Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, "Restoration project, historic plaque to shine light on Augusta's first Black millionaire", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amanda_America_Dickson&oldid=1129851652, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 11:38. 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. Eubanks died two years later. If so, login to add it. She was held in high esteem by those who came to know her because of her wealth, elegance, and intelligence. Alachua County Voters1st Florida Election1845Gabriel Waters (father) & William Waters (son)Gabriel Waters c.1780-after 1846. Her father had stipulated that Amanda, and her children after her death, were the beneficiaries, and no future husband or Dickson family member could "interfere". The funeral was held at Trinity Colored Methodist Church. Amanda is 19 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 22 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 21 degrees from Candice Bergen, 24 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 15 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 32 degrees from Whitney Houston, 20 degrees from Hayley Mills, 15 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 19 degrees from Lisa Presley, 21 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 19 degrees from Bill Veeck and 25 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Amanda's father was 40 year old David Dickson, son of Elizabeth and a wealthy white merchant, planter and slave owner. Her independence allowed Amanda to further her education when she attended Atlanta University from 1876-78. At the time of her birth, her mother was 12 year old Julia Frances Dickson, a house servant belonging to Elizabeth Dickson. "Amanda America Dickson." [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. She was intermittently unconscious from nervous shock. One obituary said: though in possession of such riches, she made no gaudy display but lived a quiet, easy, and unpretending life. For newspaper articles concerning the Dickson estate and will, and Amanda Dickson, refer to The Atlanta Constitution June 12, 1893; June 14, 1887; June 19, 1887; November 15, 1885; July 5, 1885. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Sho was Mrs, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. [1]:7980, On July 6, 1885, probate judge R. H. Lewis ruled in favor of the will. As her father quickly began to rebuild using tenant farmers and establishing businesses including the Dickson Fertilizer Company in Augusta, Amanda also began to build her new life. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828-1978, Your Scrapbook is currently empty. The first such family was that of Captain Benjamin Fulsam, his wife, one son, and three . In 1866, 17-year-old Amanda married her white first cousin, Charles Eubanks, a recently returned Confederate Army veteran and together they had two children, Julian Henry and Charles Green. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Atlanta also has an "Amanda America Dickson" day they celebrate. 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. Amanda, then15, had a relationship with her 29-year old white cousin Charles Eubanks and had two sons, Julian and Leslie, near Rome, Georgia. Amanda America Dickson was born into slavery in Hancock County, Georgia. 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. Heiress, Socialite. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Amanda's father showered her with love and affection. Learn more about managing a memorial . You have chosen this person to be their own family member. 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. Appears in theFebruary/Marchissue of Augusta Magazine. You can always change this later in your Account settings. ." who was raised and educated in David's household. Walton, Frank, and their lawyer, E. J. Waring, were indicted by the grand jury of Baltimore, Maryland for conspiracy to kidnap Mamie Toomer. David Dickson was a rich white Georgian who attentively raised, educated, and supported Amanda America Dickson, the daughter he fathered by one of his many slaves. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Therefore, they either never officially married, or they married out of state before returning to Georgia (but there is no surviving proof of a legal marriage. Gabriel moved to Emanuel County, Georgia after his fathers death.David Lipscomb College, TN~ 1939 (Edna Waters)Harding College, Se Buy Woman of Color, Daughter of Privilege: Amanda America Dickson, 1849-1893: Amanda America Dickson, 1849-93: Read Books Reviews - Amazon.com . [3][4] Charles Green Eubanks married Kate Holsey, the daughter of Lucius Holsey, a bishop in the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church,[5] and his wife Harriet. [2] In what became known as the David Dickson Will Case, seventy-nine white relatives of David Dickson disputed the will in court, mainly arguing that David Dickson was not of a sound mind when he wrote the will, that he was "unduly influenced" by Amanda America and Julia Dickson, and that Amanda America was not his child. 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. Amanda America Dickson House. She married (or lived as if she was married to) Charles Eubanks, a white first cousin and Civil War veteran. [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. . 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. [1]:47. [1]:80 In November 1885, the trial in the Superior Court of Hancock County began, with the eventual ruling siding with Amanda America Dickson and her two sons. