James P. Michie

James Poyntz Michie (September 26, 1864-August 28, 1921) was a well known resident of the city and founder of the Michie Grocery Company, which later enlarged and incorporated.

In 1896 he started a small store at Fifth and market streets, in which he carried a modest line of country products.

In the 1910 election, he ran for one of two open seats on the city council to represent the First Ward. Michie, who entered the race too late to get his name on the ballot, received 19 votes. L. T. Hanckel, Jr., and C. W. Hulfish received 73 and 65 votes, respectively.

In 1902 the Michie Grocery Company was incorporated with the following officers: J. P. Michie, president; F. W. Twyman, secretary and treasurer. The Board of Directors were J. P. Michie, F. W. Twyman, T. S. Kelller, G. B. Sinclair, and T. P. Peyton. In 1906 Michies was on the corner of South and 1st St, at 100 E. South Street. A third story was added to the building in 1915. Michie occupied the building until it built a new warehouse at 401 E. South St, in the mid-1920’s. It merged with the Albemarle Grocery Co. in 1929 to form the Albemarle-Michie Co., Inc. This building was occupied from the early 1930’s until 1973 by Charlottesville Supply Co., the plumbing supply division of Charlottesville Hardware. It was renovated in the 1980’s and housed A. G. Edwards and other offices.

He did at 5.40 in the afternoon of August 28, 1921 at his home on Eleventh Street, after an illness extending over several years.