William Physick Zuber was born on July 6, 1820 in Marion, Twiggs County, Georgia. Throughout his childhood, his family moved every few years to Montgomery County, Alabama, East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, St. Helena Parish, the site of present-day San Augustine, Texas, Harrisburg, and to present-day Brazoria County. In 1833, the family finally settled on Roan's Prairie, what is now known as eastern Grimes County.

Zuber fought in the Texas Revolution, serving in the Texas army, Fourth Company, Second Regiment, Texas Volunteers. During the battle of the San Jacinto, he was stationed in the rear guard on the north bank of Buffalo Bayou. He was rewarded with 640 acres for his services. This land is now part of Grimes County.

From 1844 to 1848, Zuber taught in rural schools in Walker and Grimes counties. In 1851, he married Louisa Liles and they had six children.

Zuber wrote many articles, later published in newspapers statewide, that focused on early Texas military history and veterans. He was an honorary life member of the Texas State Historical Association. Several of his articles were published in the issues of the Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association.

In 1906, Zuber moved to Austin and was employed as a guide in the Senate chamber of the Capitol. In 1909, the Texas legislature honored him as he was the last surviving veteran of the Army of San Jacinto.

On September 22, 1913, Zuber died and was buried with Masonic honors in the State Cemetery. He was a Mason and a Methodist.