Karl Zumbach owns and operates a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 33, Hazel Green township, and is a successful agriculturist. He was born in Switzerland, on the 27th of November, 1864, a son of John and Anna Barbara. (Keslich) Zumbach, also natives of that country. The mother passed away in 1902 and the father still lives in Switzerland. To them were born ten children: John, a resident of Hazel Green township, this county; Karl, the subject of this review; Edward, a resident of Linn county, Iowa; Fred, living in Juda, Wisconsin; Jacob, who lives in Switzerland; Elizabeth, who died in that country; Rose and Mary, likewise deceased; and Ernest and Albert, residents of their native land.
     Karl Zumbach was reared to manhood and educated in his native land but when a young man of about twenty years emigrated to this country, arriving in Monticello, Iowa, on the 10th of March, 1884. For three years he worked by the month upon farms in the neighborhood, and was then enabled to rent land. He has prospered financially and is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of fine land situated in Hazel Green township six miles from the town of Ryan. In addition to keeping his fields in a high state of cultivation, he has erected a house and barns, and all of the buildings upon the place are kept in excellent repair. He performs well any task at hand and, as he is careful of the money which he receives from the sale of his products, his capital is steadily increasing.
     Mr. Zumbach was married on the 17th of December, 1887, to Miss Rosina Abbey, a daughter of Jacob and Rosina (Mosching) Abbey, both natives of Switzerland. They came to the United States in 1852 and arrived in this county in 1863. Four children were born to them: Mrs. Zumbach; Emma, who married Christ Wenger, a resident of Delaware county; Jacob, who died at the age of fourteen years and six months; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Abbey, who was a farmer by occupation, passed away November 11, 1902. His widow survives and lives with her daughter, Mrs. Christ Wenger. To Mr. and Mrs. Zumbach have been born five children as follows: Bertha, who died when but two years of age; Albert, at home; Emma, the wife of Russell Richardson, a resident of Hazel Green township; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; and Louis, at home.
     Mr. and Mrs. Zumbach belong to the Lutheran church at Ryan and take an active part in its work. Politically Mr. Zumbach is a republican, supporting its men and measures at the polls. He has never regretted his decision to come to this country, as here he has found excellent opportunities which he has utilized and which have enabled him to gain prosperity. His fellowmen recognize him as a successful farmer and also as a man of proven integrity and genuine personal worth.