Josephine " Chicago Joe " Airey (c. 1844 – October 25, 1899), was an Irish-born American prostitute, madam, and proprietor of brothels, dance halls, a variety theatre, and saloons in Helena, Montana.

Falling on hard times financially, Josephine turned herself out and became a prostitute. After a few years, Josephine heard of the gold rush hitting Montana and traversed to the territory. At the age of twenty-three, Josephine opened the first brothel in Helena in a small log cabin.

One of the most prominent madams in Helena during this time was Josephine Airey “Chicago Joe” Hensley who, beginning in 1871, shrewdly manipulated a series of business deals to become “the queen of the city’s red light district.”

Josephine Hensley was an American prostitute, madam, and owner of brothels, dance halls, a variety theatre, and saloons in Helena, Montana. She became the most influential landowner in Helena.

Josephine " Chicago Joe " Airey (c. 1844 – October 25, 1899), was an Irish-born American prostitute, madam, and proprietor of brothels, dance halls, a variety theatre, and saloons in Helena, Montana. She eventually became the most influential landowner in Helena. She was known as "Chicago Joe" Hensley following her marriage to James T. Hensley.

Josephine " Chicago Joe " Airey (c. 1844:– October 25, 1899), was an Irish-born American pros*ute, madam, and proprietor of brothels, dance halls, a variety theatre, and saloons in Helena, Montana. She eventually became the most influential landowner in Helena. She was known as "Chicago Joe" Hensley following her marriage to James T. Hensley.

Josephine Airey would perhaps have never been ''heard of'' – save for Her ''creation'' of what would later become ''Burlesque''. The Irish-American Lass was born in 1844 Ireland, immigrating to The United States with her Family in 1858. They ''landed'' in the relatively harsh and criminally infested New York City.

Josephine Airey, född som Mary Welch år 1844 på Irland, död 25 oktober 1899 i Helena, Montana, var en amerikansk bordellägare, känd från Vilda Västerns legendflora. [1] Hon var även känd som "Chicago Joe" Hensley efter sitt giftermål med James T. Hensley.

Josephine "Chicago Joe" Airey (1844 – October 25, 1899), was an Irish-born American prostitute, madam, and proprietor of brothels, dance halls, a variety theatre, and saloons in Helena, Montana. She eventually became the most influential landowner in Helena. She was known as "Chicago Joe" Hensley following her marriage to James T. Hensley.

Josephine Airey was an Irish-born American prostitute, madam, and proprietor of brothels, dance halls, a variety theater, and saloons in Helena, Montana. She eventually became the most influential landowner in Helena.