Mattie Shaw

Residence: Curtis Wells

Occupation: Owns and operates the Gun Shop/Undertaker's office

Romantic Interest: Mattie has never been married, but was engaged for a very brief time to Schoolmaster Tom. Mattie has also been linked to Clay Mosby. But it is Newt Call who holds her heart though she would never admit it.

Indentifying Characteristics: Mattie is a bright, determined woman. In a time when women steered clear of a man's work, Mattie forged head on. She opened a gun shop in the small town of Curtis Wells, much to the shock of its residents. Mattie shared the small store with the town undertaker. After the undertaker ran off with a dancer, Mattie was forced to take over his business as well, needing the money to pay the store rent. Her only help in running the two is from a simpleton named Unbob Finch.

Mattie's romantic life has been one of turmoil. She was engaged for a brief time to Tom, but on the day he proposed, he was gunned down on the muddy streets of Curtis Wells, trying to save a small boy directly in the line of gunfire that had erupted. Mattie also had intimate dealings with Colonel Clay Mosby who helped Mattie overcome demons that plagued her after her father's death. But it is Newt Call that stole her heart, though they both fight the attraction that exists between them. It is Mattie's stubbornness that keeps her from pursuing the heart-hardened bounty hunter.

Mattie is a serious person. She takes her work and her life very seriously. Having moved around a lot in her life, Mattie wants desperately to find a place where she can settle down...a place to call home.