University of Virginia Library

FRANCIS WILLIS MICHAEL

Among the leading merchants and business men of
Roanoke, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch.
Francis Willis Michael was born in Harford County,
Maryland, September
15th, 1874, and
is a son of Mr. and Mrs.
William Bush Michael.
He was educated at the
Episcopal High School
at Alexandria, Virginia,
and came to Roanoke in
1891. He was engaged
in the piano business for
a number of years, and
in 1906 purchased the
stock and good will of
The People's Furniture
Company, which is now
located at Nos. 111, 113,
and 115 Campbell Avenue.
This is one of the
leading houses of its
kind in Southwest Virginia,
and a commanding trade is enjoyed. A full line
of furniture, carpets, rugs, draperies, stoves, and pianos
is carried and "once a patron of this house, always a
patron" for the same uniform treatment is accorded to
all alike.

Mr. Michael also conducts the Cash Novelty Company,
located at Nos. 118 and 120 Salem Avenue, in
the building formerly occupied by Watt, Rettew &
Clay. He is a progressive citizen of Roanoke and one
who has aided materially in the upbuilding of this city
and section.

In 1900 he was married to Miss M. Pearl Pendleton,
a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. William Pendleton of
Floyd Courthouse, Virginia, and as a result of that
union they have one son Francis Pendleton Michael,
nine years of age.

Fraternally Mr. Michael is a member of the United
Commercial Travelers, The Travelers Protective
Association, and Red Men.

Religiously he is a member of Christ's Episcopal
Church. He resides in the Gainsborough Apartment
House on Commerce Street.