William E. Matthews facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William E. Matthews
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| Born | July , 1845 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
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| Died | May 2, 1894 (aged 48) Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | financier, lawyer |
| Political party | Republican |
William E. Matthews (born July 1845 – died May 2, 1894) was an important American lawyer, businessman, and activist. He worked to protect the rights of African Americans in the late 1800s. Matthews was known for helping to educate formerly enslaved people after the American Civil War. He also became a very successful real estate and finance expert. He was a respected leader in the African American community in cities like Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Early Life and Education
William E. Matthews was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in July 1845. When he was 12 years old, his father passed away. William then took on the responsibility of caring for his family.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Matthews worked to help educate Black people in Maryland. He traveled across the state, helping to set up schools. He also talked with people about their journey from slavery to becoming free citizens. At this time, he also served as a pastor at a church in Baltimore.
After the war, in 1867, he continued his work for education. He became an agent for a group started by Bishop Daniel A. Payne. This group aimed to create schools and build churches for freed people across the southern United States. Matthews worked on this for three years. Part of his job was speaking at wealthy churches in northern states to raise money. Through this work, he met many famous thinkers and writers. These included Henry Ward Beecher, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes, William Cullen Bryant, and John Greenleaf Whittier.
Career and Civil Rights Work
William Matthews spent a lot of his free time learning about real estate. He became very good at it and built up a lot of wealth. In 1870, he made history by becoming the first Black person to be appointed as a clerk in the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C.
While working, he also studied law at Howard University. He graduated in 1873. His classmates included other notable figures like Joseph E. Lee, who became Jacksonville, Florida's first Black lawyer.
In 1881, Matthews left the Postal Service. He then opened his own real estate and broker's office in Washington, D.C. He was very successful in his business. Many important people were his clients, including the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Matthews was also very active in the fight for civil rights. He took part in the Colored Conventions Movement, which brought together Black leaders to discuss important issues. At Howard University, he had been a student of John M. Langston. Later, he worked with Langston and Frederick Douglass to organize Black communities to push for civil rights. In 1892, he and Douglass were chosen to represent a New York convention. They met with President Benjamin Harrison to talk about violence against Black people in the South.
Other Activities and Legacy
William E. Matthews was a dedicated member of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. He served for a long time as the chairman of its board of trustees. He was also known as a great speaker. He gave a famous speech honoring John Fothergill Waterhouse Ware, a preacher who fought against slavery. Matthews also wrote articles for the A.M.E. Church Review. He was an active member of the Republican Party.
William E. Matthews passed away on May 2, 1894. He left behind a legacy as a successful businessman and a tireless advocate for civil rights and education for African Americans.
