After 1839, the family moved to Benton Township, Lake County, Illinois, where Zalmon attended common schools during the winter months.

[4] Beginning at the age of 21, Simmons worked as a general store clerk for pioneer Seth Doan for $200 (equivalent to $7,325 in 2023) per year.

Due to Mr. Doan's ill health, Simmons ran the store after six months employment.

[3] Simmons acquired half interest in the Wisconsin State Telegraph Company in 1856,[3] became a director, and in December 1858 became its secretary and treasurer.

Simmons extended service into remote areas, with lines established through nearly impenetrable swamps and forests.

[1] One of his general store customers paid for merchandise with a patent for a woven wire bedspring.

[1] By 1941, the company made springs, mattresses, steel beds and furniture and employed about 2,500 men.

[1] Simmons surveyed the Englemann Canyon for telegraph lines to Pikes Peak in Colorado.

[6] He later served as mayor of Kenosha, Wisconsin, from 1884 to 1886,[12] during which time he refunded its debt of $1.75 million (equivalent to $59,344,444 in 2023).

[13] Simmons married Emma E. Robeson from Lake County, Illinois on April 20, 1850, in Kenosha, Wisconsin.