Lost Fortunes: The Wealthy Black Women Who Built Empires Before the Civil Rights Act—And Where Their Wealth Went (Part 14 of 28, Amanda America Dickson Toomer)

Wealthy heiress, Amanda America Dickson, emerged as one of the wealthiest African American women in the 19th century through a combination of inheritance and astute legal battles. Born into slavery in Hancock County, Georgia, she was the daughter of David Dickson, a prominent white planter, and Julia Frances Lewis, an enslaved girl owned by Dickson's mother who was 12 years old.

Excerpt from the Amanda America Dickson Toomer historical marker: "Amanda was raised and educated in the Dickson household. Upon his death in 1885, Dickson bequeathed most of his wealth to Amanda. Contested by White relatives, the will was confirmed by an all-male White jury in Hancock County, and upheld by the Georgia Supreme Court under the 14th Amendment."

Early Life

Amanda America Dickson's (1849-1893, also known as Amanda Eubanks, and Amanda America Dickson Toomer) life and relationship with her father was characterized by a level of care and provision that defied the typical dynamics of enslaved women and girls. David Dickson acknowledged Amanda as his daughter and played a significant role in her upbringing. He ensured she was raised in his household, under the supervision of his mother. 

David provided for her education, teaching her to read, write, and play the piano. He also imparted knowledge of social etiquette and business and financial management, preparing her for a life beyond that of the exploitation and abuse of the enslaved, including her own mother.

In 1866, Amanda left the plantation and started a family with her white cousin only to return in 1870 with her two sons. Her cousin died three years later. In 1876, at the age of 27, Amanda enrolled in the Normal School of Atlanta University in 1876, a pioneering institution for higher education among African Americans. She studied teaching there until 1878. This experience not only enhanced her knowledge but also prepared her to manage her affairs effectively, especially after inheriting her father's estate.

Acquisition of Wealth

By Amanda’s adult years, her father had become known as a wealthy and prominent planter. In the early 1880s, Dickson gave Amanda three-quarters interest in 13,000 acres of Texas farmland, several thousand dollars worth of property bonds, and a home in Augusta, where she and her mother often stayed during shopping trips.

When David Dickson died unexpectedly in 1885, his estate included thousands of acres of property in Georgia and Texas as well as the rights to his agricultural seeds and compounds. Scandal erupted statewide when it was discovered that Dickson willed the vast majority of his entire $300,000 estate (approximately $10 million today) to his only child, Amanda. Her inheritance included 17,000 acres of land. This substantial inheritance was contested by 79 of David's white relatives. The case escalated to the Georgia Supreme Court, which, in 1887, upheld Amanda's right to the inheritance, citing the Fourteenth Amendment to affirm her legal standing. ​

Management and Distribution of Wealth

After securing her inheritance, Amanda relocated to Augusta, Georgia, in 1886, where she purchased a seven-bedroom residence at 452 Telfair Street. This move not only signified her elevated social status but also positioned her within a diverse, multiracial neighborhood, reflecting her prominence in the community. In 1892 she married the African American farmer and businessman, Nathan Toomer.

Amanda had two sons from her first marriage to her white cousin. Upon her death in 1893, her estate was bequeathed to her sons. Each son received $100,000 (approximately $3.6 million today), and portions of the remaining $247,000 (approximately $7.3 million today) were allocated accordingly. Julian Henry inherited the Dickson plantation, while Charles Green eventually divorced and relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.

Generational Wealth and Descendants

The wealth Amanda amassed extended to her immediate descendants, particularly her two sons. Her mother and second husband petitioned and reached an agreement. However, the sustainability of this wealth across subsequent generations is less documented. Notably, Jared Williams, a contemporary legal professional, has publicly acknowledged his lineage as a descendant of Amanda America Dickson Toomer. In 2019, he expressed pride in his heritage, highlighting his connection to Amanda and his professional endeavors in Augusta, Georgia.

​Amanda’s Legacy

While Amanda's immediate descendants benefited from her estate, the extent to which this wealth has persisted through the generations remains unclear. Nonetheless, her legacy as a pioneering African American woman of substantial wealth continues to be recognized and honored.​

This is a financial education series of The New Lavilla. Find us at Thenewlavilla.com and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-lavilla and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thenewlavilla/