Matthew S. Davage papers

Collection — Box: 1-5

Identifier: 0000-0000-0000-0105

Staff Only

Scope and contents

The Matthew S. Davage papers (1936-1982) consist primarily of correspondence, personal papers, and manuscripts for speeches and sermons. The speeches and sermons are exemplary of the writings of Dr. Davage and were possibly delivered in both educational and religious contexts.

Much of the documentation is focused on Davage's tenure as the President of Clark College and his involvement with the Board of Education of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Also included are biographical materials for Dr. Davage. Noteworthy items include a published biographical profile of Davage, along with notes and earlier manuscripts, written by James P. Brawley. In addition, there are original manuscripts of many of Davage's speeches and sermons.

Dates

Creation: 1936-1982, undated
Creation: Majority of material found within 1938 - 1976

Creator

Davage, Matthew Simpson (Person)

Rights statement

All materials in this collection are either protected by copyright and/or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. For more information, please contact archives@auctr.edu.

Biographical note

Matthew Simpson Davage (1879–1976), the son of Samuel and Harriet (Lee) Davage, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 16, 1879. He attended New Orleans University (now Dillard University), graduating in 1900. Davage began teaching while at New Orleans University and continued teaching mathematics and Latin after graduation. He studied at University of Chicago and Columbia University. In 1904 he married Alice Armstead. After teaching at New Orleans University, Davage went on to serve as president of several Methodist colleges including: George R. Smith College at Sedalia, Missouri, 1915–16; Haven Institute, Meridian, Mississippi, 1916–17; Samuel Huston College, Austin, Texas, 1917–20; Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi, 1920–24; and Clark College, 1924–41. After leaving Clark College, Davage served as director of all Methodist colleges for African Americans in the United States (1940-1952). He served as interim president for the new Huston-Tillotson College after leading the movement to merge Samuel Huston and Tillotson colleges. He retired in 1955 and lived in New Orleans until his death on September 20, 1976.

Extent

1.5 Linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangment

This collection is arranged into four series: correspondence, personal and family papers, printed materials and writings. Each series is arranged alphabetically.