Though born into slavery Biddy Mason gained freedom for herself and her children in 1856. Only ten years later she had saved enough money to purchase property, making her one of the first African American women to own land in Los Angeles. Subsequent wise business decisions and real estate investments brought her fortune. Mason gave generously of her earnings, providing food and shelter to the poor of all races. In 1872 she helped establish and finance the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, the city's first African American Church.