John M. Zane, of the firm of Zane & Helsell, attorneys at law, was born in Cumberland County, N.J., Oct. 16th, 1845. He received his education at Bridgeton. At an early age he moved to Philadelphia, Pa.; during the rebellion he was for two years a member of the U.S. quartermaster’s department. In Sept., 1866, he went to Springfield, Ill., there read law in the office of Herndon & Zane. He taught school at intervals while reading law; in Feb., 1872, he moved to Jasper county, la., and in Dec., 1873, was admitted to the bar at Newton, under Judge L.C. Blanchard. He began the practice of law at Prairie City. In 1874, on account of failing health, he went to Colorado and spent two years traveling in the Rocky Mountains; then returned to Prairie City, Ia. He came to Odebolt in 1877 and opened a law office, and in July of the following year formed his present partnership.
