"History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties, Indiana" by Goodspeed 1885
Perry County:
John ZIMMERMAN, a native of Switzerland, was born Jan 6, 1843, at at the age of three
yeard moved to the southern part of Norway where he remained until ten years old. In the
spring of 1853, he came to America and landed at Quebec. Not long after with his family
he went to Woonsocket, R.I., where he obtained all his education in the public schools.
In the spring of 1858, they located at Cannelton, and for a short time was employed in the
cotton-mill, and about one year as a clerk in a retail store. Later he worked at the
gunsmith trade with Fred Miller. On October 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company D,
Fortysecond Regiment, Indiana Infantry. In the battle of Perryville he was wounded, and
was then transferred to the Mississippi Marine Brigade, one year in Hancock's Corps.
At the end of that time he returned home and was engaged in various occupations until
January 1868, when he enlisted in the regular army for three years in Battery G, Fourth
Artillery. At the expiration!
of his term of service, he returned to Cannelton. March 26, 1871 he was united in
matrimony to Mrs. Mary (BENUS) SMITH. To their union have been born six children, these
five now living: Anna, Caroline, Lilly, Salome and George. He belongs to the Masonic
I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. societies. Politically he is a Republican, and in 1880 was candidate
for county treasurer. He is the present chairman of the County Central Committee. In
1871 he bagan his present merchandise business.
James