History of biddy mason
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In Mississippi, Biddy lived the typical life of an enslaved woman. By this time, Biddy had three daughters of her own. She also took care of her three young daughters, aged 10, 4, and a newborn.
In 1851, Mason’s enslaver moved once again, this time to California. The ruling freed Mason and thirteen members of her extended family.
While the Smith family traveled in wagons and on horseback, Biddy walked behind, tending the livestock. She was expected to labor in the cotton fields, but also assist in the home, primarily as a midwife during the births of Rebecca Smith's six children. In 1847, her owner Robert Smith forced Biddy and many other enslaved people to walk hundreds of miles west from Mississippi to Utah and ultimately on to Los Angeles.
After a decade of saving, she purchased her first property at First and Spring Street in what is now Downtown Los Angeles. On January 21, 1856, in the case of Mason v. Mason’s reputation as a healer and midwife allowed her to open her own business later on.
From Enslaved Woman to Millionaire: The Biddy Mason Story
On Aug.
15, 1818, a baby girl named Bridget was born into slavery in Georgia. She continues to shine as a luminary of American history for her resiliency and selfless pursuit of human betterment.
Bridget "Biddy" Mason was born into slavery in the Deep South, walked to California as part of a pioneer caravan, fought for her freedom in court, and died a wealthy real-estate investor in Los Angeles.
At this time Utah was still a part of Mexico.
Who is Biddy Mason?
Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born into slavery in the Deep South in 1818. Mason’s enslavers attempted to relocate Mason and her family to Texas, where slavery was legal. She was sold as an infant to new masters who called her Biddy.
It's the story of a strong and humble woman who endured terrific hardships before bravely fighting for her family's freedom and winning. Biddy likely learned the duties of a midwife — which included the use of medicinal herbs and basic nursing skills — from fellow enslaved people steeped in traditional knowledge.
Robert Smith was an early convert to the fledgling Mormon faith and in 1847 decided to relocate his family, as well as his enslaved people, to the Utah Territory.
Her perseverance enabled her to find freedom and financial success, ultimately helping numerous others through her philanthropic work.
Mason was born into slavery in Mississippi, 1818. For seven months, she trekked 1,600 miles (2,754 kilometers) from Mississippi to Utah with her 10-year-old daughter, 4-year-old daughter and an infant on her breast.
The Smiths stayed only a few short years in Salt Lake City before setting out for San Bernardino, California, in 1851 where the Mormon church was building a missionary outpost.
They would kidnap free Black people and try to return them to their former owners.
The Entrepreneur
Mason never learned to read or write, but from older enslaved women she learned traditional healing methods, herbal remedies, and midwifery. Despite California’s free state status, it was far from being a safe place for Black people. This was the life of an enslaved Black woman in the Deep South.
She was very skilled in her work and spoke Spanish fluently, which was very helpful to a local doctor who saw patients of all backgrounds.