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. The Superior Court of Hancock County upheld her claim and the family appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court. By 1861, he was known as the "Prince of Georgia Farmers," having contributed perhaps more than any other farmer in Georgia at that time to the prosperity of the region. Amanda married first to her father's nephew, Charles Eubanks, in 1866-67 and they lived on a plantation in Rome, Georgia. According to obituaries, Amanda was a socialite involved in many types of philanthropic and charitable work, including donations to Paine College and Trinity CME Church (where her funeral was held]. In her childhood, she was taken into the Dickson family and tutored by her paternal grandmother Elizabeth Sholars Dickson. He never woke up. Daughter of David Dickson and Julia Frances Dickson To use this feature, use a newer browser. Explore genealogy for Charles Eubanks born 1835 Hancock County, Georgia including ancestors + descendants + more in the free family tree community. . of Thomas Eubanks and Nancy Dickson [sibling(s) unknown] Husband of Amanda America (Dickson) Toomer married about 1865 (to . The City of M. According to the Dickson family oral history, David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia quite openly became his concubine and housekeeper. [2] After Amanda was weaned, she was taken from her enslaved mother and maternal grandmother, Rose, to be raised in the household of her white paternal grandmother and mistress, Elizabeth Sholars Dickson. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. While more than 0 listings in Dickson, TN in January . . D > Dickson | T > Toomer > Amanda America (Dickson) Toomer, Categories: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Houston County, Georgia | Hancock County, Georgia, Slaves | US Black Heritage Project Managed Profiles | African-American Notables | Notables, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. His white relatives challenged the will but Dickson ultimately won a successful ruling in the case. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. 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. Amanda died just one year later after becoming ill during a trip to Baltimore with her husband. As a result, her health quickly deteriorated. She was the richest woman in the south, at that, a black woman during the civil war era. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Amanda America Dickson Born 20 Nov 1849 in Hancock County, Georgia Ancestors Daughter of David Dickson and Julia F Dickson [sibling (s) unknown] Wife of Nathan Toomer married 1892 in Hancock, Georgia Descendants Mother of Julian Henry Dickson and Charles Green Dickson Died 11 Jun 1893 [location unknown] 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. Add to your scrapbook. Because of racial discrimination, they were denied their first-class accommodations and direct, unimpeded travel to Augusta. A system error has occurred. without interference from any quarter. To discourage challenges to the will, anyone contesting it would lose their own bequest. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Dickson was born in 1849 to prominent Hancock County plantation owner David Dickson and a 12-year-old slave. MORE: Augusta Historical Marker Part of Georgia Civil Rights Trail The museum is located on the corner of 24th and Florin inside the Florin Business Arts Complex. In 1892 Dickson married Nathan Toomer of Perry. This house still stands on 452 Telfair Street. The disgruntled relatives then appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court decision in 1887. Toomer was also of mixed race. Dickson was born in 1849 to prominent Hancock County plantation owner David Dickson and a 12-year-old slave. Antebellum Hancock County, Georgia, was a place where black slaves outnumbered . She was the richest woman in the south, at that, a black woman during the civil war era. 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. Amanda Smith emerged as one of the A.M.E. Church's most effective missionaries and one of the most remarkable preachers ever known. Thanks for your help! [1]:4244 In her white grandmother's household, she learned to read, write, and play the piano, unlike what was permitted for her enslaved relatives. 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. By studying her life, one is able to gather information about the "The Way It Was" in the South during the 19th . That cotton was produced by the enslaved men, women and children of African heritage, on whose labor the wealth of the South depended. In the 1870s he built a handsome house for Amanda and her mother Julia and gave her some property. The bride and groom wanted an intimate family wedding and the ability to spend quality time with those they love the most. [1]:117 Nathan Toomer was a wealthy, educated African-American man of her class. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. I am proud to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson's daughter's child. Amandas family said her father became devoted to his daughter . Twelve-year-old Julia . David Dickson is a wealthy plantation owner in antebellum Georgia who fathers Amanda by raping one of his slaves, Julia. and to behave like a lady , according to biographer Kent Leslie. Her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was just 13 when she was born. In 1892, she married Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia. 