17 Facts About Julia Wilbur

Julia Wilbur was an American abolitionist and suffragist.

Julia Wilbur kept a diary during the Civil War and in it she records events of historical significance as well as everyday happenings that provide a picture into life during that time.

Julia Wilbur is noted to have worked alongside Susan B Anthony to establish voting rights for women.

Julia Wilbur was an early member and later secretary of the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society, which helped fund Frederick Douglass' newspaper.

Julia Ann Wilbur was born on August 8,1815, in Milan, New York, the third child of Stephen Wilbur and Mary Lapham.

Julia Wilbur attended Nine Partners Boarding School in Dutchess County, New York, from 1829 to 1831.

Julia Wilbur's mother died in 1835 and her father soon after remarried.

Julia Wilbur remained at home helping to raise her siblings before she moved to Rochester, New York, in 1844 to become a teacher.

Julia Wilbur became involved with the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society early on, in which capacity she acted as a correspondence secretary.

Unfortunately, Julia Wilbur's life changed dramatically in April 1858, after her sister, Sarah, died, leaving Julia Wilbur to become the guardian of Sarah's daughter Freda.

Luckily, Julia Wilbur's devastation did finally lift - this emotional shift being caused in large part by her move to Alexandria, Virginia in October 1862.

Julia Wilbur agreed, and worked in Alexandria from November 1862 to February 1865.

Julia Wilbur worked there alongside Harriet Jacobs, who moved to Alexandria in January 1863.

Julia Wilbur solicited clothing and other supplies from groups up north, which she distributed from a makeshift "clothing room" in an occupied house on Washington Street.

Julia Wilbur made several trips to Richmond and Fredericksburg to provide supplies and to witness and report on conditions for formerly enslaved populations.

Julia Wilbur served as a clerk and worked with the Patent Office until she was almost 80 years old.

Julia Wilbur spent her last years living in Washington DC with her sister, Frances, until her death in 1895.