In early years he was a blacksmith. When he became unable to blacksmith he supported himself by farming.
Revolutionary War Pension Application S 39119, VA Line: March 29, 1825 in Washington Co, TN Zachariah made his oath. Enlisted July 28, 1776 in Loudon Co, VA in Capt Henry Lee's Company, commander Theodoruk Bland, when Capt Lee was promoted to Colonel of the Calvary, he served under Capt. Payten making a total of 2 years and 5 months service. He had planned to serve longer under Lee to whom he was attached, but Col Lee sent him home to recruit men and purchase horses which he sent on to Lee in Charlesten, Maryland. He was in the Battle of Germantown and Brandywine, where he was General Washington's Life Guard. He was taken prisoner by the British on December 12, 1777 at Fox Chase, 15 miles north of Philadelphia. He was conveyed to Philadelphia, held captive for 5 months and then he returned to Lee's command and was at the battle of Bordentown.
At the time of his application he stated that his wife was dead and his children all married and gone. The youngest 4 years ago.
