Born near Madison, Florida, Mays attended the county schools, the public schools of Savannah, Georgia, and Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia.

He moved to Monticello, Florida, and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

He served as delegate to the Democratic State convention in 1888.

He returned to Monticello, Florida, and resumed agricultural pursuits.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress