Heritage of Black Highlanders Collection, UNCAsheville Ramsey Library
John Henry McGinness:  bhcP77.10.4.2.31

Tailor at 44 South Market Street

[1879-1972]

EARLY 1900'S-1942

J. H. MCGINNESS TAILOR SHOP

CLEANING, PRESSING, DYEING

44 MARKET STREET

The above was a familiar sign on a front window of the Masonic Temple Building. There he worked from the early 1900's to 1942. During this time he taught tailoring to veterans of World Wars I and II.

July, 1942, Mr. McGinness, with his wife Carrie, moved to Washington, D. C. to join his children, John Henry, Jr., a Chef Cook and Sarah Amarintha, a Professional Registered Nurse.

October, 1942 - July, 1947, he served on a tour of duty in the State Department as a United States Special Police.

September, 1947 - 1951, taught tailoring to war veterans at the Lofton School of Tailoring in Washington, D. C.

September, 1951 - July, 1967, tailoring in his home shop until he retired at the age of eighty-eight - still able to thread a needle with the aid of glasses.

He was active in civic and church affairs for which he was cited for faithful service many times until Sunday, November 12, 1972. On this date, while Mr. McGinness was preparing for church service, God called him to his eternal rest.