Mason, Biddy (1818-1891)
Item
Title
Mason, Biddy (1818-1891)
Contributor
Raisch, Elly
birthday
1818-08-15
Death Date
1891-01-15
Occupation
Nurse
Midwife
Businesswoman
Philanthropist
Biographical Text
Biddy Mason was a real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born into slavery, Mason lived in Hancock County, Georgia, before being sold to Mormon converts Robert Mays and Rebecca Dorn Smith in Mississippi. She moved with them to Salt Lake Valley, Utah in 1848 and later to San Bernardino, California in 1851. Because California became a free state in 1850, Mason and her children were freed in a 1856 court case with the aid of free men Charles Owens and Manuel Pepper. She relocated to Los Angeles soon after, where she worked as a nurse and midwife in addition to purchasing real estate. Her investments allowed her to amass wealth, which she used to fund several charitable efforts for various underserved and marginalized populations in Los Angeles. She also served as a founding member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles in 1872. Today she is honored in the California Social Work Hall of Distinction and memorialized by Los Angeles’ Biddy Mason Park.
Mason had two daughters named Ellen and Harriet. It is not known whether she ever married. At the time of her passing at age 72, she was speculated to be the wealthiest woman of color in the western United States.
Mason had two daughters named Ellen and Harriet. It is not known whether she ever married. At the time of her passing at age 72, she was speculated to be the wealthiest woman of color in the western United States.
Bibliography
"Memorial to Biddy Mason, Mayor Snyder in Pulpit," March 7, 1904, p. 5.