ZELLER, Adam & F. Carl

History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. Curtiss-Wedge, F. Chicago & 
Winona: H. C. Cooper Jr. & Company, 1917, p 724

Biography of F. Carl ZELLER (father of Adam)

F. Carl ZELLER, who came to Trempealeau County in 1857, took part in the 
pioneer endeavors of this region, and lived here over forty years, until his 
death 26 November 1898, was born 11 August 1831 in Bavaria, Germany. He came 
to America in 1854, at the age of twenty-three, landing in New York and 
finding his way directly to Prairie du Sac [Sauk County], Wisconsin, where he 
lived until coming to Trempealeau County. Here with his brother, Frank J., 
he bought 240 acres of land at the head of Meyers Valley, in Section 17, 
Arcadia Township, the brothers having saved a little money during their 
residence in Sauk County.

In 1861 the partnership was dissolved, F. Carl ZELLER marrying and moving to 
what is now the George HAINES farm in Meyers Valley, Section 8, Arcadia 
Township. There he and his family lived until 1869, when he purchased the 
240 acres of wild land adjoining on the west, which has since remained the 
homestead. He set at work with a will, grubbed and broke the land, erected a 
frame house and barn, and gradually achieved success and prosperity. A 
Democrat in politics, he did not seek public office, but consented to serve 
as school treasurer, a position he occupied for many years. He was a devout 
member of the German Catholic church, and was an important factor in the 
progress of that faith in this community. He was one of the first members in 
this vicinity, the early masses being said in a log residence on the Nick 
MYERS farm in Section 7, adjoining the ZELLER place. Later he assisted in 
building the church at Hartman's Corners, three-quarters of a mile north of 
the old home. He did not live to see this pioneer structure replaced by the 
magnificent Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in which the congregation 
now worships at Arcadia. Mr. [F. Carl] ZELLER was married in 1861 to 
Margaret FREDERICK, the daughter of Adam FREDERICK. She still lives on the 
home place with a daughter, Elizabeth, and four sons: Adam, John M., Charles 
W., and William. Barbara died at the age of twelve, and another Elizabeth 
died in infancy. Anton farms near Bismarck [Burleigh County], North Dakota.



Biography of Adam ZELLER (son of F. Carl)

Adam ZELLER, who has spent his life on the farm where he now lives in Section 
7, Arcadia Township [Trempealeau County, Wisconsin], was born 23 March 1865, 
son of F. Carl and Margaret (FREDERICK) ZELLER, attended the district school, 
and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. In 1896 he took charge of the 
home farm, which he now operates. He has made many improvements thereon, 
including a sightly barn, 52 x 102 feet, with full basement, cement floors, 
James stanchions, and other modern equipment. At the time of his father's 
death he succeeded him as Treasurer of the school district, in which position 
he is doing most excellent service. In connection with the marketing of his 
dairy products and stock, he has acquired an interest in the Farmers' 
Cooperative Creamery at Arcadia, and in the Farmers Shipping Association of 
Arcadia. Like his father before him, he is a Democrat in politics, and his 
faith is that of the Catholic church.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly