Bridget “Biddy” Mason, born a slave in Mississippi in 1818, achieved financial success that enabled her to support her extended family for generations despite the fact that she was illiterate. In a landmark case she sued her master for their freedom, saved her earnings, invested in real estate, and became a well-known philanthropist in Los Angeles, California.
After spending five years enslaved in a “free” state Bridget Mason challenged Robert Smith for her freedom. On January 19, 1856 she petitioned the court for freedom for herself and her extended family of 13 women and children. Los Angeles District Judge Benjamin Hayes took three days before handing down his ruling in favor Mason and her extended family, citing California’s 1850 constitution which prohibited slavery.
She became one of the first black Los Angeles landowners and philanthropist. As the town grew, her property became prime urban lots and she accumulated a fortune of nearly $300,000.
The area ultimately became the central commercial district of Los Angeles. Through continued wise business and real estate decisions, she acquired many parcels of land that, as the town developed, became prime urban lots – and she accumulated a fortune of almost $300,000, which she shared generously with charities.
Biddy also fed and sheltered the poor, and visited prisoners in the local jail with gifts and aid. She was instrumental in founding a traveler’s aid center and an elementary school for black children.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason (1818–1891) • BlackPast
Biddy Mason | History of American Women
After spending five years enslaved in a “free” state Bridget Mason challenged Robert Smith for her freedom. On January 19, 1856 she petitioned the court for freedom for herself and her extended family of 13 women and children. Los Angeles District Judge Benjamin Hayes took three days before handing down his ruling in favor Mason and her extended family, citing California’s 1850 constitution which prohibited slavery.
She became one of the first black Los Angeles landowners and philanthropist. As the town grew, her property became prime urban lots and she accumulated a fortune of nearly $300,000.
The area ultimately became the central commercial district of Los Angeles. Through continued wise business and real estate decisions, she acquired many parcels of land that, as the town developed, became prime urban lots – and she accumulated a fortune of almost $300,000, which she shared generously with charities.
Biddy also fed and sheltered the poor, and visited prisoners in the local jail with gifts and aid. She was instrumental in founding a traveler’s aid center and an elementary school for black children.
Bridget “Biddy” Mason (1818–1891) • BlackPast
Biddy Mason | History of American Women