One of the old settlers of Summit township who came to Kansas in 1874, is Joseph Zimmerman. He is a native of Wittenburg, Germany, born in 1835. He came to America in 1853, settled in Rutland, Vermont, and later to Galesburg, Illinois, where the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad was being built, then to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he lived a few months when he moved to Maysville, DeKalb county, Nlissouri.

Mr. Zimmerman had learned stone masonry in Germany and worked at this in the earlier part of his life. He now lives on his original homestead in Summit township. His parents were Anthony and Catherine (Miller) Zimmerman, both of Germany. His father was a farmer. He died in Germany in 1848. His mother died in 1866. Mr. Zimmerman is the youngest of four children and the only living one.

He was married March 12, 1867, to Susan Slown, who was born and reared in DeKalb county, Missouri. Her father was James Slown, a farmer. The Slowns are of Irish origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have been born three children, James W., a farmer and stone mason, with residence in Mitchell county. Jacob H., associated with his father on the farm. Anna, wife of O.G. Yocum, a farmer of Summit township.

Mr. Zimmerman is a Republican and served his country during the Civil War three years and mile months. Was with Major Albeit of St. Joseph, six months, then enlisted in Alben's Battalion, January, 10, 1862, and later joined Company H, First Missouri Cavalry, where he served until discharged in March, 1865, and was mustered out at Warrensburg, Missouri. Mr. Zimmerman was wounded in the shoulder at the battle of Mine creek and still feels the effect of the wound. His regiment operated principally in Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory, and Arkansas. They were mustered in with one hundred and twenty-three men, and mustered out with forty.

Mr. Zimmerman has been treasurer of Summit township for two years. he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Scottsville. The family are members of the Catholic church.