University of Virginia Library

WALTER COOK MICHAEL

Walter Cook Michael, the subject of this sketch, was
born at Perryman, Harford County, Maryland, February
6th, 1878, and is a son of James H. and Harriet
Elizabeth (Keen)
Michael. He was educated
in the schools of
his native state and
Roanoke City, his parents
having removed to
this place in 1890 and
remained here for two
years. They returned
to Harford County,
Maryland, and Mr.
Michael was engaged in
farming for a period of
about three years. In
1895 he went to Baltimore
and accepted a
position with the Pikesville
Dairy Company,
remaining with that concern
until 1900 when he
resigned and accepted a position with Henkelman,
Jackson & Company. He worked for this firm for
eighteen months and resigned to accept the management
of the Dairy Company by which he was formerly
employed.

In 1906 Mr. Michael came to Roanoke and established
a bakery at No. 501 Commerce Street. This
plant is the cleanest and most sanitary in this section
of the State and is equipped with all the latest and most
modern appliances for baking bread, cakes, pastries, etc.
Goods are delivered to all sections of the city and special
attention is given to the out-of-town trade, which is
steadily on the increase. Mr. Michael enjoys a commanding
trade throughout this city and section and
has made hosts of friends during his sojourn in this city.

In October, 1901, he was united in marriage to Margaret
C. Streett, daughter of James P. and Louisa
(Ramsey) Streett, of Harford County, Maryland, and as
a result of that union they have two sons, James Walter,
and John Hayward Michael.

Fraternally he is a member of the United Commercial
Travelers, Travelers Protective Association, Royal
Arcanum, Retail Merchants' Association and the
Chamber of Commerce. Religiously he is a member of
the Second Presbyterian Church.