Josephine Napoleon Leary was born in slavery 1856 and freed 1865 when 9 years old. Josephine stepped into her new world of freedom intent on proving slavery would not define her life. She set out with determination to use her freedom in accomplishment and success, enjoying life while overcoming hurdles and odds against her. With no formal education Josephine maneuvered the local real estate market along with Edenton’s leading citizens reaching extraordinary success. Josephine became a barber when she married Sweety Leary, a barber, in 1873. Disaster struck in 1893 when fire destroyed the block where Josephine had major investments. Without hesitation she was the first to rebuild, creating the still standing beautiful JN Leary building displaying her name and year built,1894 across the top. She died in 1912, her investments at death totaled $8,825. Today, a paltry sum, but current relative share of GDP output would be valued at over $10 million.