She was born at Bury, Lancashire, on October 30 1856. Her mother was Jane Fairclough and, as we do not know who her father was, Emma took the surname Fairclough.
Emma married William Armstrong at Church of Holy Trinity, Bury on Feb 13 1875. Vicar Frederick Wilson presiding. A noteworthy feature of their marriage certificate being that Emma, William and witness Esther Spiby (?) all made their marks. Only John Warburton, the other witness, was able to sign his name.
The 1881 census lists Emma as the 25 year old wife of William Armstrong, a 25 year old Hat Manufactr (Employing 6 Men, 9 Women and One Boy). They had one servant Maria Armstead (14) and the children: John (5 ), Sarah (2), and Fred (0 )
The 1891 census lists Emma as the 35 year old wife of William Armstrong, a 36 year old Retail Hatter living in Bury, Lancashire. Their children were: John (15 year old assistant hatter), Sarah (12 year old scholar), Fred (10 year old scholar) Joseph (8, scholar)
Nellie Armstrong said that Emma was very beautiful, and loved by her family.
The 1901 census lists Emma as the 45 year old wife of William Armstrong, a 47 year old Retail Hatter living in Rugby, Warwickshire. Three children were at home: Jessie (18 year old Hatter's assistant), Joe (14 year old student) and Nellie (9 year old student). Four children were living in the household of 25 year old John Armstrong in Bury. He was a felt hatter and hosier. His siblings were Sarah Jane Armstrong (22, assistant to hatter and hosier), Frederick (20, assistant to hatter and hosier), and William (16, assistant to hatter and hosier),
November 6, 1906 Emma died of cancer of the uterus in Rugby.