Julia Billings

“March is Women's History Month! Today we honor the life of Julia Parmly Billings (1835-1914).

Juila's father was the leading dentist in NYC in the 1830’s, and she therefore came from a very well connected and elite family. She came from a strong abolitionist family too, they even had John Brown over for dinner!

As a young woman growing up in a wealthy NYC family she attended many lectures: Charles Dickens, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ralph Waldo Emerson etc.

Julia married Frederick Billings in 1862 at the age of 26, after a three week courtship. When they met in 1862 her letters begin “to Mr. Billings” and within two weeks, “to my beloved Fred.” They were married in three. Had a honeymoon in Philadelphia, a quick reception in New York City, then headed to San Francisco for a year.

Julia had seven children over the course of twelve years (1863-1875). The first was born in San Francisco, the rest were born in Woodstock, VT.

Unfortunately, from 1889-1890 two of her sons and her husband died. Frederick willed the property to stay intact after his death, under Julia Billings, so she was well taken care of.

After tragedy, Julia began her larger philanthropies. She became a supporter of the YWCA at the turn of the century, and introduced her daughters to the organization.

Journals reveal an extensive social and familial network of people visiting Julia wherever she went.

Overall, Julia made a positive impact on her friends, family and community.

1. WomensHistoryMonth #JuliaParmlyBillings”

Photographs courtesy of the Billings Family Archives.