User:Tyterry05/Civil rights and Mormonism

Fugitive Slave Law had been passed, which put the freedom for African Americans in jeopardy. This law expired in 1855 which opened up an opportunity for the enslaved in California to fight for their freedom. State law prohibited blacks from testifying against whites in the state of California, however, this law was bypassed and a group of slaves took their owner to court. One case regarded Judge Benjamin Hayes, who freed 14 slaves that belonged to Robert Smith. One of these slaves was Bridget "Biddy" Mason, who fought for her freedom after her owner, Robert Smith, attempted to use Fugitive Slave Law as a way to return to Texas where slavery was legal with his slaves. Biddy would take Robert Smith to court in the "Mason v Smith 1856" case and win her freedom along with the 13 other slaves that belonged to Robert Smith. Judge Benjamin Hayes finding evidence of Robert Smith bribing Biddy Mason's lawyer to drop the case was a huge factor in his decision to free Robert Smith's slaves. Robert Smith would then flee back to Texas, fearing he would face charges of bribery. Judge Benjamin Hayes declared that Biddy Mason and the other slaves “should be left to their own pursuit of freedom and happiness.” Biddy Mason would go on to become a real estate millionaire, philanthropist, and a prominent member of the Los Angeles community from 1856 to her passing in 1891.