Article: Slave helped shape future

When the first wagon train of Mormon settlers arrived in the San Bernardino Valley in 1851, several families brought along black slaves and former slaves to help build their new colony.

Bridgett "Biddy" Mason was one of the slaves who made the grueling 400-mile journey from Salt Lake City to San Bernardino with the family of Robert and Rebecca Smith.

Biddy's amazing life story helped shape the future of African- Americans in California.

Biddy Mason was born on Aug. 15, 1818, on a cotton plantation in Hancock County, Ga. The Smith family acquired the services of Biddy and her two young daughters sometime between 1844 and 1848.

Robert Mays Smith met Rebecca Dorn in Edgefield District, ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!