From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bridget ("Biddy") Mason (born August 15, 1818 in Hancock County, Georgia - died January 15, 1891 in Los Angeles, California) was a former slave from Georgia who travelled with her master, a Mormon, to the Utah Territory, and then to California. In 1856, when her master was planning to move to Texas, she petitioned for and was granted her freedom as a resident of a free state.
Mason moved to Los Angeles and worked as a nurse and midwife. She was one of the first African Americans to purchase land in Los Angeles. As a businesswoman she amassed a small fortune of nearly $300,000, which she shared generously with charities. She is an honoree in the California Social Work Hall of Distinction.
[edit] References
- Mungen, Donna. (1976) The Life and Times of Biddy Mason.
- Sims, Oscar L. "Profile of Biddy Mason." (1993) Epic Lives: One Hundred Black Women Who Made a Difference. Smith, Jessie Carney, ed. Visible Ink Press.
- Bolden, Tonya. (1996) The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters. Adams Media Corporation.
- Sherr, Lynn and Jurate Kazickas. (1994) Susan B. Anthony Slept Here. A Guide to American Women's Landmarks. Random House.
- Biography at Socialhistory.org
- Biography at DistinguishedWomen.com
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