undefined undefined Biddy Mason | Church History Biographical Database

Church History Biographical Database

Biddy Mason

Birth Date
On 1818 August 15
Death Date
On 1891 January 15
Gender
Female

Biddy was the mother of Ellen (b. 1838), Ann (b. 1844), and Harriet (b. 1847). She was an African American woman enslaved by Robert M. Smith.

According to some secondary sources, she "selected" the surname "Mason" only after she became a free woman at Los Angeles, California (1856). Here she became a noted nurse, midwife, entrepreneur and civic minded personality. 

Some secondary sources also suggest that her name was "Bridget." This has been determined inaccurate. Her name was actually "Biddy," not "Bridget."

The 1850 Census was actually taken in 1851. 

Delilah Beasley's book, The Negro Trail Blazers of California, cites a family bible which states Biddy's birth date (15 August 1818). However, indirect sources including censuses, and Biddy's death record, infer a wide variety of different birth years.  

 

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Born

1818 August 15

Date Details

Occurred On 1818 August 15
Birth

Joined Willard Richards Company

1848 July 3 – October 10 (Age 29)

Start Date Details

Joined When Organization was Formed
Sources

End Date Details

Ended On 1848 October 10
Organization was Ended

Died

1891 January 15 (Age 72)

Date Details

Occurred On 1891 January 15
Died

Media
Biddy Mason (1818 - 1891) Profile
Biddy Mason (1818 - 1891) Profile

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