#Hidden Herstory
79 vs 1: Amanda America Dixon Toomer
The timing of David Dickson’s death made all the difference for his formerly enslaved only child.
An improbability held my attention for what seemed like hours, but truly it was about three minutes. I rubbed my eyes several times thinking this would clear the obvious mirage in front of me, but it remained on the page.
The page in question was a record of the births of Willis Roberts’ children. Willis Roberts was my third great grandfather. The names of his white children were written marquis style on the page. Jerry Roberts, Willis’ first-born child, was wedged in above the listing of Willis’ white children.
Someone intended J.B. Roberts to be acknowledged, but for what reason?
Jerry did not inherit any of his father’s wealth. My industrious second great grandfather made his way in life by working land he purchased in 1875. Some offspring of master-enslaved person relationships were heirs to their father’s fortunes. One incredible example is the story of Amanda America Dickson Toomer.
Amanda’s story needs to be told because it emphasizes the importance of civil rights laws.
