Who is grandma Mason?
Bridget “Biddy” Mason, born a slave in 1818, claimed her freedom and found opportunity on the American frontier. In 1891, she died a rich and free woman who had stared adversity in the face-and had come out swinging. Four years later, the Smiths brought their slaves with them to southern California. …
Who owned Biddy Mason?
Her knowledge benefited both the slaves and the plantation owners. According to some authors, Biddy was either given to or sold to Robert Mays Smith and his bride Rebecca Dorn Smith in the 1840s. Biddy was valuable to the Smiths because of her knowledge of medicine, child care, and livestock care.
Who was Bridget Mason and what did she do?
Bridget Biddy Mason (1818-1891) is an American Hero. Born enslaved, Mason became one of the first prominent citizens and landowners in Los Angeles in the 1850s and 1860s. She also founded the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles in 1872.
What was the first black church in Los Angeles?
In 1872 Biddy and her son-in-law Charles Owens founded and financed the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the city’s first black church, and she donated the land on which the church was built. Her neighborhood developed quickly, and by the early 1890s the main financial district of Los Angeles was one block from Mason’s property.
Who was the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church?
Biddy Mason. Bridget “Biddy” Mason (August 15, 1818 – January 15, 1891) was an African-American nurse and a Californian real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California. She was born in Hancock County, Georgia.
When was Bridget Mason’s Grave marked with a tombstone?
On March 27, 1988, the mayor of L.A. and members of the church she founded held a ceremony, during which her grave was marked with a tombstone. Bridget “Biddy” Mason is associated with the Historic Resources Associated with African Americans in Los Angeles Multi-Property Submission (MPS).