Rufus R. Zimmerman

From History of Frederick County. p. 1089-1090:

Rufus R. Zimmerman, a prominent farmer of Frederick County, Md., residing on his farm, one miles west of Lime Kiln, in Buckeystown District, Frederick County, Md., son of Elias and Annie M. (Greenwald) Zimmerman, both deceased, was born on the old Zimmerman homestead, now owned by George H. Davis, Ballinger District, Frederick County, April 22, 1846.

The Zimmerman family is of German descent. Mr. Zimmerman’s great-grandfather, who was one of the first settlers of Frederick County, purchased, from the Carrolls a large tract of land in the western part of Buckeystown District, where he spent the remainder of his life, clearing and improving his holding. He married, and among his children was a son name George.

George Zimmerman, grandfather of Rufus R. Zimmerman, who was a prominent man among the older farmers of Buckeystown District, was born on his father’s farm in Ballinger District, and at his father’s death, inherited the homestead, now the property of George H. Davis. After cultivating the homestead for some time, Mr. Zimmerman sold it and bought a farm near Peagaville, now the property of John E. Hargett, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a successful farmer, and was highly esteemed in the county. George Zimmerman was married to Miss Young. Their children are: 1, Mary, married to Henry Fraley, both deceased; 2, Samuel, deceased, a farmer of Frederick District, Frederick County; 3, Joshua, deceased, a farmer of Buckeystown District; 4, Elias; 5, Josephus, deceased, farmer; 6, Caroline, married to the late Daniel J. Shellman, who was a farmer residing near Point of Rocks, Md.; 7, died in infancy. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Zimmerman’s father, Elias Zimmerman, who was a farmer and dealer in grain, was born in 1818. He grew up on his father’s farm, and was educated in the public schools of Frederick County. After his marriage, Mr. Zimmerman began farming for himself on one of his father’s farms. After cultivating this land successfully for some years, he purchased the farm now owned by John E. Hargett, near Feagaville, Md. This place he greatly improved, putting up a two-story frame dwelling, a bank barn, and all necessary farm buildings. Mr. Zimmerman afterwards rented his farm and removed to Frederick City, where he dealt successfully in grain for seventeen years, and became one of the leading business men of his day. Mr. Zimmerman finally sold his business in Frederick, and returned to the farm where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat, and was one of the prominent citizens of Frederick County. Elias Zimmerman was married to Annie M. Greenwald, of Ballinger District. Their children are: 1, Levina, married to Henry Culler, a farmer of Ballinger District; 2, Charles E., a farmer of Ballinger District; 3, Rufus R.; 4, Zachariah T., a farmer of Ballinger District; 5, Benjamin F., a farmer of Ballinger District. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. He died at his home in Frederick County, in July, 1903, and was buried in the cemetery at Mt. Olivet. His wife, who died on November 9, 1902, rests by his side.

Rufus R. Zimmerman received his education in the public schools of his native District, and remained at home, assisting his father, until he married, when he began farming for himself on land owned by his father, near Feagaville, Md., which he cultivated successfully for seventeen years. In 1890, Mr. Zimmerman bought the farm on which he now resides, consisting of 150 acres of excellent land, beautifully situated about one mile west of Lime Kiln, and four miles south of Frederick, on the New Design Road. He has greatly improved his property, putting up a comfortable, two-story brick dwelling, a bank barn, and convenient outbuildings. It is a fine dairy farm, and Mr. Zimmerman has a large trade. His place, which is in a high state of cultivation, is numbered among the most desirable properties in the district. He also owns another well-improved farm of. 70 acres, west of Feagaville. He attributes his financial success to hard work and close application to business. Mr. Zimmerman is a Republican, interested in all that pertains to the best interests of the county, and is highly esteemed by his contemporaries. He is a stockholder in the Washington, Frederick and Gettysburg railroad.

Rufus R. Zimmerman was married to Annie M., daughter of Neri and Mary (Thomas) Blessing, whose father was a prominent farmer of Frederick County. Their children are: 1, and 2, George W. and Franklin, both at home, engaged in farming and raising poultry; 3, Bertha M., married to Raymond Putman, a farmer of Ballinger District. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church in Feagaville. He contributed liberally to the building of the new church edifice, and . was a member of the building committee. Mrs. Zimmerman died April 9, 1899, and was buried in the cemetery at Mount Olivet.