Summary
Biddy learned through friends in the African-American Los Angeles community that California had been admitted to the Union in 1850 as a free state; slavery was prohibited. But such slave owners were rarely challenged, and if they were, they rarely lost the case. In the winter of 1855, Smith decided to move once again, to Texas, a slave state. Their departure was interrupted by the Los Angeles sheriff, who served Smith a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Biddy.
Biddy's daughter [Ellen, Ann] had been dating; a free black man, Charles Owens, the son of an esteemed business owner in Los Angeles' African-American community. Charles and his friend Manuel Pepper, who was dating the daughter of another of Smith's slaves, helped Biddy file her petition with the court for her freedom. Since California law at the time prohibited blacks, mulattos and Native Americans from testifying in court, Biddy could not speak on her own behalf, but the judge did meet with her privately to hear her story. [Robert Marion Smith] did not appear in court so, on January 19 (another source says January 21), 1856, the judge granted Biddy her freedom, as well as that of her three daughters (some sources say all the other slaves of Robert Smith were freed as well).[Bridget] "Biddy" Mason - Distinguished Women of Past and Present From slavery to entreprenur, Biddy Mason - The African American Registry African American History in the West Vignette: Bridget "Biddy" Mason - Dr. Quintard Tkylor, Jr., University of WashingtonSee the full content of this document
Extract
History Highlight: Bridget 'Biddy' Mason
"If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in. The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives."
- Biddy MasonDATE OF BIRTH: August 15, 1818PLACE OF BIRTH: Sources are unsure; possibly Mississippi or Hancock, Georgia.FAMILY BACKGROUND: Bridget was ...See the full content of this document
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