Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 184
JOHN ZEIGLER, formerly a leading and fluential pioneer of Muscatine County, was born in Westmoreland County,Pa., Aug. 29, 1803, and when eleven years of age removed to Butler County, in the same State. He received scarcely any educational advantages, but was forced to obtain his knowledge from observation and study in later years. When fifteen years of age he began life's battle as a clerk in a store, in which he remained for several years, when, attaining his majority, he engaged in mercantile business for himself. While in Butler County he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Hoffa, who was born in Butler County. In 1839 he came west to view the country,with the intention of choosing a location, and the same year returned for his family. They traveled as far as Allegheny, Pa., but on account of low water, being then forced to make the trip in boats, as there were no railroads, they were compelled to remain in Allegheny until the following spring, when they continued their journey to the West, locating at Muscatine. Mr. Zeigler brought a stock of merchandise with him, and again embarked in that line of business in a rented store, but the following year erected a store building, his goods being kept in the lower story, the family residing above. He continued in business until 1846, when he removed to a farm, but in a short time returned to the city.

Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler were the parents of six children, who lived to man and womanhood: Anna R., the wife of J. G. H. Little, of Muscatine County; George H., who enlisted in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, Company A, serving three years as Orderly Sergeant, when he veteranized and served until the close of the war, but died in 1874 from disease contracted while in the service; Mary E., wife of Eli Dawson, died in 1873; John, Jr., died Oct. 4, 1872, he having previously served in the late war, responding to the call for 100-days men; Isabella, wife of Thomas Morton, died in 1870; Stella M., is a resident of Muscatine. Mr. Zeigler was reared in the Methodist faith, and his wife as a Lutheran, but both were members of the former church for many years before their death. In early life he supported the Democratic party, but later affiliated with the Republican party. He served as Secretary of the Agricultural Society for many years, was a man of strong convictions and decided in his views, and was held in high regard by all.

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