Updated November 24, 2022
Background
Norfolk was located in Norfolk County, which is now extinct. The city took the name from the former home of an early settler, Adam Thoroughgood, who was a native of the county of Norfolk in England. Norfolk was established in 1680 by an act of assembly. It was incorporated as a town in 1736 and as a city in 1845. Norfolk was enlarged in 1906 by annexation of the town of Berkeley.
Parishes
East Parish, Upper Norfolk County, 1643-1646
Elizabeth River Parish, New Norfolk Co., 1636-1637; Upper Norfolk Co., before 1643-1643; Lower Norfolk Co., before 1643-1691; Norfolk Co., 1691
Lower Parish, Upper Norfolk County, 1643-1646
Lynnhaven Parish, Lower Norfolk County, 1643-1691
Portsmouth Parish, Norfolk County, 1761
Saint Brides, Norfolk County, 1761
South Parish, Upper Norfolk County, 1643-1646
Upper Parish, Upper Norfolk County, 1643-1646
West Parish, Upper Norfolk County, 1643-1646
[For sake of clarity all parishes that were "in" Norfolk have been included.]
Overview
The family of James Dabney GILLIAM came to Norfolk from Prince Edward County around 1907. It has been said he arrived at the time of Jamestown Exposition Ter-Centennial which celebrated the 300th Anniversary of the Founding of Jamestown from April 26 to November 30, 1907. This statement is supported by the fact that James is found in the 1909 Norfolk Directory. James and family are found in the 1900 Farmville, Prince Edward County Census.
Cemeteries
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Jack W. Gilliam
Sgt 10 Co, 155 Depot Brig
World War 1
Birth: Nov. 15, 1897
Death: Jul. 28, 1953
Plot: Southwest Center Lot 384 Sp 4
[John W. Gilliam son of James Dabney Gilliam and Katherine Hetherton Archer]
James Dabney Gilliam
Birth: unknown
Death: Apr. 30, 1921
Plot: Southwest Center Lot 384 Sp 2
[Son of Richard James GIlliam and Catherine Elizabeth Thornton, baptized 30 Jun 1850, St. Luke’s, Powhatan County, VA]
Katherine Hetherton Archer
Birth: Feb. 2, 1869
Death: Nov. 16, 1945
Plot: Southwest Center Lot 384 Sp 1
[Daughter of Edward Dudley Archer and Helen Nott]
Cottages
4 Jul 1926
[Katherine H. Archer Gililam, the widow of James Dabney Gilliam, operated the Kenilworth at Ocean View in the 1920s and apparently purchased the property in 1926 as the above states: under new management. In April 1925, the Kenilworth was described as facing 50 feet of the Chesapeake Bay and extending back to the car line and boulevard and containing 14 rooms with bath houses and garage. At that time it was owned by J. M. Echols. Address between 20th and 22nd Streets.]
Directories
1909
GILLIAM Charlotte Miss, house: 15 W Westover Ave
*GILLIAM David, plumber, house: 48 Denby
GILLIAM Fenton O, shoemaker, 208 Church boards New Gladstone Hotel
GILLIAM Florence O Miss, house: 333 28th, Park Place
*GILLIAM Frank, keeper, Calvary Cemetery, house: 327 Queen
*GILLIAM Geo, lab, house: 14 Clarke's Row, Berkley Ward
*GILLIAM Henry, lab, house: 77 Calvert
*GILLIAM Henry, lab, house: 629 Chapel
*GILLIAM Hattie, laundress, house: Hanson Ave, Bruce Park
GILLIAM James D, conductor, house: 66 Tazewell
GILLIAM Julian, bkkpr I S Fine, house: 403 E Brambleton Ave
*GILLIAM Mary, cook, house: 14 Clarke's row, Berkley Ward
*GILLIAM Morris, lab, house: 39th nr Parker
*GILLIAM Nancy, laundress, house: 211 Brunswick, Berkley Ward
GILLIAM Paul S, instructor, house: 333 28th, Park Place
GILLIAM Peter Q, oyster planter, house: 333 28th, Park Place
GILLIAM Polly O Mrs, superintendent, Mary F Ballentine Home
*GILLIAM Preston J, medicines, house: 25 Lee, Huntersville
*GILLIAM Rebecca, laundress, house: 39th near Parker
*GILLIAM Robt, porter, house: 410 Main
GILLIAM Thos H, salesman, house: 33 W Redgate Ave
*GILLIAM Wm, lab, house: 1021 Middlesex, Berkley Ward
*GILLIAM Wm, lab, house: 36 Southall's Lane
*GILLIAM Wm L, waiter, house: 100 Washington Ave
*GILLIAM Wm T, carpenter, house: 191 Queen
1909 Norfolk Directory
[Astericks (*) denotes African Americans.]
