldest member of the Fayette county bar, both as regards age and years of practice. He also held the distinction of a longer membership in the Knight Templars and Thirty-Second Degree Masons than any person in this county. Mr. Zeigler was also, in point of years in the business, the oldest banker in Fayette county.

The funeral services will be held at West Union, Thursday, April 22, at 1:00 o'clock. It will be a Masonic funeral and the Knight Templars will have charge of the services at the grave.

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Submitter is not related.

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