Introducing Mattie Craddock Wait Bailey
In my last article, I shared the family history book about P.M.B. Wait. Now, I am excited to introduce his daughter, Mattie. There is definitely more to share about her life and all of her talents. For now, I will begin with a simple introduction—and her love story.
Mattie's Siblings
Mattie's Husband
How Mattie and Willie's first crossed paths
Mattie liked to share the story of when she first crossed paths with her future husband, and she told it many times to different family members. I was thrilled when I found her own handwritten account of the events surrounding their meet-cute. After reading it, I knew I had to visit Memphis and Court Square myself. Luckily for me, a friend of mine lives in downtown Memphis and was kind enough to let me visit. Standing there, I could almost imagine a young Mattie surrounded by the crowds and chaos… and her sudden plunge into the fountain before being pulled to safety. Thankfully, Court Square hasn’t changed much in more than 130 years.
A drawing of Court Square as it may have looked in 1886
Court Square today in 2025
The Courtship
The wedding that joined their lives
Moments from Their Life Together
As mentioned at the beginning of this short introduction of the life of Mattie Craddock Wait Bailey, there is definitely more to her story and much more to share of her remarkable life. Until next time, I hope you enjoyed meeting this grand lady. Next up: https://respectandrestore.com/meet-the-bailey-children/
This is an amazing labor of love for restoration, which brings to life the rich history of loved ones!!! Awesome job, awesome read!!!!!❤️
This is wonderful. I remember going to visit Aunt Matt, Mamie, and Uncle Oscar with my parents,Jean Eloise Wait Whitfield
and Davis A. Whitfield, growing up. We would sometimes have Sunday dinner with them. That was really special and so delicious. Their cook made the best cornbread.
We also played with Jean Jones and Harry Jr in the side yard. We always made a stop to see Auntie Gill and Kenlock.
Uncle Pierce (Van Pierce Jr) and Aunt Kathleen had room, if we spent the night. I usually stayed with Carolyn Ann Kieser.
Kathy Wait Foresman is the daughter of Uncle Pierce and Aunt Kathleen and still lives in Senatobia.
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