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Mayes was born in Illinois to a farming family. In his youth, the family moved first to Iowa, and then to South Dakota, where they settled. He decided to pursue another line of work, and received an education at Dakota University. Mayes first came to Pensacola in [[1896]], and worked as a newspaper reporter for eighteen months before returning to South Dakota, where he became part owner of the ''Mitchell Gazette''. In [[1899]], he married and returned to Pensacola, at which time he became editor of the ''Pensacola Journal''. He later bought a controlling interest in The Journal Company. He also owned the [[Perdido Land Company]].Mayes founded the [[Mayes Printing Company]], which as of 2009 is still in business.<ref>Crane, Charlotte. [http://www.allbusiness.com/retail/retailers-building-supply-hardware-stores/11576335-1.html "Florida's Oldest Private Companies: Survivors"]. ''Florida Trend.'' May 1, 2005.</ref>