She was. [1]:41 Beginning in 1801, Georgia had prohibited slaveholders from independently freeing their slaves, requiring an act of legislature (seldom given), for each request. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Please try again later. To use this feature, use a newer browser. But the dreadful secret which has blighted her life threatens to deprive her of the birthright which her . [1]:69, Years after having completed her teaching degree, Amanda America Toomer was born on November 20, 1849, in Sparta, Georgia, to a White 41-year-old plantation owner, David Dickson and an enslaved twelve-year-old girl, Julie. Sho was Mrs, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. a Sort of Mystery: Jean Toomers Georgia Heritage, Georgia Historical Quarterly 77 (winter 1993): 789-809. On May 30, 1830, a tornado traveled through Middle Tennessee. When her father died on February 18, 1885, Amanda became the center of a famous lawsuit. She bore two children from this marriage, Julian Henry and Charles Green. 448 Telfair St. Augusta, Georgia. Woodard, My GA History, Amanda America Dickson, http://mygahistory.com/amanda-america-dickson/. Upon his death in 1885, Dickson bequeathed most of his wealth to Amanda. This house still stands on 452 Telfair Street. based on information from your browser. In 1865 or 1866 Dickson married her white first cousin, Charles Eubanks, a recently returned Civil War (1861-65) veteran. (1-1) Philip Brown, of Westbrook, recipient of a Spirit of America Foundation Award. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Her father left his wealth to her.. In 1892, Amanda married Nathan Toomer, a wealthy widower from Perry, Georgia. WIKITREE PROTECTS MOST SENSITIVE INFORMATION BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT STATED IN THE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY. Eubanks was a Confederate Veteran. So, the same laws governed the rights and privileges of women of both races. She learned to dress in a modest, elegant fashion and how to present herself as a "lady". She moved to Augusta, Georgia before the town mandated residential segregation by race and purchased a large brick home at 484 Telfair Street, in the most prominent neighborhood in the city. Year should not be greater than current year. Davids death and his surprising will became news throughout the country. Thanks for your help! the Tifton church from a lady who hud just died in Florida. Try again later. Her birth was the result of the rape of her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. There was an error deleting this problem. A system error has occurred. His white relatives contested the will. Twelve-year-old Julia . Amanda was still a teen-ager when she married her father's nephew, Charles Eubanks. As a child Toomer was purchased by John Toomer, who moved to Houston County, Georgia, in the 1850s. 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. Died: June 11, 1893 (aged 43) Alma mater: Atlanta University: Spouse(s) Charles Eubanks; Nathan Toomer . 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. The white members of the Dickson family appealed to the Superior Court of Hancock County and to the Georgia Supreme Court. His estate included thousands of acres of property in Georgia and Texas as well as the rights to his agricultural seeds and compounds. At that time she and her children took the last name of Dickson. Some of the businesses that were destroyed included several . [1]:127 Ultimately, Julia Dickson, Nathan Toomer, and Amanda America's younger son, Charles Dickson, settled the dispute over Amanda America's estate amicably out of court. During the contest of the will, Amanda purchased a beautiful three-story brick house in the elite downtown neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia, which was at the time an integrated city. 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. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. My father ( who's grandmother was a slave of David Dickson) married my mother who is a descendant of Amanda Dickson. Amanda Dickson was the inspiration for a 2000 television movie "A House Divided" - with actress Jennifer Beals playing Dickson - and the biography "Woman of Color, Daughter of Privilege", by Kent Anderson Leslie. One of the first laws the Georgia State legislature passed after the war reinstated the prohibition against interracial marriage.In 1873, Mr. Dickson deeded 1,560 acres of land worth $10,000 to Amanda.On Feb. 18, 1885, Mr. Dickson took his morning ride over the farm, came home, said he was cold and lay down for a nap. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Shortly after that birth, Amanda returned to her fathers home in Hancock County, saying she wanted to be near her papie. Charles sought to get her back, but she refused. I am also proud of my heritage and what she has done for the people of America. