Josephine Airey eventually became the most influential landowner in Helena.
12 Facts About Josephine Airey
2.
Josephine Airey was known as "Chicago Joe" Hensley following her marriage to James T Hensley.
3.
Josephine Airey held a menial job, but this soon bored her, so she moved to Chicago where she took up prostitution.
4.
Josephine Airey left behind two sisters in Chicago who she supported throughout her career.
5.
Josephine Airey soon expanded her business; a fire in 1874 provided her with the opportunity of buying up property from those who could not afford to rebuild which made her the richest landowner on Wood Street.
6.
Josephine Airey was the owner of the "Grand", a large brothel on the corner of State and Joliet streets.
7.
Josephine Airey began to be known by the nickname of "Chicago Joe" Hensley.
8.
Josephine Airey was famed for her lavish style of dress, lifestyle and parties she and her husband regularly gave.
9.
An article in 1884 claimed that Josephine Airey had tricked girls into leaving Chicago to come work for her brothels.
10.
Josephine Airey's attorney was able to keep her out of legal troubles, but she was forced to reorganize her business and be less prominent in the town.
11.
Josephine Airey's death saddened the community and made front-page news.
12.
Josephine Airey's generosity was noted and she was buried in the cemetery at a Catholic church.