A tracing of the family of James Dabney Gilliam through the Norfolk City Directories.
| Year | Name | Occupation | Address | Misc. |
| 1906 | Polly O. Gilliam | Matron | Mary F. Ballentine Home | Widow of John |
| 1907 | Miss Nellie Archer | 601 N 8th | ||
| 1907 | Mrs. Polly O Gilliam | Matron | Mary F. Ballentine Home | |
| 1908 | James D. Gilliam | Conductor | 66 Tazewell | |
| 1908 | Mrs. Polly O. Gilliam | Superintendent | Mary F. Ballentine Home | |
| 1909 | James D. Gilliam | Conductor | 66 Tazewell | |
| 1909 | Polly O. Gilliam | Superintendent | Mary F. Ballentine Home | |
| 1910 | Jas D Gilliam | 80 Boush | ||
| 1910 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 80 Boush | |
| 1910 | Archer Gilliam | Clerk Western Union Telegraph Co | 80 Boush | |
| 1910 | Miss Nellie Archer | 80 Boush | ||
| 1910 | Polly O. Gilliam | Superintendent | Mary F. Ballentine Home | Widow John |
| 1911 | J. Dabney Gilliam | Tobacconist, Lobby, Bank of Commerce Building | 80 Boush | |
| 1911 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 80 Boush | |
| 1911 | Archer E. Gilliam | Clerk, Western Union Telegraph Company | 80 Boush | |
| 1911 | Polly O. Gilliam | Matron Mary F. Ballentine Home | Widow of John | |
| 1912 | Archer Gilliam | |||
| 1912 | J. Dabney Gilliam | Tobacconist, Lobby Seaboard Bank Building | ||
| 1912 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 80 Boush | |
| 1913 | Archer Gilliam | Clerk, Western Union Telegraph Company | 251 Boush | |
| 1913 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 251 Boush | |
| 1913 | J. Dabney Gilliam | Cigars, Lobby Seaboard Bank Building | 251 Boush | |
| 1914 | Archer Gilliam | Clerk | 251 Boush | |
| 1914 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 251 Boush | |
| 1914 | J. Dabney Gilliam | Cigars, Lobby, Seaboard Bank Building | 251 Boush | |
| 1914 | J. Richard Gilliam | Clerk | 251 Boush | |
| 1915 | Archer E. Gilliam | Clerk, Western Union Telegraph Company | Yale Apartments | |
| 1915 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | Boarding | 251 Boush | |
| 1915 | J. Dabney Gilliam | 251 Boush | ||
| 1915 | Jno W. Gilliam | paperhanger | 251 Boush | |
| 1916 | Mrs. Katie Gilliam | Boarding | 265 Boush | |
| 1916 | Archer E. Gilliam | Clerk, Western Union Telegraph Company | Rochambeau Apartments | |
| 1916 | J. Dabney Gilliam | Clerk, Norfolk Sheet Metal Works | 265 Boush | |
| 1917 | Archie E. Gilliam | Salesman | 265 Boush | |
| 1917 | Jack W. Gilliam | paperhanger | 265 Boush | |
| 1917 | James D. Gilliam | Clerk | 265 Boush | |
| 1917 | Mrs. Kate H. Gilliam | Boarding | 265 Boush | |
| 1918 | James D. Gilliam | watchman | 122 College Place | |
| 1918 | Mrs. Catherine Gilliam | 122 College Place | ||
| 1918 | Mrs. Katherine H. Gilliam | proprietor | The Graham, 122 College Place | |
| 1919 | James D. Gilliam | watchman | 122 College Place | |
| 1919 | Mrs. Katherine H. Gilliam | Furnishes Rooms 115 College Place | 122 College Place | |
| 1920 | James D Gilliam | Watchman | 320 Duke | |
| 1920 | Archer E Gilliam | Chief Deputy US Shipping Commissioner | 81 La Salle Avenue | |
| 1920 | Jack W Gilliam | Paperhanger | 420 Duke Street | |
| 1920 | Leroy F Clarke | Manager, The Supreme | 273 West York | |
| 1920 | Leroy F Clark | Cleaner | 273 West York | |
| 1921 | Non extant | |||
| 1922 | Archer E. Gilliam | Chief Deputy US Shipping Commissioner | 81 Lafayette Ave, Lafayette Residence Park | |
| 1922 | Jack Gilliam | paperhanger | 327 Earlscourt Avenue, Chesterfield Heights | |
| 1922 | James D. Gilliam | Watchman | 320 Duke | |
| 1922 | Leroy F Clarke | Proprietor, The Supreme | 273 West York | |
| 1923 | Archer E Gilliam | Deputy US Shipping Commissioner | 81 La Salle | |
| 1923 | Katie H. Gilliam widow of J. D. | 320 Duke | ||
| 1923 | Leroy F Clarke | Manager, Footer’s Dye Works | 273 West York | |
| 1924 | Archer E Gilliam | Deputy US Shipping Commissioner | 81 La Salle | |
| 1924 | Jack Gilliam | paperhanger | 327 Earls Court | |
| 1924 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 244 W. Freemason | widow of J. D. | |
| 1924 | Leroy F Clarke | Proprietor, Footer’s Dye Works | 519 Connecticut | |
| 1925 | Archer E Gilliam | Deputy US Shipping Commissioner | 81 La Salle | |
| 1925 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 244 W. Freemason | widow of J. D. | |
| 1925 | Jack Gilliam | paperhanger | 327 Earls Court | |
| 1925 | Leroy F Clarke | Proprietor, Footer’s Dye Works | 519 Connecticut | |
| 1926 | Non extant | |||
| 1927 | Archer E Gilliam | Manager Miller Tires | 1737 La Salle | |
| 1927 | Jack Gilliam | Paperhanger | 2837 Earlscourt Ave | Elizabeth |
| 1927 | Katy H. Gilliam | 246 West Freemason | Widow of J. D. | |
| 1927 | LeRoy F. Clarke | Manager Footer’s Dye Works Agency | 519 Connecticut | Elizabeth H. |
| 1928 | Archer E. Gilliam | 410 Monticello Avenue, Manager Miller Tire | 1737 La Salle Avenue | Sydnie |
| 1928 | Kate H. Gilliam | Furnish room | 246 West Freemason | Widow of J. D. |
| 1929 | Non extant | |||
| 1930 | Archer E. Gilliam | Manager Miller Tire Service Co | 436 Massachusetts | Sydnie J. |
