| | | Bridget “Biddy” Mason (1818–1891) was a wealthy philanthropist, real estate investor, and mother of three. With only a first name, Bridget was born into slavery and sold away from her family at a very young age. As a slave, she worked as a midwife and homeopathic healer to blacks and whites.
Although illiterate, Bridget was a resourceful person. In 1851, her owners moved to California, a state that prohibited slavery. Bridget petitioned for her freedom and was declared “free forever” by a judge in January of 1856. As a free woman, Bridget took Mason as her last name and continued working as a healer.
Mason saved and judiciously spent her money, becoming a very wealthy citizen of Los Angeles. Her time and resources were generously donated to neighbors, orphans, travelers, and inmates. She helped organize the city’s First African Methodist Episcopal Church and an elementary school. Mason’s extraordinary transition from slave to wealthy citizen continues to be an inspiration. | |