Source: This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.578-579.

William Zillmann is a resident farmer of Schleswig township and his well tilled fields indicate that he follows progressive methods in the cultivation of his farm. He was born in Herman township, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, on the 11th of July, 1862, his parents being William and Catherine (Repke) Zillmann, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was born May 13, 1832, traveled life's journey to the 14th of November, 1900, when he was called to his final rest. He came to America in early life and took up his abode at Howard's Grove, Sheboygan county, where he secured a clerkship in a general store. After being employed in that way for a time he settled in Herman township, where he followed farming, and later was identified with agricultural interests in Rhine township. He also became connected with commercial interests, establishing a store, which he conducted for six years, at the end of which time he removed to Rockville, where he continued in general merchandising for thirty years. He then removed from that place to Manitowoc, where he spent his remaining days in retirement from business, enjoying well earned rest to the time of his death in 1900. His wife, who was born November 22, 1839, survived her husband for more than a decade, passing away in 1911. In their family were ten children, six of whom survive: George, who is engaged in merchandising in Thorp, Wisconsin; William; Anna, who is living in Colby, Wisconsin; Albert; and Edward and Richard, who are partners in the hardware business in Colby.

William Zillmann spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Manitowoc county and when he had put aside his text-books he devoted his entire attention to the farm work for ten years. In 1898 he and his brother Albert purchased the old homestead property and carried on general farming. At the present time William Zillmann is living somewhat retired, his brother Albert, who was born November 2, 1868, being active in the cultivation of the place. Having arrived at years of maturity, he married Louisa Voland, who was born in the town of Mequon, Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Fritz and Theodora (Stubert) Voland, both of whom were natives of Saxony but are now deceased. Her father came to the new world with his parents, who on emigrating to America settled near Sheboygan. Fritz Voland was reared to agricultural pursuits and throughout his entire life engaged in farming. Mrs. Zillmann was one of a family of eight children and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Clarence, now fifteen years of age; and Thekla, a little maiden of seven summers. Mr. Zillmann is a member of the township school board and is deeply interested in the cause of education, doing all in his power to further its interests. He stands for all that is progressive in the community and the name of Zillmann brothers is a synonym for business enterprise and integrity.

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