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Biddy Mason is born into slavery
Although born in Mississippi, she was owned by slaveholders in North Carolina and Georgia before returning home to MI.
- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/mason-bridget- -
A long walk
In 1848 Mason's master followed the call of the mormon church to travel west, so she walked 1,700 miles behind a 300-wagon caravan that eventually arrived in the area of the Salt Lake Valley. Along the route west Mason’s responsibilities included setting up and breaking camp, cooking the meals, herding the cattle, and serving as a midwife as well as taking care of her three young
daughters aged ten, four, and an infant.
- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/mason-bridget- -
Establishing another Mormon community
in 1851, Mason's master set out on a 150-wagon caravan for San Bernadino CA. Ignoring Brigham Young's warning that California was a free state, he brought Mason and his other slaves with him.
- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/mason-bridget- -
Mason's lucky day
In December 1855 Robert Smith, fearing losing his slaves, decided to move with them to Texas, a slave state. On her journey to CA she met a free black man named Robert Owens, the Owens Family was close with Mason, and When Robert Owens told the Los Angeles County Sheriff that slaves were being illegally held, he gathered a posse which including his sons, other cowboys and vaqueros from the Owens ranch. The posse apprehended Smith’s wagon train in Cajon
- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/a -
Mason petitions for her freedom, and wins!
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.
- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/mason-bridget-biddy-1818-1891#stha -
A successful woman
Mason and her family moved to Los Angeles where her daughter married the son of Robert and Minnie Owens. Mason worked as midwife and nurse, saved her money and purchased land in the heart of what is now downtown Los Angeles. Mason went on to start the oldest African American Church in the city, educated her children, and became a philanthropist to the city.- See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/mason-bridget-biddy-1818-1891#sthash.pZtfeN7c.dpuf -
Mason passes away