Biddy Mason: A Story of Freedom, Faith, and Community Transformation
She walked 1,700 miles behind a wagon train, arrived in California enslaved, and died one of the richest women in Los Angeles.
In today’s Radicals, Renegades, and Rebels segment, I introduce you to Bidget “Biddy” Mason. Biddy rose from the bonds of slavery and became known for her generosity as much as her wealth.
A Humble Start
Biddy Mason was born into slavery in either Georgia or Mississippi, the records aren’t firm on it. In 1848, her owner, Robert Marion Smith, headed west with his household which included him, his wife, their six children, and at least 14 enslaved individuals. The wagon party consisted of 300 wagons, but the slaves were forced to walk the entire 1,700 miles. They traveled through Texas and New Mexico, stopping in Utah for three years and continuing on to California.
Journey to Freedom
California was a free state, but Smith stubbornly held his captives. He even attempted to flee back to Texas, hoping to return to a slave-friendly state. The Los Angeles County Sheriff and a posse stopped his wagon train at Cajon Pass and forced him to return to Los Angeles. Although he insisted that everyone with him was with him by consent, the judge privately interviewed Biddy and uncovered the truth. Biddy sued for her freedom and won it, gaining attention for the growing resistance to slavery in California during that time.
A Legacy of Generosity
Biddy’s freedom allowed her to become a businesswoman and buy land, which she began developing. With her profit, she provided housing for the poor, supported churches, and contributed to the education of Black children. Biddy was a founding member of the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. She died in 1891, wealthy and honored in Los Angeles. Biddy Mason helped to shape her community through her tenacity, business savvy, and generosity.
Your Turn
I guess it’s no secret that I love a rags-to-riches story, but I love even more when I get to tell how someone helped improve the lives of others. I find their stories inspiring, and they cause me to be more alert for opportunities to help my community.
Tell me the name of someone in history whose story isn’t well-enough known in the comments (scroll down past the Related Posts section), and I’ll try to include it in future Radicals, Renegades, and Rebels column.
If you’re curious to learn more about Bridget “Biddy” Mason, here are a few links:
From Enslaved Woman to Millionaire: The Biddy Mason Story | HowStuffWorks
The Tragic Tale of California’s Richest Black Woman | Biddy Mason
Bridget “Biddy” Mason (U.S. National Park Service)
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