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Zachariah Wells was born about 1745 in an area that became Effingham Co. GA. The Stewart family has handed down the following on Zachariah Wells.
A young couple had moved into the Frontier Territory and established their home. A traveler passing heard the cry of a baby coming from the cabin. On inspection he found the parents both dead of the floor and recognized the cause of death as cholera.
The infant was taken in and raised by a neighbor. The family name "Wells". The lad was given the name of Zachariah meaning "noticed by Jehovah". Probably indicating God's power in directing the passerby to notice the baby's cry. I have no proof of this story except the Stewart family has passed this story down.
Zachariah grew into manhood and married Elizabeth (surname) not known about 1765 in GA.
With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary, Georgians quickly expressed their allegiances, either with the Revolutionary Whigs or with the Tories, who were loyal to the Crown. Zachariah went North with the Tories and was in Wilkes Co. North Carolina when he met with a group of soldiers who were with Colonel Cleveland a Colonel known as a ruthless killer of any who were loyal to the crown. The Tories all escaped except Zachariah who was hung from a large oak tree.
Following the death of Zachariah death, his wife Elizabeth took over the management of the estate and the family affairs. In 1793 Eliazabeth deeded a portion of Zachariah's land to Henry, James and Isaac Wells. Later Isaac seems to have acquired title to the land, and in 1830 after the other brothers had left Georgia, William, the youngest brother was acting attorney for Isaac in selling of the property.
In 1836 Elizabeth deeds the remaining land to John B. Wells, probably a son of William since he was shown living adjacent to him on the 1830 census.
Children of Zachariah and Elizabeth Wells are:
1. Zachariah Wells
2. Isaac Wells
3. Jacob Wells
4. Henry Wells
5. James Wells
6. William Wells
Henry Wells was born 11 August, 1774 Effingham Co. GA. He was baptized on 12 November, 1777 in the Jerusalem Evangelist Lutheran Church of Ebenezer, GA.
Henry married about 1793-94 to Ellen Stewart born about 1777; daughter of John Stewart Sr. Ellen died after 1840 and before 1850 in Jackson Co. MS.
Deed book B, page 29 shows Henry the owner of 200 acres of land, the land was surveyed for Henry and his brother in 1793. This portion of land was cut off and formed into Bryant Co.
Some Well's family researchers believe this Henry Wells is not the son of Zach and Elizabeth. It may be true, but I am using what the Stewart family stated in their family history. If you descend from this line, may I suggest you do additional research on Henry and Isaac Wells.
Henry Wells had a passport from the Governor of Georgia to travel westward through the Indian Nations in 1812. Henry came to the Mississippi Territory and settled in what is now Jackson Co. MS. Henry and his brother Isaac both with their families traveled together. Henry had six children and two slaves while Isaac had four children and four Negroes.
Henry Wells is listed on the 1850 census of Jackson Co. in the household with his son, Isaac. Henry is listed as 77 years of age, born in GA., and is blind.
Children of Henry and Helen Stewart Wells are:
1. Isaac Wells born 1794 GA. married Hannah
2. Nancy Wells born 1796 GA. married Burrel G. Whittington Jr
3. Rebecca Wells born 1798 GA. married Isham Copeland
4. William Wells born 1800 GA.
5. Unknown child born about 1804
6. Lucretia Wells born 1809 GA. married Edmond Goff
7. John Wells born 1812 Jackson Co.
8. Theresa Wells born 1814 married Job Foster
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