Madison “Matt” or “Mat” Davis was born into slavery on September 27, 1833 in Athens, Georgia. His enslaver was a local carriage maker and he gained his freedom after the Civil War at the age of 33. Davis became Captain of Relief No. 2 in 1866, which was Clarke County’s first black fire company.

Davis was also part of the land purchase for the Knox Institute and Industrial School, which was a private elementary and secondary school for Black Georgians in Athens from 1868-1928.

Davis was elected to represent Clarke County in the Georgia Assembly in 1868 and was reinstated in 1870 following federal intervention on behalf of the Original 33 lawmakers unlawfully removed from the House of Representatives. Davis won back his seat in 1870 and introduced several bills including building a new Georgia Railroad line through the city of Athens. David did not run for reelection in 1872 instead pursuing a career in real estate. He continued to remain active in the Republican party and was appointed Postmaster of Athens by President Harrison in 1890.

Davis continued to live in Athens, GA with his wife Ella and their children on Newton Street. They were married for 44 years. Madison Davis died on August 20, 1902. He is buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens.

REFERENCES:

“27 September 1833: Legislator Madison Davis Is Born.” This Day In Athens. Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room. September 27, 2010. http://accheritage.blogspot.com/2010/09/27-september-1833-legislator-madison.html?m=1

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103060294/madison-davis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Davis

Hester, Albert Lee (2010). Enduring Legacy: Clarke County Georgia’s Ex-Slave Legislators Madison Davis and Alfred Richardson. Athens, GA: Green Berry Press.