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. Ultimately, eight months later on June 13, 1887, Samuel Hall and Mark Blanford of the Georgia Supreme Court also ruled in favor of Amanda America and her two sons, formally settling the dispute of David Dickson's will. Dickson was the daughter of wealthy Georgia plantation owner David Dickson (Sam Waterston), and his slave, Julia (Lisagay Hamilton). Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Enter a grandparent's name. a Sort of Mystery: Jean Toomers Georgia Heritage, Georgia Historical Quarterly 77 (winter 1993): 789-809. She was taken from her mother and lived . This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Leslie, Kent. [1]:36061. A. Dickson Toomer was, in her time, the wealthiest African-American woman in Georgia and possibly the United States. [1]:47, Throughout Amanda's childhood, her father became wealthier and more famous, renowned for his innovative and successful farming techniques. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Dickson left his estate to his mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson. Five of Dickson's descendants, from across the nation, are expected to attend the marker ceremony, Hock said. Because of anti-miscegenation laws, they couldn't legally marry in Georgia. A Loving Wife. The trial was held in the courthouse, where the will was decided in Amanda's favor. CONTENT MAY BE COPYRIGHTED BY WIKITREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. Have you taken a DNA test? Try again. Amanda America Dicksons life reflected the power of family and class to erode the boundaries of race in the nineteenth-century South. Read all Director John Kent Harrison Writers She was born. As a consequence, Amanda America Dickson's life unfolded within the boundaries of her father's social and economic power, her mother's conflicting loyalties, and her own evolving sense of self" (Page 32). Legally a slave owned by her white grandmother, the biracial child was reared in her father's household. . My fathers grandmother was a slave of David Dickson, which was Amanda's father. 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. 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. . [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. 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. 916-320-9573 sojomuseum@gmail.com. Clinging to his body, Amanda cried, "Now I am an orphan, though her mother was still alive. For Vinea Capitals Allan Soto, serving others is where his passion lies. Kent Anderson Leslie uses the events of Dickson's life to explore the forces driving southern race and gender . From a variety of sources, a great deal of information can be gathered on Mullato Amanda America Dickson, who exempted the traditional role of gender and racial inferiority in Antebellum and post-Civil War southern society. According to the Dickson family oral history, David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia quite openly became his concubine and housekeeper. [1]:123, Amanda America Dickson Toomer's funeral took place at the Trinity Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia. 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. Her mother was a household slave, assigned as David's housekeeper, and she was raped by him, producing Amanda. Kent Anderson Leslie. Atlanta also has an "Amanda America Dickson" day they celebrate. the Tifton church from a lady who hud just died in Florida. The next year, the couple had their first child, Julian, and Charles purchased land near Rome. "[1]:123 Amanda America Dickson Toomer died on June 11, 1893, with "complications of diseases" being the cause of death listed on her death certificate. 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. Understanding that the Anderson and Jeffers family is an interracial family they are challenged with many difficulties and . His white relatives contested the will. She was Mrs. her father's plantation, Hancock County, GA, United States, Charles "Charley" or Leslie Green Dickson, Amanda America "miss Mandy" Eubanks (born Dickson), Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers, 1791-1963, The Springfield Daily Union - June 15 1893, The Springfield Daily Union - June 23 1893. Features: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 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. Ashlee and Nesia discuss life as the owner of a basketball team, retirement and more. Amanda's family said her father "became devoted to his daughter . Born on November 21, 1849, baby Amanda's parents couldn't be more dissimilar her father, the renowned white agricultural plantation owner, and writer, David Dickson; her mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was an enslaved child-servant to Dickson's mother Elizabeth Sholars-Dickson. I read Dr. Kent Anderson Leslie's biography of Amanda Dickson Toomer several years. 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. She was the main heir to the estate of over 15,000 acres valued at $309,543. So, the same laws governed the rights and privileges of women of both races. Their mixed-race sons later married prominent members of Georgia society. