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Foster Black

Magnolia Cemetery
Location:
(1844-1903)

Foster Black was born to Scots-Irish parents in 1844.  He arrived in the United States in 1871.  He moved to Norfolk County in 1889 and soon after he began operating the Atlantic City Mills.  Over the next few years, he opened additional facilities including the Chesapeake Knitting Mill in 1890, the Elizabeth Cotton Mills in 1893.  These business ventures proved very successful and Black became a major supplier to consumers around the country.  In addition to his mills, he was also a founder of the Merchant and Planter’s Bank of Berkley as well as serving as president of the People’s Bank of Berkley.  Black was one of the most successful businessmen in Norfolk County during this time.  He died in 1903.

Reference:

William H. Stewart, History of Norfolk County Virginia and Representative Citizens, (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1902), 570-571.  Also see, Obituary of Foster Black, Baltimore Sun, March 17, 1903.

Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.

Visitor Information

Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Free parking inside cemetery.

Admission Cost: Free

Address: Lancaster Street & Berkley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23523

Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries

Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: www.norfolksocietyforcemeteryconservation.org