Pioneer Humanitarian

In 1818, Biddy Mason was born enslaved in Macon County, Georgia. When her Mormon master moved to Utah and then onto San Bernardino, California, Biddy fought him in the California courts for her freedom and won her case in 1856.

She became a housekeeper, nurse, and midwife. By saving her $2.50-a-day salary, she was able to purchase 10 acres of land on Spring Street for $250, becoming the first Black woman to own property in Los Angeles.