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By: Elizabeth Guerrero
Mason v. Smith (1856) is a landmark case that has been lost in the pages of history. Taking place about 10 years before the ratification of the 13th amendment, this case was a groundbreaking feat dependent on the vigor of one brave woman, Bridget “Biddy” Mason. Mason was born enslaved to Robert and Rebecca Smith. To pursue religious endeavors, Robert Smith transported his enslaved people to Utah and then to San Bernardino, California. At the time there were no cases against claiming freedom upon arrival in a free state (this came one year after - Dred Scott v. Sanford) so when Mason was brought to California she was urged by her friends to take legal action against Smith. California was a free state and by law Robert Smith was illegally holding Mason and her family. In 1855, fearing that action would be taken against him, Smith decided to move to Texas. Mason’s friends alerted the sheriff who intercepted the transfer. Thanks to this, Smith was finally taken to court once a habeas corpus was introduced. This ensured that Smith would appear before a judge to analyze his unlawful actions. Laws in California made it illegal for Black and Native American people to testify against white people so Mason spoke privately to Judge Hayes. Under the district court of California, Mason and 13 of her extended family members were freed by the ruling of judge Benjamin Hayes. The court ruled stating “And it further appearing by satisfactory proof to the judge here, that all of the said persons of color are entitled to their freedom, and are free and cannot be held in slavery or involuntary servitude, it is therefore argued that they are entitled to their freedom and are free forever”. After a tough battle, Mason and her family had obtained their freedom. The crucial outcome is what Mason accomplished after she became free. She began work in Los Angeles as a midwife and a nurse. 16 years after the court ruled in her favor, Mason purchased land and established First African Methodist Espiscopal Church. She became one of the wealthiest women in LA with her fortune worth $7.5M today. Not only did she make a name for herself but she used her earnings in a very charitable way. She fed and provided shelter for the poor, visited prisoners, and made a lasting impact by founding an elementary school for Black children. Mason is honored today by the Biddy Mason Memorial Park in Los Angeles. The park is located on Mason’s purchased land and boasts beautiful artwork depicting Mason’s victorious life. Sources:
Cover photo: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/events-african-american-history/the-bridget-biddy-mason-case-1856/
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/mason-v-smith-bridget-biddy-mason-case-1856/
https://www.aclunc.org/sites/goldchains/explore/biddy-mason.html
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/events-african-american-history/the-bridget-biddy-mason-case-1856/
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/biddy-mason-memorial-park