Early Life

Born in Halberstadt, Germany, Zillier migrated with his parents to the US and to Wisconsin in 1849 and settled in Sheboygan. From 1853 to 1855 he worked in Illinois, where he learned the printer's trade, and returned to Sheboygan in 1855, working for a time as a compositor.

Newspaper Endeavors

In 1857 Zillier established the Sheboygan National Demokrat, and was editor and publisher of this newspaper until 1889. He also served briefly as editor of the short-lived Sheboygan Lake Shore Advocate from 1859 until 1860.

Political Career

Zillier was a Democrat and held local political offices in Sheboygan, was state assemblyman from 1863 to 1864 and was postmaster of Sheboygan from 1886 until 1891 and then 1895 until 1899. In 1884 he was a delegate to the Democratic national convention.

Late Life

After retiring from newspaper work and active political affairs, Zillier devoted his later years to compiling and editing a two-volume history of Sheboygan County which was published in 1912. 

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Carl Zillier

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[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]