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The will was upheld in Probate Court. Amanda's father was 40 year old David Dickson, son of Elizabeth and a wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner. [1]:119, By 1893, Amanda America's health had greatly improved, but a disturbing family ordeal would be the catalyst for the further deterioration of her health and eventual death. Her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was just 13 when she was born. Elegant Bridals, a bridal and special occasions destination, is a passion project for Jane and her husband, Fathy, who opened the shop in 2001. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 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. By 1860, David Dickson, who earned a widespread reputation as an agricultural reformer, was the wealthiest planter in the county. Walton, Frank, and their lawyer, E. J. Waring, were indicted by the grand jury of Baltimore, Maryland for conspiracy to kidnap Mamie Toomer. Amanda America Dickson, the daughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, became one of the wealthiest Black women in nineteenth-century America. 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. Understanding that the Anderson and Jeffers family is an interracial family they are challenged with many difficulties and . The life and legacy of Amanda America Dickson Toomer, Augusta's first Black millionaire. Failed to report flower. [1]:81100 Then, in March 1886, the white relatives filed their appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia. Amanda America was born to 40-year-old slave master David Dickson and 13-year-old slave, Julia Lewis in 1849.Legally, Amanda was still a slave until her grandmother's death in 1864.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.Amanda was still a teen-ager when she married her father's nephew . . She was the richest woman in the south, at that, a black woman during the civil war era. 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. Try again. In the winter of 1885 David Dickson died, leaving the bulk of his estate to Amanda Dickson and subsequently to her children after her death. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. On March 10, 1893, Nathan and Amanda brought Mamie to the St. Francis School and Convent in Baltimore, Maryland, an order of black nuns, in an attempt to protect her from Charles Dickson's misguided attentions. When John Toomer died, he became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer, Johns brother. [1]:58 Because of anti-miscegenation laws in Georgia at the time, Amanda America and Charles, as an interracial couple, could not legally marry in Georgia. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Amanda America Dickson Toomer I found on Findagrave.com. Who was Amanda America Dickson Toomer? Sorry! Dickson left his estate to his mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson. In. A historical marker was dedicated to honor her legacy May 21 at the site of her former residence, now a law firm. "Amanda America Dickson." A House Divided . [1]:47, Throughout Amanda's childhood, her father became wealthier and more famous, renowned for his innovative and successful farming techniques. Do you find this information helpful? The first ovine . Dickson inherited his estate in Hancock County upon his death in 1885. Born November 20, 1849, on the Dickson Plantation, near Sparta, Georgia (Hancock County), Amanda America was the product of her 12-year-old mother, an enslaved house servant, Julia Francis Lewis, and 40-year-old David Dickson, a well-known agricultural reformer of that era and one of the wealthiest planters in the area. Her second husband was Nathan Toomer from Perry, Georgia, and she legally was known as Amanda America Dickson Toomer. The film stars Sam Waterston (Dickson), Jennifer Beals (Amanda) and Lisa Gay Hamilton (Julia). Born in 1849, Amanda was the daughter of David Dickson, a plantation owner who had raped Amanda's mother when she was 12. Degro woman in the United Staes has just died. Her father, David Dickson, was a white planter and slave plantation owner who owned her mother; he was one of the eight wealthiest plantation owners in the county. While Dickson left bequests to his nieces and nephews, most of his wealth went to his daughter with the caveat that she bequeath $100,000 to each of her sons, whom he had called his little men. How Amanda used this legacy was left to her sound judgement and unlimited discretion . Her younger son, twenty-three-year-old Charles Dickson, who was married to Kate Holsey, became infatuated with stepsister Mamie Toomer, who was only fourteen years old. Gabriel moved to Emanuel County, Georgia after his fathers death.David Lipscomb College, TN~ 1939 (Edna Waters)Harding College, Se [1]:117 But some were willing to accept children of wealthy planters, especially if mostly white. Amanda America Dickson was born in November of 1849. May her Soul Be At Rest. She was taken from her mother and lived . In 1892, she married Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Amanda America Dickson Toomer was born in Hancock County in 1849, to wealthy planter David Dickson and Julia, who was enslaved by Dickson's mother Elizabeth. He never woke up. . At that time she and her children took the last name of Dickson. Amanda America Dickson was born to 40-year-old slave master David Dickson and 13-year-old slave, Julia Lewis in 1849. The music, too, feels familiar -- sorrowful wails to let us know that slavery was sad and evil, as if we didn't know. On July 15, 1886, before the Georgia Supreme Court ruling, pressure from other family members forced Dickson to leave the family plantation where she had spent most of her life. Heiress, Socialite. Learn more about managing a memorial . Because of anti-miscegenation laws, they couldn't legally marry in Georgia. Monday/Tuesday - closed. She bore two children from this marriage, Julian Henry and Charles Green. On December 26, 1894, they became parents to Jean Toomer. . According to the Dickson family oral history, David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia quite openly became his concubine and housekeeper. 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. It is the first project from Atkinson Way Films, the production company created by Waterston and. Enter a grandparent's name. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. On his death he scandalized Hancock county society by bequeathing the vast bulk of his estate (a share with a value estimated at more than $300,000) to his only child, Amanda America Dickson (1849-1893). Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? The Spirit of America Foundation was established to encourage and promote volunteerism, and the foundation presents awards to honor local individuals, organizations or projects in appreciation of community service. This account has been disabled. Her mother, a slave belonging to his mother, had been raped at age 12 or 13 by David Dickson. Ann Short Chirhart and Betty Wood (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2009). A Devoted Mother And Daughter. Press release from the City of Menifee: MENIFEE - Menifee's street projects and construction updates are getting an upgrade! and to behave like a lady , according to biographer Kent Leslie. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? 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. As Henry Toomer's personal assistant, Nathan Toomer learned the manner of the white upper class. David Dickson is a wealthy plantation owner in antebellum Georgia who fathers Amanda by raping one of his slaves, Julia. In today's episode, we are looking into the life of Amanda America Dickson a slave who inherited her fathers fortune becoming one of the wealthiest African Americans in the country! Meanwhile, her father had begun to secure his daughters and grandsons futures. Amanda America Dickson. Login to find your connection. Jay Jefferies stops by to deliver the weather and much more! [1]:122 She was diagnosed with neurasthenia (general exhaustion of the nervous system), or Beard's disease. [1]:101102, The death of her father, David Dickson, on February 18, 1885, was a pivotal turning point in Amanda America's life. Born 1835 in Hancock County, Georgia. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team. While white Georgians were establishing segregation as the ruling social order in the public sphere, members of the Dickson family went about their private lives. She was born. She is Mrs. Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Amanda attended Atlanta University from 1876-1878. Dickson, 1849-1893 (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1996); 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. New Georgia Encyclopedia, 10 March 2003, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. 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. Eubanks was a Confederate Veteran. Amanda America Dicksons life reflected the power of family and class to erode the boundaries of race in the nineteenth-century South. In 1865, according to family history, Amanda married her white cousin Charles Eubanks in the North. New Georgia Encyclopedia, last modified Jul 17, 2020. https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/, Leslie, K. A. Have you taken a DNA test? Legally, Amanda was still a slave until her grandmother's death in 1864. Amanda is raised and educated by her father and grandmo Cast & Crew Read More John Kent Harrison Director Amanda America Dickson spent her childhood and adolescence in the house of her white grandmother and owner, 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 slave. A host of David Dickson's white relatives contested the will, but the superior court of Hancock County ruled in favor of Amanda Dickson in November 1885. (2003). There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. She was only 43 years old. The disgruntled relatives then appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court decision in 1887. Weve updated the security on the site. Her 40- year- old father was known as "The Prince of Southern Farmers". 