Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Page 528

William F. Zierath, deceased, who is numbered among the worthy pioneers of Sheboygan County, dated his arrival from 1848. He was a native of Prussia, Germany, born in Berlin in April, 1810. He was educated in his native country, and there learned the trade of machinist and locksmith. In 1830, when twenty years of age, he emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore. Going thence to New Orleans he worked at his trade in that city until he sustained a severe bodily injury, after which he removed to Pittsburgh, Pa. Later Mr. Zierath went to Buffalo, N.Y., and from there to Cleveland, Ohio, where he started a brass foundry and engaged in business.

November 17, 1839, in Cleveland, occurred the marriage of Mr. Zierath and Miss Elizabeth Dentzer. She was born near Landan, Bavaria, and came to the United States with her parents when but five years of age. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zierath, of whom three only are now living. Christina, the eldest, died in infancy; William married Miss Catherine Weller, and resides in Sheboygan, where he is engaged in the insurance business; Sarah is the widow of E. H. Rummele, and lives in the same city; August who wedded Miss Minnie Ryan, died in January, 1891, leaving a wife and two children; Jennie J., the next younger, is the wife of John A. Gass, also of Sheboygan; Elizabeth, the youngest, died May 23, 1883.

Mr. Zierath came to Sheboygan in 1846, prospecting for a business location. He soon returned to Cleveland. The following year he again came to Sheboygan, and at that time purchased property. In August, 1848, he removed his family to that city and became a permanent resident there. Soon after coming here, he engaged in hotel-keeping as proprietor of the St. Clair House, which he operated until his death, which occurred December 6, 1870. His good wife survived him many years, dying November 24, 1891.

In politics, Mr. Zierath was an earnest Democrat, and in their religious views he and his wife were consistent members of the German Reformed Church, and as such were highly respected. Mr. Zierath was a man of excellent habits, upright and honorable in all the affairs of life. Jovial and kind-hearted, he was a most popular landlord and is kindly remembered by a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.

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