Laura, Frederick, Elizabeth, Ehrick (1872-1889), and finally Richard. Mary was the fourth child, after her brother Frederick and before her sister Elizabeth. The Parmly Billings Memorial Library, now called the Western Heritage Center, is named for Mary's brother Parmly.

Billings French grew up in a wealthy family during the Gilded Age. Her father Frederick was one of the wealthiest men in California and was considered