Uncrowned Community Builders

Josephine Henderson Fairbush was born in Canada, possibly St. Catherines as her grandfather lived there in 1898 the year of her marriage and gave the bride away. According to the 1910 census she moved to the States in 1890 and was a naturalized citizen.

Mrs. Fairbush and Nelson S. Fairbush were married on January 22, 1898 at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. They were married until Nelson's death in 1911. The couple had no children. Josephine was a hairdresser.

Mrs. Fairbush died just 18 months after her husband. She was 38 years old. The following was published in the February 12, 1913 edition of the New York Age.

"Mrs. Fairbush, by her lovable disposition and kind feelings to all, was loved by the entire community. She was the first and only colored woman to hold a responsible position in the leading hair store of Buffaloâ??Minnehan'sâ?? patronized only by the ultra-fashionable. She was the leading alto-singer of St. Philips Church where her husband was choirmaster for years. Deceased was past matron of Naomi Chapter. No. 10, O. E. S. Ritualistic services were held over her remains and Rector J. C. Livingston conducted the funeral from the church. The Rev. J. Edward Nash conducted the services at the house. Deceased leaves one brother and a devoted mother, Mrs. George Moore."