You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Amanda America Dickson (November 20, 1849 June 11, 1893) was an African-American socialite in Georgia who became known as one of the wealthiest African American women of the 19th century after inheriting a large estate from her white planter father. Monday/Tuesday - closed. A host of David Dicksons white relatives contested the will, but the superior court of Hancock County ruled in favor of Amanda Dickson in November 1885. . In the 1870s he built a handsome house for Amanda and her mother Julia and gave her some property. Born in 1839 in Chatham County, North Carolina, Toomer had been the slave of Richard Pilkinson of Chatham County, North Carolina but was later sold to John Toomer of Houston County, Georgia. By the time the courts settled the Dickson will case, she had firmly ensconced herself in this new home and decorated it with Brussels carpets, oil paintings, a walnut dining room table and chairs, and books. His estate included 17,000 acres of land in Hancock and Washington counties in Georgia. Ashlee and Nesia discuss life as the owner of a basketball team, retirement and more. Antebellum Hancock County, Georgia, was a place where black slaves outnumbered . Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Born November 20, 1849, on the Dickson Plantation, near Sparta, Georgia in Hancock County, Amanda America was the product of her 12-year-old mother, an enslaved house servant, Julia Francis. Born into slavery, she was the child of David Dickson, a white planter, and Julia Frances Lewis (Dickson), a young enslaved woman of his who was thirteen when her daughter was born. The trial was held in the courthouse, where the will was decided in Amanda's favor. Heiress and socialite Amanda America Dickson Toomer was, in her time, the wealthiest African American woman in Georgia, and one of the wealthiest women in the United States. [1]:36061, In 1866 at the age of sixteen, Amanda America moved to a small plantation in Floyd County, Georgia near the city of Rome. Old scuppers and downspouts have been removed. According to the Dickson family oral history, David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia quite openly became his concubine and housekeeper. This browser does not support getting your location. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. In his will David Dickson stated that the administration of his estate was to be left to the sound judgment and unlimited discretion of Amanda Dickson without interference from any quarter, including any husband she might have. 1900). [1]:47. . Amanda was raised by Elizabeth Sholars Dickson, her white grandmother and legal mistress. When her father died on February 18, 1885, Amanda became the center of a famous lawsuit. The New Georgia Encyclopedia does not hold the copyright for this media resource and can neither grant nor deny permission to republish or reproduce the image online or in print. In New Georgia Encyclopedia. Upon John Toomer's death in 1859, his brother Colonel Henry Toomer purchased Nathan's mother, Kit, and seven of her children from the estate. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Nathan Toomer later married Nina Pinchback. 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press. New Georgia Encyclopedia: Amanda America Dickson (1849-1893) Immediately I thought about cousin Ricardo and his question. . By the 1860s David Dickson was the richest planter in Hancock County, with 150 slaves, 350 cattle, 600 hogs, 200 sheep and 57 mules and horses. It was an unhappy marriage, and in 1870, Amanda left her husband, and returned to the Dickson Plantation, where she was legally given the surname of Dickson for herself and her sons. A Devoted Mother And Daughter. Drama In the aftermath of the terrible Civil War which has devastated the South, Amanda America Dixon returns home to find she has become the sole heir to a vast cotton plantation. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. [1]:47, Throughout Amanda's childhood, her father became wealthier and more famous, renowned for his innovative and successful farming techniques. After four years of being married to (or living as a married couple with) Charles Eubanks, Amanda left her husband and returned to her father's plantation in 1870, shortly after giving birth to her second son, Charles Green. Amanda America Dickson. 2. . Julia relinquishes Amanda to the Dicksons, realizing that her baby will be raised free because she was born with fair skin. Dickson was the daughter of wealthy Georgia plantation owner David Dickson (Sam Waterston), and his slave, Julia (Lisagay Hamilton). It was an unhappy marriage and Amanda left Charles in 1870, returning to the Dickson Plantation, where she was legally given the surname of Dickson for herself and her sons. She is Mrs. Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Amanda also learned from her father how to conduct business transactions responsibly and how to maintain and protect her finances after marriage. In her childhood, she was taken into the Dickson family and tutored by her paternal grandmother Elizabeth Sholars Dickson. Davids death and his surprising will became news throughout the country. [1]:7980, On July 6, 1885, probate judge R. H. Lewis ruled in favor of the will. My mother is a descendant of Amanda America Dickson. "Amanda America Dickson." Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. This home is located at 1173 W Grab Creek Rd in Dickson, TN and zip code 37055. In 1873, Mr. Dickson deeded 1,560 acres of land worth $10,000 to Amanda. [1]:101102 On October 11, 1886, chief justice James Jackson, and associate justices Samuel Hall and Mark Blanford heard the case following the appeal. The New Georgia Encyclopedia is supported by funding from A More Perfect Union, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She left home briefly, between the years 1876 and 1878, to attend the Normal School of Atlanta University. Enter a grandparent's name. Amandas family said her father became devoted to his daughter . 