Born: 1867 (circa), United States
Died: 20 May 1913
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Lady Flo
Known as “Lady Flo,” socialite, cattle rancher and philanthropist Florida J. Wolfe met her common-law husband, Delaval James Beresford, while she was working at the American consul in Mexico as a nurse. Together, they built up his cattle ranch holdings in Juarez in the late 1800s, but it was illegal for the African-American Wolfe to marry the white Irishman Beresford, or for the couple to live together. They would travel to El Paso to host parties, donating money to the local fire and police departments.
When Beresford died in 1906, Wolfe inherited his property, but had to fight his family in court for years when they contested the will. She was victorious, affirming her right to her inheritance of $15,000 and a few hundred cattle in 1911.
She is buried in the Concordia Cemetery, where visitors claim to see her moving across the grounds in a white dress.