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Bridget “Biddy” Mason was an extraordinary figure in American history, Despite the challenges of her early life, she became a renowned midwife, a California real estate entrepreneur, and a philanthropist.
Biddy’s Early Life in Bondage
Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born into slavery on August 15, 1818, in Hancock County, Georgia. She moved to several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Her last enslaver, a Mississippi Mormon convert named Robert Marion Smith, decided to move his family and his enslaved persons to Salt Lake City, Utah to help establish a Mormon community. In 1848, she and her daughters walked approximately 1700 miles behind a 300-wagon caravan en route to Utah.
Trek West
Having only stayed in Utah for 3 years, enslaver Smith uprooted his family and Mason again for San Bernadino, California to establish a Mormon community. Although Brigham Young warned his congregants that having slaves was illegal in California, they ignored his advice and headed for the Golden State with a 150-wagon caravan. Along the way, Mason met a free Black couple who convinced her to seek freedom as soon as she and her children arrived in California. After arriving in California, Smith feared that he would lose his enslaved persons so he decided to leave for Texas. While trying to head out of town, the sheriff intercepted his caravan in Cajon Pass, California. Someone tipped off the sheriff that Smith illegally held slaves.
Fight for Freedom
Her journey to freedom began in 1856 when she petitioned for her freedom in a California court, which L.A. District Judge Benjamin Hayes granted on 21 January 1856. This was a significant legal victory and set a precedent for other enslaved people seeking freedom. The judge granted Mason and thirteen members of her family their freedom. She chose the surname Mason from the middle name of the San Bernardino mayor.
New Beginnings
After gaining her freedom, Mason moved to Los Angeles, where she worked as a nurse and midwife. With her earnings, she invested in real estate and became one of the wealthiest African American women in the United States after the Civil War. Although she was illiterate, she had remarkable business success. Mason’s legacy extends beyond her business acumen. She helped found the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Her philanthropic efforts and community involvement made her a respected and influential figure in her community.
Biddy’s Legacy
Bridget “Biddy” Mason died in L.A. on January 15, 1891 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Evergreen Cemetery. The city of Los Angeles honored her on March 27, 1988 with a celebration in which the mayor of L.A. and members of the church she founded marked her grave with a tombstone.
Biddy Mason’s life is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and compassion. Her story continues to inspire many, highlighting the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. To learn more about Bridget “Biddy” Mason, visit https://www.nps.gov/people/biddymason.htm.