Born: 1818 (Hancock County, Georgia)
Died: 1891
Biography:
Biddy Mason was an African-American nurse, real estate entrepreneur, and philanthropist who made a lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles. Born into slavery on August 15, 1818, in Hancock County, Georgia, her exact birthplace and birthdate remain unknown. During her teenage years, Biddy developed valuable domestic and agricultural skills, as well as knowledge in herbal medicine and midwifery, which were passed down from African, Caribbean, and Native American traditions.
Biddy’s skills in medicine, child care, and livestock care made her a valuable asset to her owners. She was eventually sold to Robert Mays Smith and Rebecca Dorn Smith, who recognized her expertise in these areas. Biddy had three children during her time in slavery: Ellen, Ann, and Harriet. The fathers of her children are unknown, but it has been speculated that Robert M. Smith may have fathered at least one of them. Additionally, an enslaved woman named Hannah Smiley worked alongside Biddy on the Smith farm, having also been purchased by the Smiths.
In 1847, missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) proselytized in Mississippi. Biddy and the Smith household converted to the Mormon faith and joined a group of church members from Mississippi to embark on the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1847. The group traveled to Pueblo, Colorado, and joined with the sick detachment from the Mormon Battalion. Throughout the journey west, Biddy played various roles, including herding livestock, preparing meals, and providing midwifery services, all while caring for her own children.
They later joined the main body of Mormons crossing the plains and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah Territory, in 1848. Thirty-four enslaved people, including Biddy and her children, accompanied their owners to the Utah Territory. In the Salt Lake Valley, the enslaved people built log cabins, cleared fields, and contributed to the development of the town of Cottonwood.
In 1851, Robert Mays Smith decided to move to California, taking Biddy and the rest of his household including enslaved people and his six children. The Smith household settled in Los Angeles, where Biddy’s skills and knowledge continued to be in high demand. However, California was a free state, and Biddy saw an opportunity to gain her freedom and secure a better future for herself and her children.
In 1856, Biddy, along with her daughters and other enslaved people from the Smith household, petitioned the California courts for freedom. After a long legal battle, the court granted their freedom, making Biddy the first African-American woman to gain her freedom through the California courts. With her newfound freedom, Biddy worked as a nurse and midwife, offering her services to both African-American and white communities.
Biddy’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to invest in real estate and become a successful landowner. She owned multiple properties in Los Angeles, including a commercial building that provided income and supported her philanthropic efforts. Biddy became known for her generosity and compassion, using her resources to help those in need, including former slaves and other disadvantaged individuals.
In 1872, Biddy was one of the founders of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. The church became a cornerstone of the African-American community and provided support and a sense of belonging. Biddy’s involvement in the church exemplified her commitment to her faith and her desire to uplift her community.
Biddy Mason passed away on January 15, 1891, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and philanthropy. Her life journey from slavery to freedom and her accomplishments as a nurse, real estate entrepreneur, and philanthropist continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of determination and compassion.
Awards:
– Biddy Mason’s greatest recognition comes from her incredible journey from slavery to freedom, becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.
– Although there are no official awards or recognitions documented, her impact on society and the lives she touched are her true testament to success and recognition.