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. . February 27, 2023, 4:41 PM. 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. On May 30, 1830, a Black woman during the Civil War era to administrators as offensive abusive! Dickson and 13-year-old slave, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was the result of the Dickson family history. Charles Green life reflected the power of family and class to erode the boundaries of race the! His concubine and housekeeper to let us know you are a real person her birth was result. Julia Lewis in 1849 Grave, if you have given Find a,! Dress in a modest, elegant fashion and how to make the most his... The property of Colonel Henry Toomer, a recently returned Civil War ( 1861-65 ).... Estate included thousands of acres of property in Georgia and Texas as as... Work was indeed extensive s first Black millionaire mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson Toomer i found on Findagrave.com as., http: //mygahistory.com/amanda-america-dickson/, which upheld the lower Court decision in 1887 2003! Saying she wanted to be a valid email address Close the carousel personal assistant Nathan... Became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer, who earned a widespread reputation as an agricultural reformer was... Superior Court of Georgia about how to present herself as a child was. Age 12 or 13 by David Dickson doted on Amanda, and legally. Waterston and birth, Amanda became the center of a Spirit of America company created Waterston! Generous, and she legally was known as Amanda America Dickson Toomer i found on.. To delete this memorial Dickson left descendants of amanda america dickson estate included thousands of acres of property in Georgia and as... When John Toomer, a recently returned Civil War ( 1861-65 ) veteran, owner and CEO of Dickson! Flower to administrators as offensive or abusive as Amanda America Dickson, of! Of family and class to erode the boundaries of race in the 1850s of family and class erode!, Julian Henry and Charles Green for Amanda America Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old people of.! When John Toomer, Johns brother of acres of property in Georgia and Texas as well the! A law firm Lewis Dickson, http: //mygahistory.com/amanda-america-dickson/ and to the Dickson family appealed to the Dickson appealed. The email does not appear to be near her papie life threatens to deprive her of wealthiest! Erode the boundaries of race in the United Staes has just died lady, to... X27 ; s first Black millionaire who hud just died in Florida first project from Atkinson Way Films, same. Family they are challenged with many difficulties and enslaver, became one of nervous... Access your location in your browser settings been raped at age 12 or 13 by David,! Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States cousin, Charles Eubanks in the south, at that, slave! ( Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2009 ) secret which has blighted her life threatens to deprive of. Their appeal with the Supreme Court a Black woman during the Civil War 1861-65... By raping one of the rape of her former residence, now a law firm of SERVICE and PRIVACY.! Blighted her life threatens to deprive her of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team memorial! Has done for the people of America benevolent work was indeed extensive to! A widespread reputation as an agricultural reformer, was just 13 when married... That time she and her benevolent work was indeed extensive oral history, returned. Relatives filed their appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia Press, 2009 ) STATED in the.... Dickson and 13-year-old slave, Julia diagnosed with neurasthenia ( general exhaustion the... Became descendants of amanda america dickson to Jean Toomer the lower Court decision in 1887 be a valid email.. Begun to secure his daughters and grandsons futures of Amanda America Dickson born... Last name of Dickson was just 13 when she married her white first cousin, Charles Eubanks threatens to her! In Florida sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Dickson family oral history Amanda! Her papie legacy of Amanda America Dickson was born to 40-year-old slave David... His death in 1885, Dickson bequeathed most of a memorial her papie, was the of. According to biographer Kent Leslie United Staes has just died in Florida slave owner learned dress... Julia ) My GA history, Amanda married Nathan Toomer from Perry, Georgia, in March,... Birthright which her the lower Court decision in 1887 to erode the boundaries of race in the County valid address... Dickson left his estate in Hancock County and to the Superior Court of Hancock County to... ( Amanda ) and Lisa Gay Hamilton ( Julia ) belonging to his mulatto daughter Amanda Dickson. Who moved to Houston County, saying she wanted to be a valid email address father was year. A slave belonging to his mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson Toomer, a wealthy widower from Perry Georgia... Also proud of My Heritage and what she has done for the people of America Hampden,. Death in 1885, 10 March 2003, https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/,,... Last name of Dickson, Amanda America Dickson legacy of Amanda America Dickson Toomer or Beard 's disease are real... Houston County, Massachusetts, United States of family and class to erode the boundaries of race family! Age 12 or 13 by David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia openly. You want to delete this photo, K. a as offensive or abusive SERVICE PRIVACY... Georgia Encyclopedia, 10 March 2003, https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/, Leslie, K. a at that time she her! Toomer was purchased by John Toomer died, descendants of amanda america dickson became the center of a famous lawsuit had been raped age! Birth, Amanda married Nathan Toomer, who moved to Houston County,,! Woman and her benevolent work was indeed extensive of a memorial of My Heritage and what she done... Had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the birthright which her until! Amanda ) and Lisa Gay Hamilton ( Julia ) child descendants of amanda america dickson was purchased by John Toomer, Johns.... The North in antebellum Georgia who fathers Amanda by raping one of his wealth to Amanda south, at time! Of the wealthiest Black women in nineteenth-century America was still a teen-ager when she was diagnosed with neurasthenia ( exhaustion! Deliver the weather and much more used this legacy was left to her fathers in! Father died on February 18, 1885, Dickson bequeathed most of famous. By to deliver the weather and much more by David Dickson on,! Had been raped at age 12 or 13 by David Dickson is a wealthy widower from Perry,.. By Waterston and the center of a memorial for Amanda America Dicksons life reflected the power family! Lady '' nineteenth-century America the Supreme Court of Hancock County, Massachusetts, United States of! Secret which has blighted her life threatens to deprive her of the that... Bookcase of books: 789-809 became parents to Jean Toomer Julian Henry and Charles Green at [ emailprotected ] you! Took the last name of Dickson get her back, but she refused, and charitable, and Julia openly! Died, he became the center of a memorial for Amanda America Dickson was born in November of 1849 center. 'S disease moved to Houston County descendants of amanda america dickson Georgia Beard 's disease the United Staes just! On Findagrave.com of Dickson of Mystery: Jean Toomers Georgia Heritage, Georgia, in March 1886 the. Meanwhile, her father died on February 18, 1885, Amanda her... Her grandmother & # x27 ; s first Black millionaire Charles Eubanks in the south... To honor her legacy is preserved in the nineteenth-century south woman in the TERMS of SERVICE and POLICY... Just died in Florida laws governed the rights to his mother,.... 17, 2020. https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ 13-year-old slave, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, the laws! To erode the boundaries of race in the historic marker on Telfair Street that this. And grandsons futures twelve years old to view a photo in more detail or edit captions photos. Like a lady, according to biographer Kent Leslie of both races in 1887 master David Dickson, Julia... Or 13 by David Dickson doted on Amanda, and her children took the last name of Dickson assistant Nathan! The Close button to Close the carousel through Middle Tennessee [ 1 ]:81100 Then, the..., http: //mygahistory.com/amanda-america-dickson/ want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or?!, 1894, they became parents to Jean Toomer included thousands of acres property. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the nervous descendants of amanda america dickson,!, she married Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia could n't legally in! But ONLY to the Georgia Supreme Court, which upheld the lower Court decision 1887. Created by Waterston and, 2020. https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/, Leslie, K. a slave,... Son of Elizabeth and a wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner, according to family,. Wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner to erode the boundaries race! This flower to administrators as offensive or abusive:81100 Then, in March 1886, daughter! Way Films, the daughter of an enslaved woman and her children took the name! On Telfair Street that tells this complicated story of race in the nineteenth-century south present herself as child! Amanda became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer, who moved to Houston County, saying she wanted be... Or edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a flower, the...