John Zumbach, the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section 29, Hazel Green township, is entitled to additional honor, as he is distinctly a self-made man, his success being due entirely to his own efforts and sound judgment. He was born September 25, 1861, in Switzerland and was there educated. In the spring of 1883, when a young man of about twenty two years, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, arriving at Monticello, Iowa, on the 9th of April, that year. For seven years he was employed by farmers as a hired hand and during that time thoroughly familiarized himself with the methods of agriculture best adapted to the conditions in Iowa. After his marriage he rented land for a time but is now the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation and yields good crops annually. He follows general farming and is meeting with success in his agricultural operations.

     Mr. Zumbach was married in 1890 to Miss Melissa Wilson, a daughter of James and Helen (Bruce) Wilson, both natives of Scotland. Her father died April 7, 1895, and her mother May 7, 1894. To Mr. and Mrs. Zumbach have been born three children: John F., whose natal day was November 22, 1896; Lillie May, born June 23, 1899; and Clara L., whose birth occurred June 4, 1904.

     Mr. Zumbach gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows at Manchester. His life conforms to the high moral standard inculcated by that organization, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.