From Slave to Water Magnate

Sarah Gammon, Daughter of North Carolina Negro slaves left Tennessee after the slaves were freed to go to Virginia City, Montana. In exchange for her ride to Virginia City, she played nanny to Judge Murphy's children. Judge Murphy had been called to serve as a magistrate in Virginia City, Montana. In 1883 Sarah married a Vigilante and became Mrs. Bickford. They had four children together. Mrs. Bickford later became the owner of the Virginia City Water Company. She had also bought several properties in Virginia City and in and around the City and County of Missoula, Montana.