The Story of MATTHEW DAVIS

Matthew was born January 16, 1882. His twin brother Malachi died as a little boy, reportedly due to an accidental ingestion of a large quantity. At an early age, he displayed an eagerness and capacity for learning. Since educational opportunities for Blacks were limited, even more so in rural areas, his parents sent him to Mobile to live with an older brother to attend school. His love of learning endured all of his life.

He married Virginia French, also of Carlton, Virginia was born March 8, 1886. To that union was born ten children, Mattester, Albert, Larnzie, Lewis, Elleria, Jack, Della, Handy, Addie, and Stella. His daughters Mattester and Addie preceded him in death. Virginia died December 12, 1937 at the age of 41 leaving Matthew a young widower of 46. He never remarried and reared his children as a single parent.

During his adult years, his primary source of income was derived from farming. His gift for organization and detail were widely known. He kept birth records for his sister-in-law who was the community midwife. As Secretary and Treasurer of Gillard Baptist Church, he maintained church records until his health failed. Matthew was highly skilled with numbers and handled much of the family’s business after his brothers moved away.

Mathew was a staunch believer in education. A keen observer of the times, he recognized that his daughters’ options would be limited without an adequate education. There is a story told of a white woman in the community who asked him if his daughters could work for her doing domestic chores. Reportedly, he replied that they had enough work to do at home. His sons were encouraged, indeed expected, to help make sure their sisters were educated and they did.

Mathew was also known for his keen sense of humor and profound wisdom. He was a latter day Solomon. His sayings included: “Every tub has to sit on its bottom” which promoted self-reliance and “That’s too bad to talk about” which counseled that some matters are so unseemly they need to be left unsaid. His favorite Bible verse is found in Galatians 6:7; Be not deceived for God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap.

The year 1958 was a time of deep sorrow for his family. Mathew died of prostate cancer on June 23; his oldest daughter Mattester died of a heart attack on July 11; and his son Larnzie, of a heart attack on November 22.

Sources:
Death Certificate
Herman Bush, Grandson
Fred Jackson, Grandson of Steve Hatfield