Madison Davis facts for kids

Madison "Mat" Davis (born September 27, 1833 – died August 20, 1902) was an important leader in Georgia. He was born into slavery but later became a member of the Georgia Assembly, representing Clarke County, Georgia. He also made history as the first African American postmaster in Athens, Georgia. Mat Davis was very active in the Republican Party.

From Slavery to Freedom: Mat Davis's Early Life

Madison Davis was born into slavery. He worked for a person who made carriages. After the U.S. Civil War ended, he became free at the age of 31. This was a huge change in his life. In 1868, he was chosen to be a delegate for Georgia's special meeting to write new rules for the state. This was a very important job.

Serving Georgia: A Voice for Change

In 1868, Madison Davis and Alfred Richardson, who was also a former slave, were elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. They represented Clarke County. This was a big step for African Americans in politics.

However, later that same year, many African American lawmakers were unfairly removed from their jobs. Out of 29 African American representatives, 25 were told they could not serve. The state government claimed African Americans did not have the right to hold public office.

Madison Davis had a lighter skin tone and was one of only two African American representatives allowed to keep his position. Luckily, the Georgia Supreme Court changed this unfair decision in 1869. All the lawmakers who had been removed were allowed to return to their jobs. Madison Davis was even reelected in 1870, showing people still trusted him.

Beyond Politics: A Leader in His Community

After his time in the state government, Madison Davis started a business in real estate. This meant he helped people buy and sell land and buildings.

In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison appointed him as the postmaster of Athens. This was a very important role because it meant he was in charge of all the mail services in the city. Madison Davis was the first African American to ever hold this job in Athens. He faced a lot of challenges from some local white people who did not want him in that position. (Monroe Morton later became the second African American postmaster in Athens.)

Madison Davis also worked as a U.S. Customs Surveyor in Atlanta. This job involved checking goods that came into the country. He was also the Captain of Relief No. 2, which was Clarke County's first fire company made up of Black firefighters.

Madison Davis was buried at Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens.