USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. Mason was born in Mississippi in 1818.

Detailed explanation-2: -California Landowner and Philanthropist. Biddy Mason was an African American slave and midwife, who petitioned the court for her freedom, and became a wealthy Los Angeles landowner and philanthropist. As the town grew, her property became prime urban lots and she accumulated a fortune of nearly $300, 000.

Detailed explanation-3: -As a free woman, Mason settled in Los Angeles with her children and found work as a nurse and midwife. In 1866, she purchased a nearly one-acre site between present-day Broadway (then Fort Street) and Spring Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets. On this, the present location of the park, she built her homestead.

Detailed explanation-4: -After securing freedom for herself and her family, she later used her fortune to invest in her community and provide relief to poor Californians of all races and religions. “Biddy Mason began life as a slave and died a millionaire – a true ‘rags to riches’ story.

Detailed explanation-5: -The fathers of her children are unknown, but some authors have speculated that Robert M. Smith likely fathered at least one of her children. A 25-year-old enslaved woman named Hannah worked with Biddy on the plantation; like Biddy, Hannah had three of her own children.