Zachary married Caroline Lewellen 23 April 1872 at a farm in Andrew county Mo. They moved into a house which had originally been his father's (Jonathan Wells')where they farmed until they moved to Rosendale when that town was started about 1890. Z. T. and Ambrose M. Lewellen went into business established the firm of Lewellen and Wells, Lumbermen. Zachary was the active partner and manager of the business for about 15 years. Ella, John, an infant that died at birth were born at th farm, twins, Harry and Carrie were born in Rea. Twins were not expected, and the house was immediately filled with women sewing for the immediate needs of the babies. The family moved to Savannah for a short time, and then to Springfield where Zachary went to the lumber business again, locating on Commercial Street in the north business section of the city. They lived at 1228 N. Benton Ave., convenient to Zachary's business. Zachary purchased a family cemetery plot in Greenlawn Cemetary, north of town, where he and his immediate family are buried.
Z. T. Wells was a man of more than ordinary talent. As well as a knowledgeable businessman engaged in the retail lumber business, he was also a skilled furniture maker and furnished many pieces for he family home. A lover of music, he taught singing school successfully, played the violin, cello and cornet in the Rosendale band. He was also a lover of piano and orchestral music. Gifted with mimicry, he could perfectly imitate the oddities of speech and manners of others. He was President of Rea Banking Company for several years. He was a sociable man, a member of I.O.O.F. and a Mason. He served several terms as Master of the Masonic Lodge in Whitesville. He joined the lodge in Springfield, where at 73, he became a 32nd Degree Mason.