In 1861, Dr. William Wixom, a physician at a nearby mine, moved his wife and new daughter Emma to the Broad Street house in the thriving town of Nevada ("City" was added later). Young Emma displayed her tremendous musical talents very early, impressing an audience at age three with a dramatic rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner". In 1865, the Wixoms moved to Austin, Nevada where Emma's singing career blossomed.

While pursuing her education at Mills College in Oakland, Emma earned the nickname "Mockingbird of Mills". ("Listen to The Mockingbird" was one of her best-loved performances.) She pursued her musical training in Europe, where she took the stage name "Nevada" to honor her native city and state. She developed into a world-renowned coloratura, famous for her roles in Aida and Sonnambula.

Emma sang in Europe's major opera houses and performed for many royalties, including Queen Victoria. She married an Englishman, Dr. Raymond Palmer, and trained her daughter Mignon in classical music. She resided mainly in Paris and later in England, until her death in 1940.