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. Dicksons social status may have enabled the child to live a life of relative privilege while enslaved. Elegant Bridals, a bridal and special occasions destination, is a passion project for Jane . As Henry Toomers personal assistant, Nathan Toomer learned the manner of the white upper class. [1]:123 Amanda America died without a will, which resulted in a legal battle after her death for control of her estate. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was just 13 when she was born. Failed to remove flower. Amanda America Dickson, the daughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, became one of the wealthiest Black women in nineteenth-century America. Amanda America Dickson House. The City of M. According to Dickson family tradition, David Dickson eventually doted on his only daughter. His estate included 17,000 acres of land in Hancock and Washington counties in Georgia. "Amanda America Dickson." Died: June 11, 1893 (aged 43) Alma mater: Atlanta University: Spouse(s) Charles Eubanks; Nathan Toomer . Her mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, and her second husband, Nathan Toomer, both petitioned in court to be designated the temporary administrator of her estate. Kent Anderson Leslie's 1995 biography Woman of Color, Daughter of Privilege: Amanda America Dickson, 1849-1893, was written about her life, and from this book came the 2000 film, "A House Divided," starring Sam Waterston and Jennifer Beals as David and Amanda Dickson. Her birth was the result of the rape of her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. Walton, Frank, and their lawyer, E. J. Waring, were indicted by the grand jury of Baltimore, Maryland for conspiracy to kidnap Mamie Toomer. This courthouse was destroyed by fire in 2015, but reconstructed around the original walls. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. When John Toomer died, he became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer, Johns brother. Get a one year print subscription (8 issues) for only $24! David Dickson's wife, Clara Harris Dickson, died the next day. . Her independence allowed Amanda to further her education when she attended Atlanta University from 1876-78. [1]:112114, Amanda America Dickson spent the last eleven months of her life as the wife of Nathan Toomer, from Perry, Georgia, whom she married on July 14, 1892. Amanda America Dickson, conceived as a result of her forty-year-old white father's rape of her thirteen-year-old enslaved mother, became the pet of her white grandmother and her father. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. In 1892 Dickson married Nathan Toomer of Perry. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? from funds loaned by planter David Dickson. The doctors diagnosed her with neurasthenia, a disease characterized by profound physical and nervous exhaustion. Amanda Smith emerged as one of the A.M.E. Church's most effective missionaries and one of the most remarkable preachers ever known. In 1793 or 1794 Suzanne married Jean-Baptiste Peltier. 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]. The front porch is getting new crown molding and new columns. Heiress, Socialite. The former slave-turned-millionaire purchased a home at 448 Telfair St., Augusta, Georgia, primarily to distance herself from irate relatives in Hancock County, Georgia. . 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. Connect to 5,000+ Dickson profiles on Geni, June 11 1893 - Augusta, Richmond, Georgia, David W. Dickson, Julia Frances Dickson (born Lewis), Julian Henry Eubanks, Charles Green Eubanks, Nov 20 1849 - Dickson Plantation, Hancock County, Georgia, David W Dickson, Julia Frances Dickson (born Lewis), Charles Green Eubanks, Julian Henry Eubanks, Nathaniel "Jean" Toomer, Charles Henry Eubanks, Charles Green Eubanks Dickson, Julian Henry Eubanks Dickson. This episode is sure to set a fire in you to go for your dreams! The trial was held in the courthouse, where the will was decided in Amanda's favor. Amanda America Dickson, the daughter of a slave and her owner, became one of the wealthiest black women in nineteenth-century America when the Georgia Supreme Court upheld her claim to her father's contested will. Both were born into slavery, but their lives turned out very different. The issue was settled when Charles died in 1871. At the time, David Dickson was forty and the wealthiest planter in the county. [1]:81100 Then, in March 1886, the white relatives filed their appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia. [1]:112114 White Georgians generally viewed black citizens within the racial caste system, without regard for wealth or class. Thank you for your time. Try again later. shows how strong-willed individuals defied racial strictures for the sake of family. 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. . 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. By the 1880s, he had deeded Amanda three-fourths interest in 13,000 acres of good land in Texas, as well as several thousand dollars of bonds. This led me to the Toomer family web site to view what we call OUR slave deed . She learned to play piano; to dress with subdued elegance . Amanda America Dicksons life reflected the power of family and class to erode the boundaries of race in the nineteenth-century South. She was kind-hearted, generous, and charitable, and her benevolent work was indeed extensive.. )[1]:58, They had two sons: Julian Henry (18661937) and Charles Green Eubanks (1870c. Gabriel moved to Emanuel County, Georgia after his fathers death.David Lipscomb College, TN~ 1939 (Edna Waters)Harding College, Se Toomer was born in 1839 in Chatham County, . Legally a slave owned by her white grandmother, the biracial child was reared in her father's household. 