Born: 1879 (Los Angeles, California)
Died: 1930
Fanny Weston Bixby Spencer (November 6, 1879 – April 30, 1930), also known as Fanny Bixby, was an American philanthropist and anti-war writer. She was one of the country’s earliest policewomen, joining the fledgling Long Beach police force in January 1908. Born in Los Angeles, California, Fanny grew up as the youngest of nine surviving children of Jotham Bixby and Margaret Hathaway Bixby. Her father, Jotham, arrived in California in 1852 and became a prominent figure in the state, acquiring major landholdings including the 27,000-acre Rancho Los Cerritos in what is now Long Beach.
Coming from a wealthy background, Fanny Bixby grew up with privilege and opportunities. However, she was not content with a life of luxury alone. Throughout her life, she displayed a remarkable dedication to philanthropy, making significant contributions to various causes. When she passed away in 1930, her $2.5 million estate became the largest ever probated in Orange County up to that point.
Fanny’s childhood was marked by the presence of her grandfather, George Whitefield Hathaway, a prominent abolitionist and Unitarian minister. She was deeply influenced by his activism and dedication to social justice. In her pamphlet entitled How I Became a Socialist, Fanny Bixby wrote about her grandfather’s abolitionist activities, including his role in the Underground Railroad.
Education played an important role in Fanny Bixby’s life. She attended the Marlborough School and the Pomona Preparatory School in Los Angeles. Later, she enrolled at Wellesley College, where she studied sociology under the guidance of Emily Greene Balch, who would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946. Although Fanny did not complete her degree at Wellesley, her time there further fueled her commitment to social causes.
Even during her college years, Fanny actively engaged in philanthropic work. She worked at the Denison Settlement House in Boston, founded by Balch, and the Nurse’s Settlement House in San Francisco. After leaving college, Fanny returned to Long Beach, where she founded the Newsboy Club. Housed in the basement of a building owned by her father, the club provided a safe space for newspaper delivery boys to gather, away from the streets. Fanny even took on the role of teaching some of the newsboys to read.
Throughout her life, Fanny Bixby Spencer generously donated to various civic causes. She played a crucial role in the establishment of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, which she founded in 1907. Additionally, she helped found the town of Costa Mesa, California. Fanny and her husband opened their farm in Orange County to inner-city youth, providing them with an alternative to gangs and delinquency.
In 1908, Long Beach formed its police force, and Fanny Bixby was invited to join as a special police matron. Her extensive philanthropic work and dedication to the city made her a valuable addition to the force. On January 1, 1908, she was sworn in, becoming one of the earliest policewomen in the United States.
Fanny Bixby Spencer’s life and work exemplify her commitment to improving society and fighting for social justice. As a philanthropist and policewoman, she left an indelible mark on her community. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations to champion causes that benefit society as a whole.