LEWIS S. MAYS, born June 9, 1840, in Marion County, W.Va., was the second oldest of 11 children. His father was Frederick Mays, born May 31, 1815 in Monongalia County, (W.)Va. and he died June 26, 1851. His mother was Eleanor Catherine Snider, born Nov 18, 1816, probably in Monongalia County, W.Va. and she died May 15, 1885. They were farmers.

At the time of the 1850 Census, the family was residing in District 45, Preston County, (W)Va.

MAY
Frederick, 35-M, Farmer, $500, b Va
Ellenor, 40-F, b Va
Jacob, 13, b Va
Lewis S., 10, b Va
Mary E., 8, b Va
Sarah I., 8, (twins), b Va
John N., 7, b Va
Anna M., 7, b Va
Frederick G., 5, b Va
Emilia C., 4, b Va
Sophia D., 2, b Va
Richard C., 1, b Va

1860 Census, District 7, Preston County, (W)Va.

MAY
Eleanore, 49, Widow Farming, b Va
Jacob, 13, b Va
Lewis S., 20, b Va
John N., 18, b Va
Frederick G., 16, b Va
Emilia C., 15, b Va
Sophia D., 13, b Va
Richard C., 11, b Va
Martha A., 9, b Va.

Lewis was one of 5 boys and he and 3 of his brothers fought in the Civil War for the Union. Jacob, John N., and Frederick G. served in the 3rd W.Va Infantry, subsequently designated the 6th W.Va. Cavalry. Frederick was Killed in Battle at Catlett's Station, Va., 23 Aug 1862 in the Battle of Rappahannock River.

Jacob Mays received a pension, certificate #285211, while a resident of Michigan.

John N. Mays remained in West Virginia and also received a pension, certificate #602343. His widow, Emaline, received a pension after his death.

Lewis was killed in the Battle of Ft. Gregg, Petersburg, Va. on April 2, 1865. According to his enlistment papers, Lewis had dark complexion, blue eyes, & black hair. He was 22 years old when he enlisted on August 16, 1862, in Grafton, W.Va. to serve for 3 years in Company H, 12 Reg’t West Virginia Infantry.

Following the death of Lewis, his mother, Eleanor applied for and received a government pension based on his service and death. No application has been found for a pension following Frederick's death.