Madison Davis

Madison "Mat" Davis (September 27, 1833 – August 20, 1902) was an American slave who became a member of the Georgia Assembly representing Clarke County, Georgia and the first African American postmaster in Athens, Georgia, after being emancipated. He was active in Republican Party politics.

Davis' legacy is honored by the naming of the "Richardson-Davis Park" in downtown Athens, Georgia. The park officially opened on June 19th, 2026, as part of the city's annual Juneteenth celebration. Historic Athens, a local preservation non-profit, was active in the pursuit of recognizing Davis, spearheading a petition that garnered over 1,000 signatures from Athens-Clarke County residents living within 1 mile of the proposed downtown green-space.

Early years Davis was born into slavery and was owned by a carriage maker. After the U.S. Civil War he was freed from slavery at age 31.

Madison Davis had a light complexion and was one of two African-American representatives allowed to continue in office. He faced strong opposition from local whites in Athens. (Monroe Morton was the second African-American postmaster in Athens.)

Davis also worked as U.S. Customs Surveyor in Atlanta and was Captain of Relief No. 2, Clarke County's first black fire company.

Death He is buried at Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery in Athens.