20072023 Blackpast.org. cemeteries found in Houston County, Georgia, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Legally a slave owned by her white grandmother, the biracial child was reared in her father's household. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Retrieved Jul 17, 2020, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/. In her late 20s, Dickson attended the normal school of Atlanta University, a historically black college, from 1876 to 1878. On December 26, 1894, they became parents to Jean Toomer. Twelve-year-old Julia . Atlanta also has an "Amanda America Dickson" day they celebrate. Upon John Toomers death in 1859, his brother Colonel Henry Toomer purchased Nathans mother, Kit, and seven of her children from the estate. Amanda America Dickson spent her childhood and adolescence in the house of her white grandmother and enslaver, Elizabeth Sholars Dickson, where she learned to read and write and play the pianothe survival skills of a young lady but not ordinarily the opportunities of a enslaved child. At the time of her birth, her mother was 12 year old Julia Frances Dickson, a house servant belonging to Elizabeth Dickson. It is the first project from Atkinson Way Films, the production company created by Waterston and. (2003). She was the main heir to the estate of over 15,000 acres valued at $309,543. At that time she and her children took the last name of Dickson. Amanda America Dickson Toomer fought the judicial system in the South and won at a time when the rights of women and in particular, women of color, were few. )[1]:58, They had two sons: Julian Henry (18661937) and Charles Green Eubanks (1870c. The votes are in! Amanda was still a teen-ager when she married her father's nephew, Charles Eubanks. Amanda Smith emerged as one of the A.M.E. Church's most effective missionaries and one of the most remarkable preachers ever known. As a young man, Nathan had served as the personal assistant to Colonel Henry Toomer, and in that capacity learned the ways of white upper-class gentlemen. Born Amanda America on the Dickson Plantation, near Sparta, Georgia, Mrs. A. Your support helps us commission new entries and update existing content. Amanda's father was 40 year old David Dickson, son of Elizabeth and a wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner. Her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was just 13 when she was born. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The son of this marriage was Jean Toomer, the author of the novel Cane (1923). . who was raised and educated in Davids household. Failed to remove flower. Amanda remained married to Nathan Toomer until her death from Neurasthenia, or nervous exhaustion, considered to be caused by an unbearably hot train ride home from a month's stay in Baltimore for her health. an organ and piano and a bookcase of books. She became involved in philanthropic works, saw both of her sons married, and welcomed grandchildren bearing family names Julia Francis II, David II and Amanda America II. Clinging to his body, Amanda cried, "Now I am an orphan,'' though her mother was still alive.The bulk of his estate, 17,000 acres, valued at $500,000, went to Amanda -- making her the largest property owner in Hancock County.On July 14, 1892, she married Nathan Toomer of Perry, Ga. Amanda got sick. They serve as an inspiration and testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to succeed. David Dickson died unexpectedly in 1885, 12 years after the death of his wife, Clara. [1]:81100 Then, in March 1886, the white relatives filed their appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. He had been the slave of Richard Pilkinson of Chatham Co., North Carolina, the personal assistant and slave of John Toomer of Houston Co., Georgia, and finally the property of Col. Henry Toomer of Perry. You can always change this later in your Account settings. From 1876 to 1878 she left the plantation to attend the Normal School of Atlanta University. The museum is located on the corner of 24th and Florin inside the Florin Business Arts Complex. Her birth was the result of the rape of her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. Amanda remained married to Nathan Toomer until her death from Neurasthenia, or nervous exhaustion, considered to be caused by an unbearably hot train ride home from a month's stay in Baltimore for her health. Search above to list available cemeteries. She died intestate, but the Dickson will stipulated that her sons receive the inheritance upon her death, which included $100,000 to each son and part of the remaining $247,000. She was born. She learned to dress in a modest, elegant fashion and how to present herself as a "lady". I am proud to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson's daughter's child. As Henry Toomers personal assistant, Nathan Toomer learned the manner of the white upper class. She was born on November 20 or 21, 1849, on the Hancock County plantation of her father, the famous white agricultural reformer, David Dickson (1809-85). Please reset your password. Who was Amanda America Dickson Toomer? Learn more about managing a memorial . At the time, David Dickson was forty and the wealthiest planter in the county. In the process, she opened the way for other black women to preach in the A.M.E. church. The union produced two sons: Julian Henry (1866-1937), who married Eva Walton, the daughter of Isabella and George Walton of Augusta; and Charles Green (1870-ca. GREAT