[2] His father, Dr. José María de Zayas y Jiménez, was a lawyer and was a professor, deputy director and even director of the prestigious El Salvador school after the death of José de la Luz y Caballero, whose position he would hold until its closure in 1869.

His bachelor's degree was issued to him in 1886 and he managed to enroll in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Havana in the 1885–86 academic year.

On July 18 of that same year, he placed himself under the orders of Major General Manuel Suárez, after attacking the provincial fort four days before.

He was one of the signatories of the Act issued there, the next day, concluding the historic and legendary Invasion from East to West in Cuba.

Surprised in an enemy ambush due to an informer of the place where he was camping, Zayas died at his combat post on July 30, 1896.