Biddy Mason - Business Legacy

Not all black pioneers were prosperous, but they were enterprising.  Take Biddy Mason for example.  Biddy was born a slave who trudged from Mississippi to California driving sheep behind 300 wagons belonging to her master's train in 1851. 

Upon arrival, Biddy prevailed upon the sheriff of Los Angeles County to issue a writ preventing her master from taking his slaves out of state  and she finally secured her freedom through the courts in 1856.

Biddy was a shrewd business woman.  She began to purchase property in 1866.  Her original investment was only $250, but she kept purchasing bits and pieces until 30 years later, her heirs were presented with an offer to purchase a portion of her land for $200,000 - which they refused to accept. 

In the 1880s Biddy paid grocery bills for black families who had been left destitute.  She is just one example of those brave pioneers who took an opportunity and left a legacy.

Next time...Susan Wilson

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On this Day in Pioneer History:
On June 24, 1864, Colorado Governor John Evans warns that all peaceful Indians in the region must report to the Sand Creek reservation or risk being attacked, creating the conditions that will lead to the infamous Sand Creek Massacre.