BIO: Henry Zimmerman, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, 
Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and 
Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and 
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.  Illustrated.  Chicago: Warner, Beers 
& Co., 1886.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm
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                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

                              CHAPTER LVI.

                        SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP.

544  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

  HENRY ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Penn.  
The ancestors of this gentleman emigrated from Switzerland on account 
of religious persecution, and were glad to seek an asylum in the land 
of William Penn, where they could worship God after the manner of their 
own conscience.  These Mennonites Penn received kindly, allowing them 
full liberty, and land to settle on in Lancaster County, Penn.  
Christian Zimmerman, the great-grandfather, was a powerful man 
physically, and weighed over 400 pounds.  His son, Peter, married a 
Miss Martin, and had twelve children:  Christian, Henry, Peter, Esther, 
Mary, Barbara, Annie, Martin, Samuel, Yontz, Elizabeth and 

545  SILVER SPRING TOWNSHIP.

Emanuel.  In 1812, Peter Zimmerman moved to Cumberland County, buying 
300 acres of land in Lower Allen Township.  He died, aged eighty-six 
years.  Christian Zimmerman (father of our subject) was born in 
Lancaster County.  He came with his father to this county when a lad of 
thirteen years.  He married Miss Lizzie Weaver, of this county.  The 
Weavers came from Switzerland at the same time as the Zimmermans, and 
were noted for their longevity.  To Christian Zimmerman and wife were 
born nine children:  Henry, Peter, Christian, Isaac, Solomon, 
Elizabeth, and three who died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Christian 
Zimmerman were devout members of the Mennonite Church.  He died at the 
age of seventy-two years, respected by all as an upright, honorable 
man.  Henry Zimmerman, our subject, was born in Lower Allen Township, 
this county, February 17, 1824, and lived with his father until he was 
thirty years old.  In January, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary Ann, 
daughter of William and Mary (Houst) Tate, and to this union was born 
one son, David L., who remains with his parents.  Mr. Zimmerman began 
farming on one of the McCormick farms, and remained there for twenty-
five years, and in 1879 he bought his present homestead.  The family is 
well known for industry and honesty, and need no higher praise.