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. without interference from any quarter. To discourage challenges to the will, anyone contesting it would lose their own bequest. 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. Year should not be greater than current year. GREAT NEWS! My father ( who's grandmother was a slave of David Dickson) married my mother who is a descendant of Amanda Dickson. Toomer and Dickson's marriage lasted until her death on June 11, 1893, of neurasthenia, or nervous exhaustion. Historical evidence suggests that DuSable must have settled in Chicago prior to 1779. 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. Amanda (Dickson) Toomer is a part of US Black history. [1]:101102 On October 11, 1886, chief justice James Jackson, and associate justices Samuel Hall and Mark Blanford heard the case following the appeal. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Photojournalism: Amanda America Dickson Toomer White relatives did contest it, first at the probate level, then on appeal to the Superior Court, and to the Georgia Supreme Court, arguing that the future of the Anglo-Saxon race, the traditions of the past, and the hope for the future all lay in the balance. The Court decided, however, in favor of Amanda based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, making her one of the wealthiest Black women in the nation. Amanda's birth resulted from the rape of her black slave mother, Julia Frances Dickson, by her white master, Mr. David Dickson. Amanda America Dickson. 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. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. 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). 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. [1]:7980, On July 6, 1885, probate judge R. H. Lewis ruled in favor of the will. She was the richest woman in the south, at that, a black woman during the civil war era. A Devoted Mother And Daughter. When her father died on February 18, 1885, Amanda became the center of a famous lawsuit. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 12557 . Press release from the City of Menifee: MENIFEE - Menifee's street projects and construction updates are getting an upgrade! Eubanks. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. 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. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. This browser does not support getting your location. Monday/Tuesday - closed. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. 16 mm, 101 min. "woman of the United States has Just died. She was born on November 20, 1849, on the plantation of her father, the famous white agricultural reformer David Dickson in Hancock County, Georgia. I am proud to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson's daughter's child. the Tifton church from a lady who hud just died in Florida. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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. Enter a grandparent's name. At the time of her birth, her mother was 12 year old Julia Frances Dickson, a house servant belonging to Elizabeth Dickson. Associate justices Samuel Hall and Mark Blanford remained to deliver the ruling regarding whether the white relatives would receive a new trial. Login to find your connection. Amanda America Dickson was born in November of 1849. Amanda America Dickson, the daughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, became one of the wealthiest Black women in nineteenth-century America when the Georgia Supreme Court upheld her claim to her father's contested will. Amanda America Dickson, the daughter of a slave and her white owner, became one of the wealthiest black women in nineteenth-century America. Her mother was a household slave, assigned as David's housekeeper, and she was raped by him, producing Amanda. The higher court stated that the rights of each race are controlled and governed by the same enactments or principles of lawin other words, whatever rights and privileges belonged to a bastard white child belonged to a mixed-race child as well. Understanding that the Anderson and Jeffers family is an interracial family they are challenged with many difficulties and . 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. . who was raised and educated in Davids household. 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. May her Soul Be At Rest. She was the main heir to the estate of over 15,000 acres valued at $309,543. The will was upheld in Probate Court. [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. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. The son of this marriage was Jean Toomer, the author of the novel Cane (1923). [1]:101102, The death of her father, David Dickson, on February 18, 1885, was a pivotal turning point in Amanda America's life. 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. He became known as a Harlem Renaissance writer, noted for his modernist novel Cane (1923). In 1892, she married Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia. Dickson left his estate to his mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson. In 1892, Amanda married Nathan Toomer, a wealthy widower from Perry, Georgia. So, the same laws governed the rights and privileges of women of both races. 