Olivia Ward Bush-Banks
Alizaliwa tarehe 27 Februari, 1869 huko Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York, akiwa mtoto wa mwisho kati ya watoto watatu wa kike akiwemo Eliza Draper na Abraham Ward, ambapo wote walikuwa na asili ya Kiafrika, Kimarekani na asili ya Montaukett. Mama yake Ward, alifariki kipindi ana umri wa miezi tisa, na baba yao alihama na familia yake kwenda Providence, Rhode Island. Wakati baba yake akioa tena huko, alimkabidhi Olivia kwa dada wa mama yake, Maria Draper kwa matunzo, ambapo mama huyu alimlea Olivia kama mwanae. She attended local schools in Providence, and studied nursing in high school. She also became interested in drama and poetry.