Biddy Mason was born into slavery on Aug. 15, 1818. She walked from Mississippi to Utah, then to Southern California, herding animals and tending to the needs of her slave master, all while caring for her three small children, Ellen, Anne, and Harriet. After arriving in California, she successfully fought for and won her freedom through the court system in 1856, at the age of 38. She then worked for Dr. John S. Griffin as a nurse and midwife. She also founded a school and foster home, and the largest and oldest Black church in Los Angeles, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). She is an American Hero and is famous as one of the first pioneers of Los Angeles, where the people knew her affectionately as “Aunt Biddy” or “Grandma Biddy.”
Grandma Biddy saved her money and eventually amassed great wealth by the time of her death in 1891. Despite her wealth, she continued to serve the community, treating anyone in need, black or white, as well as those no one else wanted to help, such as prisoners. She gave shelter to the homeless and fed the hungry. To the black community, her accomplishments provide confirmation and inspiration that, when given the support and opportunity, it is possible to overcome even the toughest of circumstances.
Her name “Biddy” was a childhood nickname, and she was not given a last name until after she gained her freedom.
She was given as a wedding present to her final owner, Robert Smith, when she was a teenager.
She never learned to read or write, yet she accumulated considerable wealth and wisely managed her investments.
She played a crucial role in establishing the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles and donated the land for its first building.
She also helped establish the first elementary school for Black children in Los Angeles.
She used her wealth to become a philanthropist for the entire L.A. community
Biddy Mason was one of the first Black landowners in Los Angeles. She was trained as a nurse midwife, saved her money, and invested carefully in land.
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