Matt Butts (1881)

Creator

Genesis Moore

Contributor

Genesis Moore

Text

On May 25, 1881 a altercation occurred on the plantation of Mr. J.R.H Sanders which ultimately resulted in the death of 21 year old Matt Butts. Butts was told by Major Bathea to go to the oat field and bring up oats for the stock, but Butts refused. When told again he must go to the fields and od as he was told Butts replied “I'll be damned if I go”. Bathea then hit him in the head with a stick and Butts drew a knife and stabbed Bathea causing instant death. He then said “If you follow me I will kill you” before trying to make an escape. A mob of Bathea’s friend found out where he would be held in Blakely jail, and voyaged to kill Butts. The party in charge of transporting Butts was met and overpowered by a mob of 75-100 men and he was hung by the toes and riddled with bullets.

Butts was described as a heavy built male, who was “said to be the perfect demon”.They also discussed allegations of Butts assaulting a woman days prior to this incident. Throughout the history of American literature and journalism black men that rebelled against the social hierarchy were demonized and portrayed as evil. Whereas, the white victim was portrayed as a peaceable and easy going man, who was a father and husband undeserving of such a fate even though it was clear that Bathea was the initial assaulter. This article is an example of how black men were portrayed in the press as cannibalistic and unruly, while whites were portrayed as victims of the actions and behavior of “uncivilized” black people.

Citation


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