Social Refomer. Known as "Print" Matthews, he led a coalition of African Americans and small landowners in his native Copiah County, Mississippi during Reconstruction, with himself serving as county sheriff. After the withdrawal of federal troops enforcing African-American suffrage, this coalition became untenable, with white supremacists using terror tactics like night riding, church burning, and murder to intimidate African American voters. Matthews would not be cowed, and he rallied his coalition for the 1883 elections. When he went to cast his ballot in the county seat of Hazlehurst, however, political opponent Ras Wheeler shot him in the back twice, killing him instantly. Wheeler was later found not guilty by an all-white jury and went on to have a successful political career.
Social Refomer. Known as "Print" Matthews, he led a coalition of African Americans and small landowners in his native Copiah County, Mississippi during Reconstruction, with himself serving as county sheriff. After the withdrawal of federal troops enforcing African-American suffrage, this coalition became untenable, with white supremacists using terror tactics like night riding, church burning, and murder to intimidate African American voters. Matthews would not be cowed, and he rallied his coalition for the 1883 elections. When he went to cast his ballot in the county seat of Hazlehurst, however, political opponent Ras Wheeler shot him in the back twice, killing him instantly. Wheeler was later found not guilty by an all-white jury and went on to have a successful political career.
Bio by: Stuthehistoryguy
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