GEORGE W. ZIMMERMAN was born in Pike county, Illinois, August 5, 1837. He was the son of George and Mariah (Lutz) Zimmerman, of German descent. They came to America when young, and to Illinois in 1837, and settled in Pike county and built a frame house on a bit of wild land. He is still living on his farm as is also his wife.

Mr. George Zimmerman remained at home until married, in 1859, and helped his father on the farm. He received a fair business education in a neighboring school. After his marriage he rented a farm in this county, of his mother-in-law. He remained here for two or three years and then bought 100 acres, on which there were no improvements. He built a small frame house and lived in it for fifteen years, and then built a good farm house, in which he still lives. He has added to his farm until now he has 300 acres, while all he had to start with was one pair of horses. He has held local offices. He voted first for Stephen A. Douglas on the Democratic ticket. When the Greenback movement started he took an active part in it, and still advocates its principles. He was a delegate to the State convention at Danville. He was made a delegate to the People's party Congressional convention at Roodhouse, as for several years he has been giving close and careful attention to their movements. He was elected from Roodhouse in the spring of 1892, to the national convention held at Omaha, July 4, 1892. Mr. Zimmerman is a very important man in politics in this part of the county. He has faith in his convictions and is not afraid to express them upon all occasions. He is president of the Alliance in this township.

He was married in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Winters, born in Calhoun county, Illinois, a daughter of Peter and Willmina (Shaffer) Winters, who also came from Germany and died on the old farm in Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have three children, William P., George H. and Nettie, all married. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.