W. W. MAY was born October 10, 1828, in Livingston County, Ky. His father's name was Jacob May, his mother's, Jane Hosick. The Mays were of German descent, and among the first settlers of what is now Crittenden County, subject's grandfather dying there many years ago. Jane (Hosick) May was born in Kentucky, but sprang from an old Scotch family, her father emigrating from Scotland at an early day and settling in Boone County, Ky. He afterward moved to Livingston County, settling about six miles from Salem, where he worked at his trade of tailoring until his death. Jacob May was born in North Carolina, but came to Kentucky as early perhaps as 1804, locating near Salem Village, on land adjoining that of his father. He was an active citizen, and at one time was probably the largest real estate owner in Livingston County. Mr. May died March, 1880 or 1881, at an advanced age. W. W. May is the fifth of a family of nine children. He remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, at which time he commenced business on his own account as a fisherman on the Cumberland, Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, supplying the markets of Nashville and other places. He continued fishing as a business for a period of six years, and at the end of that time he engaged in steam-boating; running the Ohio and tributaries for about fourteen years as pilot. In 1860 he commenced farming in Crittenden County, purchasing a tract of 202 acres, on which he resided three years. In 1864 he purchased a farm in Carrsville Precinct, near the river, and in 1873 moved to this precinct, where he has since resided. Mr. May owns valuable tracts of real estate, aggregating 1,300 acres. He gives his attention principally to stock, in which he is one of the largest dealers in the county. Mr. May's first marriage occurred about the year 1852, with Miss Nancy M. Wilson, daughter of Jerry Wilson, of Crittenden County. Seven children were the result of this union: William R., George W., Lucinda E. wife of John Smith, Margaret J. wife of C. Green, Lilly deceased, Dollie deceased, and an infant deceased. Mrs. May died about the year 1862 or 1863. In 1866 Mr. May was married to Missouri, daughter of James Hosick of Livingston County; to this marriage have been born three children: Ida, James J. and Cora.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 827.