Isaiah Mays – Honorable Buffalo Soldier
Isaiah Mays stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and the often-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers in the United States Army. He was one of the famed Buffalo Soldiers, a moniker given to African American cavalry and infantry regiments by Native Americans, a term of respect and perhaps even awe. Mays earned the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, for his extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication during the infamous Wham Paymaster Robbery in Arizona Territory. His story, however, extends beyond a single act of heroism, revealing a life marked by hardship, service, and ultimately, a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by many veterans of his era.
Born into the bonds of slavery on February 16, 1858, in Carters Bridge, Virginia, Isaiah Mays’ early life was shaped by the brutal realities of pre-Civil War America. Enslaved African Americans endured forced labor, systematic oppression, and the constant denial of basic human rights. The echoes of this difficult beginning undoubtedly fueled his desire for a better life and an opportunity to prove his worth. Following emancipation, Mays sought to forge his own path, eventually finding his way to Columbus, Ohio, where he enlisted in the United States Army.
By 1889, Isaiah Mays had risen to the rank of Corporal in Company B of the 24th Infantry, stationed in the rugged and unforgiving terrain of Arizona Territory. The 24th Infantry, like other Buffalo Soldier regiments, played a crucial role in maintaining order, protecting settlers, and participating in military campaigns against Native American tribes. These soldiers faced not only the perils of frontier life but also the pervasive racism and discrimination that plagued American society at the time. Despite these challenges, they distinguished themselves through their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty.
The event that would forever etch Isaiah Mays’ name in the annals of military history occurred on May 11, 1889. He, along with other members of his regiment, was tasked with escorting Army Paymaster Major Joseph Washington Wham. Major Wham was entrusted with a strongbox containing a substantial sum of money – over $28,000 in gold and silver coins – intended to pay the troops stationed at Fort Thomas. The journey from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas was fraught with danger, as the vast and sparsely populated territory was known to harbor bandits and outlaws eager to prey on vulnerable targets.
As the caravan made its way through the Arizona landscape, approximately 15 miles from Pima, disaster struck. A group of heavily armed bandits ambushed the escort, unleashing a furious barrage of gunfire. The ensuing gun battle was intense and chaotic, as the soldiers fought valiantly to defend the payroll against overwhelming odds. Amidst the chaos and flying bullets, eight members of the escort sustained injuries, including Sergeant Benjamin Brown, Isaiah Mays’ superior officer. Despite the soldiers’ best efforts, the bandits managed to seize the strongbox containing the payroll and escape into the surrounding wilderness. This event would become known as the Wham Paymaster Robbery.
During the intense firefight, Isaiah Mays suffered severe wounds, being shot in both legs. The pain must have been excruciating, but his commitment to duty and the safety of his comrades spurred him onward. Instead of succumbing to his injuries, Mays displayed extraordinary courage and determination. He knew that immediate assistance was crucial to the survival of the wounded and the pursuit of the robbers. With incredible resolve, he began a harrowing journey to seek help.
Despite his debilitating injuries, Corporal Isaiah Mays persevered, walking and crawling for two miles across the rough terrain to reach a nearby ranch. His unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers and his commitment to the mission were evident in every painful step he took. Upon reaching the ranch, he was able to alert the authorities and summon aid for the wounded men. His actions undoubtedly saved lives and played a critical role in the subsequent investigation.
A year later, on February 19, 1890, Isaiah Mays was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery and selflessness during the Wham Paymaster Robbery. The citation recognized his "distinguished gallantry" in the face of extreme adversity. The Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, is a testament to the exceptional courage and unwavering dedication that Mays displayed on that fateful day. He became a symbol of the Buffalo Soldiers’ unwavering commitment to duty and their willingness to sacrifice everything for their country.
Despite the recognition and honor bestowed upon him, the aftermath of the Wham Paymaster Robbery was far from a happy ending. The stolen money was never recovered, and no one was ever successfully prosecuted for the robbery or the shootings. The lack of justice in the case served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by African Americans in a society still grappling with the legacy of slavery and racial inequality.
Furthermore, the story of Isaiah Mays takes a somber turn in his later years. Thirty-three years after receiving the Medal of Honor, in 1923, he applied to the United States Government for a pension, hoping to secure some financial stability after years of service and sacrifice. Tragically, his application was denied. The reasons for the denial are not explicitly stated in the available information, but it is likely that bureaucratic hurdles, racial biases, or a combination of factors contributed to this unfortunate outcome.
Without a pension or other means of support, Isaiah Mays eventually fell into poverty and became indigent. In a cruel twist of fate, the war hero who had risked his life for his country found himself unable to provide for his own basic needs. He was eventually committed to the Arizona State Hospital, an institution that, at the time, served as a refuge not only for the ill and injured but also for the indigent and those with nowhere else to go.
Isaiah Mays died at the age of 67 in 1925 and was buried in the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery in Phoenix. His final resting place, a humble and unassuming grave, stands in stark contrast to the extraordinary heroism he displayed during his lifetime. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless veterans, particularly those from marginalized communities, who often face significant challenges in accessing the support and recognition they deserve.
The life of Isaiah Mays is a complex and multifaceted narrative that encompasses themes of courage, service, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for equality. He was a Buffalo Soldier who rose above the limitations imposed by his birth into slavery to become a Medal of Honor recipient. He faced danger and hardship with unwavering resolve, demonstrating the highest ideals of military service. Yet, his story also reveals the harsh realities of racial discrimination and the challenges faced by veterans in accessing the support they need. Isaiah Mays’ legacy serves as an inspiration and a call to action, reminding us to honor the contributions of all who serve and to ensure that they receive the recognition and care they deserve.