Henrietta Baker Chanfrau

Henrietta Baker Chanfrau, also known as Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, (born Jeannette Davis, 1837–1909) was an American stage actress and vocalist active from 1854 into the 1880s. A critically lauded dramatic actress, she was married to the popular comedian Frank Chanfrau. While the couple rarely performed together, they were successful in promoting each other's careers through appearances together at public benefits. Henrietta leveraged her critical acumen to lend legitimacy to the low brow entertainments of her husband, and Frank used his fame and popularity to promote his wife's performances.

Life and career Jeannette Davis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States in 1837. At sixteen years old she adopted the stage name Henrietta Baker at the time of her debut as a singer in the summer of 1854 at the Assembly Buildings in Philadelphia under the management of Professor Mueller. Her stage debut as an actress was as Miss Apsley in The Willow Copse on September 9, 1854.

A short time afterward she became a member of the Arch Street Theatre. After two seasons, she left to become a leading actress at the Walnut Street Theatre. While working with this theatre company The following August she made her New York City debut with Chanfrau's company at Wallack's Theatre. often appearing in completely different locations at the same time.

She died in Burlington, New Jersey, September 21, 1909.

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