Daniel Peter Zimmerman

From History of Frederick County. p. 1167-1168:

Daniel Peter Zimmerman, who is recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Frederick County, has served as sheriff, and is now living retired, after spending much of his active life in agricultural occupations. He was born on the home farm near Woodsboro, Frederick County, October 20, 1842. He is the fourth child and third son of Solomon and Susannah (Shank) Zimmerman.

The Zimmerman family has long been settled in the United States and came originally from Germany.

The grandfather of Daniel P. Zimmerman was a farmer and tanner near Woodsboro, Frederick County. He was the father of two children: Solomon, and Mary, who married a Mr. Cramer.

Solomon Zimmerman was a native of Frederick County, being born probably in the neighborhood of Woodsboro. He followed the vocation of an agriculturist all his life. He died on his farm in Woodsboro District. He was a stanch Republican. He was connected with the Woodsboro Lutheran Church and served in the office of elder for many years, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Susannah Shank. She died on the homestead and was the mother of these children: Henry O., of Walkersville; Annie Rebecca, the widow of Joseph T. Rhoderick, resides among her children; Luther M., a well-known physician, practicing at Hagerstown, Md.; Daniel Peter, whose name heads this sketch; and John David, deceased, lived at Walkersville.

Daniel Peter Zimmerman, son of Solomon and Susannah (Shank) Zimmerman, acquired his learning in the public schools of Frederick County. During his early life he helped his father in the work of the home place. When he became twenty-two years old, he entered the employ of the company which operated the copper mines in Liberty District, and remained engaged in this work until 1872. During this time he received from the county commissioners the contract for constructing the pike road extending from Liberty Copper Mine to the Johnsville and Liberty turnpike. This work he completed to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Subsequent to his employment with the copper interest he became the owner of his present valuable farming property, in Woodsboro District. Here he was actively engaged in agriculture until his retirement from hard work. Few men are more widely known in Frederick County than Mr. Zimmerman. He is a prominent and public spirited citizen, and is always ready to lend his influence and active help in furthering any project that tends to advance the public welfare. His life has been marked by hard work and the strictest integrity, and he is now enjoying the fruits of his labors.

Politically, Mr. Zimmerman is loyal in his support of the principles of the Republican party. In 1893 he was nominated and elected by his party as sheriff of Frederick County by a majority of six hundred and six, the largest ever received by any candidate for that office. He discharged the duties devolving upon him while serving in that capacity with much ability, his administration of affairs being characterized by great energy.

Mr. Zimmerman was married January 1, 1863, to Catharine L. Stitley. Their children are as follows: Alice and Emma L., are both deceased; Zoie, the wife of James H. Crum, an agriculturist of Liberty District, and who served as deputy under Mr. Zimmerman when he was sheriff; Ada, married to William Whitmore, of Liberty District, a stanch farmer; Elsie L., married Harvey Boon, of Woodsboro District; Alvey O., married Miss Mary Freeze, of Detour; Grace B., married Arnold Whitmore, of Liberty, who is an editor; Effie, married William Eyler, a farmer of Woodsboro District.

Mr. Zimmerman and family are members of the German Lutheran Church, to which he is a liberal contributor.