University of Virginia Library

RICHARD HARDAWAY WILLS

Richard Hardaway Wills the subject of this sketch
is a native of Nottoway County, Virginia, and was born
November 29th, 1872. He is a son of Edwin A. and
Martha E. (Hardaway)
Wills who now reside in
Roanoke, Virginia.
When a boy he attended
the country schools of
Amelia and Prince
George counties in his
native state, receiving a
practical education.
When quite a young
man he went to Petersburg
where he began
life as a clerk in a dry-goods
store. After two
years he went with
Miller & Rhoads of
Richmond where he remained
for fifteen years.
In 1907 he located in
Roanoke where he engaged
in mercantile pursuits. In October 1908 he
was elected City Clerk and Auditor which position he
filled most acceptably until June 1909, when he resigned
the position to again engage in merchandising.
After two years, or in March, 1911, he was made
Secretary of the Retail Merchants' Association of
Roanoke City. In the management of the affairs of
the retail merchants his ability was readily recognized,
and he soon received a flattering offer from the George
MacBain Company, Incorporated, to become office
manager and financial clerk of that large mercantile
establishment, which position he accepted in October,
1911.

On June 23, 1903, he married Margaret Bates,
daughter of Hugh B. and Sarah (Howard) Bates, of
Richmond, Virginia. To this union three interesting
children have been born; namely, Elizabeth, Martha,
and Richard Hardaway, Jr.