NEWS! As we peek into the pages of the acclaimed events of history behind Kent Anderson Leslie's book, Women of Color, Daughter of Privilege, centering on the life of Amanda America Dickson. In 1892, Amanda married Nathan Toomer, a wealthy widower from Perry, Georgia. She died at 5 p.m. June 11, 1893. Amanda America Dickson Toomer was buried in her wedding dress, in a metallic coffin, which was lined in rose colored plush fabric. Public domain image, Courtesy Georgia Historical Society, African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Racial Conflict - Segregation/Integration, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13428942, http://mygahistory.com/amanda-america-dickson/, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team. Julian married Eva Walton (1868-1933) and they had 5 children, Julia Frances II, David II, Henry, William and Isabel. Warren Logan was born into slavery in Virginia shortly before the American Civil War. from funds loaned by planter David Dickson. Walton, Frank, and their lawyer, E. J. Waring, were indicted by the grand jury of Baltimore, Maryland for conspiracy to kidnap Mamie Toomer. Amanda's father was 40 year old David Dickson, son of Elizabeth and a wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner. In fact there is a Kit, with a son Nathan. By studying her life, one is able to gather information about the "The Way It Was" in the South during the 19th . 16 mm, 101 min. The Supreme Court ruled in 1887 that Amanda was legally entitled to the inheritance under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that property rights are equal for blacks and whites, including the offspring of black and white citizens. He lent the county $30,000 to build the original courthouse in the late 1800s, but he's also known for something else. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. [1]:41 Beginning in 1801, Georgia had prohibited slaveholders from independently freeing their slaves, requiring an act of legislature (seldom given), for each request. Amanda America Dickson was born to 40-year-old slave master David Dickson and 13-year-old slave, Julia Lewis in 1849. 1900), who married Kate Holsey, the daughter of Harriet and Bishop Lucius Holsey of Augusta. [1]:123 Amanda America died without a will, which resulted in a legal battle after her death for control of her estate. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Although the will specifically warned Dickson family members not to contest his wishes, 79 relatives filed a lawsuit to prevent Amanda Dickson from inheriting the property. Amanda and her grandmother Elizabeth had shared a particularly close relationship, with Amanda spending much time in her grandmother's room. Leslie, Kent. This fascinating story of Amanda America Dickson, born the privileged daughter of a white planter and an unconsenting slave in antebellum Georgia, shows how strong-willed individuals defied racial strictures for the sake of family. The Supreme Court ruled in 1887 that Amanda was legally entitled to the inheritance under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that property rights are equal for blacks and whites, including the offspring of black and white citizens. Shortly thereafter Nathan Toomer married Nina Pinchback. Amanda America Dickson House. shows how strong-willed individuals defied racial strictures for the sake of family. She was kind-hearted, generous, and charitable, and her benevolent work was indeed extensive. Her legacy is preserved in the historic marker on Telfair Street that tells this complicated story of race and family in 19th-century Georgia. Amanda America Dickson was born into slavery in Hancock County, Georgia. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Amanda Toomer (10337890)? His white relatives challenged the will but Dickson ultimately won a successful ruling in the case. Dickson's lawyer asks, for example, to instigate one memory trip. Augusta, GaFriday, May 21, 2021, Formerly enslaved Amanda America Dickson Toomer (1849-1893), who later became perhaps Georgia's wealthiest African American woman in the 19th Century, received a Georgia Historical Marker in her honor. Amanda America Dickson Toomer was born of the rape of 12-year-old slave Julia Frances Lewis Dickson by planter David Dickson in 1849. [1]:128, Nine months after Dickson's death, Nathan Toomer married Nina Pinchback, the daughter of P. B. S. Pinchback, the Reconstruction Era senator-elect from Louisiana. Degro woman in the United Staes has just died. At that time she and her children took the last name of Dickson. In July 1886, Amanda purchased a home on Telfair Street in Augusta, furnishing it elegantly including the Dickson silver, oil paintings . Her second husband was Nathan Toomer from Perry, Georgia, and she legally was known as Amanda America Dickson Toomer. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978, Your Scrapbook is currently empty. . In 1865 or 1866 Dickson married her white first cousin, Charles Eubanks, a recently returned Civil War (1861-65) veteran. woman in the (Ti i ted .states has just died. Dicksons social status may have enabled the child to live a life of relative privilege while enslaved. Before the supreme court decision, Dickson purchased a large house at 452 Telfair Street, in the wealthiest section of the then-integrated city of Augusta. [1]:123, When David Dickson died suddenly on February 18, 1885,[1]:33 Amanda America Dickson inherited the majority of his vast estate, which included 17,000 acres of land. If so, login to add it. Her birth was the result of the rape of her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. [1]:117 Nathan Toomer was a wealthy, educated African-American man of her class. 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