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Nesia Wright, owner and CEO of the Georgia Soul Basketball Team. A. Dickson Toomer was, in her time, the wealthiest African-American woman in Georgia and possibly the United States. Dickson's lawyer asks, for example, to instigate one memory trip. The front porch is getting new crown molding and new columns. But the dreadful secret which has blighted her life threatens to deprive her of the birthright which her . Try again later. Julian married Eva Walton (1868-1933) and they had 5 children, Julia Frances II, David II, Henry, William and Isabel. Photojournalism: Amanda America Dickson Toomer 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. She was born November 20, 1849, on the Dickson Plantation, near Sparta, Georgia (Hancock County) to a famous 40-year-old plantation owner David Dickson and a 12-year-old enslaved girl, Julia . Toomer was born in 1839 in Chatham County, . Therefore, Elizabeth and David Dickson had no means to manumit Amanda and keep her with them in Georgia until the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, was ratified on December 6, 1865. Amanda America Dickson's life reflected the power of family and class to erode the boundaries of race in the nineteenth-century South. Amanda Dickson Toomer is known as one of the richest black women in the 1800s. "Amanda America Dickson." 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! You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. 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. By 1860, David Dickson, who earned a widespread reputation as an agricultural reformer, was the wealthiest planter in the county. Adella Hunt Logan, 1902 The Logan family are African Americans descended from Warren Logan and his wife Adella Hunt Logan. David Dickson's wife, Clara Harris Dickson, died the next day. She died at 5 p.m. June 11, 1893. Kent Anderson Leslie uses the events of Dickson's life to explore the forces driving southern race and gender . As Amanda grew, her grandmother used her as a domestic servant. Ancestors . According to the Dickson family oral history, David Dickson doted on Amanda, and Julia quite openly became his concubine and housekeeper. She bore two children from this marriage, Julian Henry and Charles Green. 1900), who married Kate Holsey, the daughter of Harriet and Bishop Lucius Holsey of Augusta. They serve as an inspiration and testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to succeed. Dickson, 1849-1893 (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1996); The Civil War, however, caused the loss of much of that wealth; for Amanda, the war brought legal freedom. Legally a slave owned by her white grandmother, the biracial child was reared in her father's household. She was the main heir to the estate of over 15,000 acres valued at $309,543. [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. Historical evidence suggests that DuSable must have settled in Chicago prior to 1779. 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. In 1873, Mr. Dickson deeded 1,560 acres of land worth $10,000 to Amanda. Degro woman in the United Staes has just died. 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). In 1890, Smith returned to the United States, and after two years of preaching and related work in the East, she settled in . 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. Please try again later. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. There was an error deleting this problem. Failed to report flower. He became known as a Harlem Renaissance writer, noted for his modernist novel Cane (1923). On December 26, 1894, they became parents to Jean Toomer. They were the parents of at least 4 sons and 3 daughters. Eubanks. [1]:117 Her health was fragile throughout her second marriage, as she had several health problems which required the continual attention of her family physician, Thomas D. [3], A House Divided (2000) is the television movie that depicts the life of Amanda America Dickson. . who was raised and educated in Davids household. . 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. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. The funeral was held at Trinity Colored Methodist Church, and she is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Richmond County, Georgia. The issue was settled when Charles died in 1871. Her birth was the result of the rape of her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. We extend our congratulations and best wishes; In New Georgia Encyclopedia. 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, Charles Eubanks. This 1,200 square foot home, which was built in 2018, sits on a 0.40 acre lot. Learn more about merges. Her father left his wealth to her.. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Hancock County, Georgia, US. Thank you for your time. New Georgia Encyclopedia, 10 March 2003, https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Son. My mother is a descendant of Amanda America Dickson. [1]:81100 Then, in March 1886, the white relatives filed their appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia. 20042023 Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press. Amanda Dickson Toomer Wife of Nathan ToomerA True Christian. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10337890/amanda-america-toomer. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. 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. Born 1835 in Hancock County, Georgia. [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. The first ovine . The problem with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Caribbean excursion wasn't the disastrous photo-ops which ranged from offensive to farcical, writes Kehinde Andrews. Find-A-Grave, Amanda America Dickson Toomer, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13428942; Mark Davids death and his surprising will became news throughout the country. discoveries. This house still stands on 452 Telfair Street. 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.