Her parents were farmers and healthy people.

They were of average height, regular habits, slender build, and of rather nervous dispositions.
Laura inherited the physical characteristics of her mother.

In her infancy she was subject to convulsions, but at twenty months had improved, and at this time had learned to speak several words.

At the age of two years, in common with two of the other children of the family, she had an attack of severe scarlet fever.

Her sisters died, and she only recovered after both eyes and ears had suppurated; taste and smell were also markedly impaired.