Laura S. Bixby (maiden name: Starr) was born on January 10, 1818, in Pennsylvania. She married William Bixby, and they had at least two children: Charles, born around 1843; and Orrin, born around 1846. Her husband worked as a minister, and they moved around New York every few years. By 1860, they were living in Cazenovia, New York, and they owned $4,000 of real estate.

 

She supported the Union war effort during the Civil War, and her son Charles served in the Union army. In July 1863, she declared that the “individual sacrifices which our brothers and sons have made for their country, and their unflinching bravery in the hour of deadly conflict, may never grace the historic page, but were it permitted to do justice to the heroes in the ranks and in subordinate offices, as well as among the chiefs of the army, many names now overlooked, would shine with an unfading lustre, and reflect enduring honor upon our nation.”

 

By 1880, they were living in Syracuse, New York. She died on April 11, 1883.

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