In the early 1770s, like many Germans seeking better opportunities, Ziegler immigrated to Pennsylvania, a popular destination for German-speaking settlers. His family, along with many others from the Palatinate, was part of the larger wave of German immigrants who sought refuge in the American colonies, bringing their skills and hard work to the new world.

Military Service

David Ziegler’s military career spanned nearly two decades and included service in three armies across two continents. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1748, he first served under Frederick the Great in the Prussian Army and later fought with the Russian Army during the Russo-Turkish War. He participated in the campaign against the Turks that culminated in the cession of Crimea to Russia. After immigrating to America in 1775, he joined the Continental Army as a lieutenant in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment under Colonel William Thompson. He fought in several pivotal battles of the Revolutionary War, including Long Island (where he was wounded), Brandywine, Germantown, Paoli, Monmouth, and Yorktown, and endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Known for his discipline and leadership, Ziegler rose to captain and served under key figures like George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Anthony Wayne. After the war, he continued military service in the Northwest Territory, becoming second-in-command to General Arthur St. Clair and serving as commissary and paymaster at Fort Harmar. He played a central role in the ill-fated St. Clair Campaign of 1791 and took command of Fort Washington during the aftermath. Frustrated by political interference and the Army’s disarray, he resigned in 1792, ending a distinguished military career that significantly shaped the early American frontier.

Businessman and Civic Leader

Following his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1792, David Ziegler transitioned into civilian life as an influential figure in early Cincinnati. He became a farmer and established himself as a businessman, opening a general store that provided essential goods to the growing frontier settlement. His store became a staple in the community and helped connect him with local residents and other leaders. In 1802, when Cincinnati was incorporated as a village, Ziegler was elected as its first "President of the Council," effectively the first mayor. He was unanimously reelected in 1803, but declined a third term in 1804. President Thomas Jefferson then appointed him the first U.S. Marshal for the District of Ohio, a prestigious federal position that underscored his integrity and public trust. Ziegler’s commitment to public service extended to his role as Adjutant General of the Ohio Militia in 1807, where he continued to influence state military organization. His blend of business acumen, civic responsibility, and military experience helped lay the foundations for civil society in early Ohio. Though his later years in Dayton were quieter, his contributions to Cincinnati's early governance, economy, and security left a lasting legacy.

Personal Life and Family

David Ziegler led a life rooted in service, discipline, and community, but he also maintained strong personal and family ties. He married Lucy Anne Sheffield, a woman of New England origin, though little is known about the details of their courtship or early married life. The couple did not have children, which may explain why much of Ziegler’s later life was spent quietly, focused on public duties and supporting the broader community. Lucy was known to be supportive of Ziegler’s civic and military endeavors, and she eventually moved to Dayton, Ohio, to be near family.

Death and Legacy

After Ziegler’s death on September 24, 1811 at the age of 63, he was initially buried with military honors in Cincinnati. In 1844, over three decades later, he was reinterred at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, next to Lucy, who had died in 1820. Their shared burial site reflects a bond that endured despite Ziegler's highly public life. Although he left no direct descendants, his legacy lived on through the institutions he helped shape and the community that remembered his contributions. Ziegler Park in Cincinnati was named in his honor by the German-American community. The park underwent a significant renovation in recent years, transforming it into a vibrant community space.