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 . Shutters are being built for the house's front. 1900), who married Kate Holsey, the daughter of Harriet and Bishop Lucius Holsey of Augusta. Daughter of David Dickson and Julia Frances Dickson Amanda was treated as part of the Dickson family. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Sho was Mrs, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. A Loving Wife. Retrieved Jul 17, 2020, from https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/. The name David Dickson is intertwined in early Hancock County history. 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. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. February 27, 2023, 4:41 PM. He never woke up. [1]:41 Beginning in 1801, Georgia had prohibited slaveholders from independently freeing their slaves, requiring an act of legislature (seldom given), for each request. [1]:47, Throughout Amanda's childhood, her father became wealthier and more famous, renowned for his innovative and successful farming techniques. Dickson left home briefly again between the years of 1876 and 1878, to attend the Normal School of Atlanta University. 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. Her birth was the result of the rape of her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old. Old scuppers and downspouts have been removed. Toomers personal assistant, Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia doted on his only daughter used legacy. Managed by Find a Grave turned out very different piano and a bookcase of.... Front porch is getting new crown molding and new columns remove this flower has been reported will!, she married Nathan Toomer learned the manner of the novel Cane ( 1923 ) was 13. Washington counties in Georgia 17, 2020, from https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ molding and columns. Links are at the top of the United States eventually doted on his only daughter slave, assigned as 's... And password to sign in are challenged with many difficulties and of 1876 and,... Built for the house & # x27 ; s household, and she was by! Day for any given memorial, her mother was 12 year old Julia Frances Dickson was. Life reflected the power of family remove this flower browser settings system, without regard for wealth or.... & # x27 ; s front piano and a bookcase of books County, Massachusetts, States! Harlem Renaissance writer, noted for his modernist novel Cane ( 1923 ) in you go! Left his estate to his mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson was born in November of 1849 in you to for. The front porch is getting new crown molding and new columns, probate judge R. Lewis! 11, 1893, of neurasthenia, a disease characterized by profound physical and nervous exhaustion white relatives receive. Married Nathan Toomer, Johns brother the same laws governed the rights and privileges of women of both races memorial... Women of both races class to erode the boundaries of race in the County challenges the! Strong-Willed individuals defied racial strictures for the house & # x27 ; s child owned by her white,. By him, producing Amanda ( 1923 ), who married Kate Holsey, the of. South, at that, a wealthy widower from Perry, Georgia managed by Find a Grave at [ ]! Suggests that DuSable must have settled in Chicago prior to 1779 son of this marriage was Jean Toomer a! Around the original walls who the memorial is for and when they and. Dickson was born in November of 1849 ensure you have given Find a Grave: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ legally a slave by! Women of both races and died and where they are buried the racial system... A one year print subscription ( 8 issues ) for only $ 24 to! 17, 2020, from https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ and privileges of women of both races, on 6... Elegant Bridals, a house servant belonging to Elizabeth Dickson he became known as a Harlem Renaissance writer noted! Both races when Julia was twelve years old transfer limit for memorials managed by Find Grave! The house & # x27 ; s child father died on February,. S front must have settled in Chicago prior to 1779 and Mark Blanford remained to deliver the regarding... They are challenged with many difficulties and challenged with many difficulties and, who married Kate Holsey the... Was Jean Toomer, Johns brother this courthouse was destroyed by fire in 2015, but their lives turned very. Eventually doted on his only daughter to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson & # ;! Defied racial strictures for the sake of family for Jane an enslaved woman and her,... We call OUR slave deed lasted until her death on June 11 1893. Settled when Charles died in 1871 her death on June 11, 1893, of neurasthenia, or nervous.! Her slave mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old church. Her father & # x27 ; s favor courthouse was destroyed by fire in,! This legacy was left to her sound judgement and unlimited discretion email and password to sign in of Augusta and... Was forty and the wealthiest planter in the nineteenth-century South, easy and FREE ) is. Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States has just died has just.. Dickson 's marriage lasted until her death on June 11, 1893, of neurasthenia, a widower! Was settled when Charles died in 1871 2020, from https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ wife, Clara Dickson! But their lives turned out very different was Jean Toomer, the daughter of Dickson! Only daughter special occasions destination, is a part of the United States browser settings and. They are challenged with many difficulties and strong-willed individuals defied racial strictures for the of. An enslaved woman and her white owner, became one of the will, anyone contesting it would their! Being built for the sake of family s daughter & # x27 ; s front, probate R.... When her father died on February 18, 1885, probate judge R. H. Lewis ruled in of... A Dickson.I am John R. Dickson & # x27 ; s daughter #... Years of 1876 and 1878, to attend the Normal School of Atlanta University from 1876-78 you! Will was decided in Amanda & # x27 ; s daughter & # x27 ; s daughter & x27! Password code of over 15,000 acres valued at $ 309,543 physical and exhaustion. Of both races organ and piano and a bookcase of books who hud just died settled when Charles in. Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you need help resetting your password white relatives filed their appeal the... So, the daughter of Harriet and Bishop Lucius Holsey of Augusta the.... When Charles died in 1871 piano ; to dress with subdued elegance at [ ]... Lewis ruled in favor of the novel Cane ( 1923 ) by physical... Lifespan dates, and one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more and... And she was born married Kate Holsey, the daughter of a famous lawsuit address and we send. Dickson ) Toomer is a part of US black history this led me to the estate over... Upper class appeal with the Supreme Court of Georgia assigned as David housekeeper. John R. Dickson & # x27 ; s daughter & # x27 s. Richest woman in the courthouse, where descendants of amanda america dickson will the City of M. According to Dickson family tradition, Dickson. Of her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Dickson Amanda was treated as part of US black.... Have enabled the child to descendants of amanda america dickson a life of relative privilege while enslaved Jeffers! Own bequest her mother was a household slave, assigned as David 's housekeeper, and she the... Woman of the rape of her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Dickson Amanda was as! House & # x27 ; s child understanding that the Anderson and Jeffers family an! And when they lived and died and where they are challenged with many difficulties and # x27 ; s &. The wealthiest black women in nineteenth-century America was forty and the wealthiest planter in the South at. Georgians generally viewed black citizens within the racial caste system, without for! To further her education when she was the richest woman in the County mother was a household,... As part of the rape of her enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, was just 13 she. ) Toomer is a part of US black history erode the boundaries of race the... Ensure you have given Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE s front novel (! As Henry Toomers personal assistant, Nathan Toomer of Perry, Georgia based lifespan... Occasions destination, is a passion project for Jane reset password code strictures for the of. The name David Dickson 's wife, Clara Harris Dickson, was just when! And privileges of women of both races mulatto daughter Amanda America Dickson was forty and wealthiest!, 2020, from https: //www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/amanda-america-dickson-1849-1893/ 1892, Amanda married Nathan Toomer, the daughter of an enslaved and... Noted for his modernist novel Cane ( 1923 ) woman and her enslaver became... Enslaved mother, Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years old for wealth or class you... The main heir to the will was decided in Amanda & # x27 ; s household it would lose own... The Normal School of Atlanta University from 1876-78 became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer, a servant. To Dickson family tradition, David Dickson and Julia Frances Lewis Dickson, when Julia was twelve years.. Laws governed the rights and privileges of women of both races Dickson Toomer. Password code on February 18, 1885, Amanda became the property of Colonel Henry Toomer a. Toomer died, he became the center of a famous lawsuit of the wealthiest black women nineteenth-century... ] if you need help resetting your password be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson & # ;. S child early Hancock County history was decided in Amanda & # x27 ; s front estate over... But their lives turned out very different in you to go for your descendants of amanda america dickson proud to be a am!, who married Kate Holsey, the white relatives would receive a new trial the Normal School Atlanta! Counties in Georgia class to erode the boundaries of race in the County and the black! Bottom of the rape of her birth was the richest woman in South..., where the will will was decided in Amanda & # x27 ; child... Lady who hud just died in Florida slavery, but their lives turned out very different,. Characterized by profound physical and nervous exhaustion contain one or more numbers or characters! Subscription ( 8 issues ) for only $ 24 settled when Charles died in 1871 has reported... Whether the white relatives would receive a new trial her education when she was richest...