| 1930 | Jack W Gilliam | Paperhanger | 322 Hamilton | Thelma |
| 1930 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 246 West Freemason | Widow of Jas D | |
| 1931 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 246 West Freemason | Widow of Jas D | |
| 1931 | Archie E Gilliam | Salesman Lee Tire and Rubber Company of NY | 426 Massachusetts Avenue | Sidney |
| 1931 | Jack W. Gilliam | paperhanger | 2837 Earls Court | Frances |
| 1932 | LeRoy F Clarke | Clarke Cleaners | 519 Connecticut | Elizabeth H |
| 1933 | Archer E Gilliam | Special Agent Continental American Life Insurance Company | 436 Massachusetts Avenue | Sidney |
| 1933 | Jack W. Gilliam | paperhanger | 2837 Earls Court | Frances |
| 1933 | Katherine H. Gilliam | Boarding | 244 West Freemason | Widow of Jas D |
| 1935 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4807 Newport` | Sydnie J. |
| 1935 | Katherine H. Gilliam | Furnish Rooms | 244 West Freemason | Widow of Jas D |
| 1936 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4807 Newport Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1936 | Katherine Gilliam | 324 Duke | Widow of Jas D | |
| 1936 | Leroy F Clarke | Clarke’s Cleaners and Dyers | 519 Connecticut | Helen E |
| 1937 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4807 Newport Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1937 | Jack W. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 839 West 51st Street | Helen J. |
| 1937 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1938 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1938 | Jack W. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | Helen J. |
| 1938 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1938 | LeRoy F. Clarkes | Cleaners | 519 Connecticut | Elizabeth H. |
| 1939 | Jack W. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | Helen J |
| 1939 | Economy Auto Supply Company | 575 Church | ||
| 1939 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1939 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1940 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1940 | Jack D. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | Helen J |
| 1940 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1940 | Nellie Archer | 322 Hamilton | ||
| 1941 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1941 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Student | 4612 Colonial Avenue | |
| 1941 | Jack W. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | Helen J |
| 1941 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Dabney | |
| 1942 | Archer E. Gilliam | Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | Sydnie J. |
| 1942 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Clerk, Economy Auto Supply Company | 4612 Colonial Avenue | |
| 1942 | Jack W. Gilliam | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | Helen J |
| 1942 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1946 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Clerk, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1946 | Jack W. Gilliam Helen J | Paperhanger | 230 Franklin Avenue | |
| 1946 | Katherine H. Gilliam | 620 Colonial Avenue | Widow of Jas D. | |
| 1946 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1947 | Jack Gilliam Helen | Paper hanger Lebault andDeal | 2504 Cromwell Avenue | |
| 1947 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1947 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1949 | Jack Gilliam Helen J. | Paper hanger | 2504 Cromwell Avenue | |
| 1949 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1949 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1949 | Wilford J. Buskey | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply Company | 300 Rodgers Drive | |
| 1951 | Jack Gilliam Helen | Paper hanger Lebault and Deal | 2504 Cromwell Avenue | |
| 1951 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1951 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Assistant Manager, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1951 | Wilfred J. L. Buskey | Salesman Economy Auto Supply Company | 300 Rodgers | |
| 1954 | Helen J. Gillam | 2504 Cromwell | ||
| 1954 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1954 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Assistant Manager, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1954 | Agnes K Buskey | Traffic Guard, Division of City Police | 331 W Rodgers | |
| 1954 | Wilfred J. L. Agnes G. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply | 1309 Norcova Drive | |
| 1958 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1958 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Manager, Continental Supply [sic] | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1958 | William E. Farrow Helen | Machinist Norfolk Naval Ship Yard | 2504 Cromwell Drive | |
| 1958 | Agnes K Buskey Wilfred J. L. | School Guard, City Police | 1309 W. Norcova Drive | |
| 1958 | Wilfred J. L. Agnes G. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply | 1309 W. Norcova Drive | |
| 1960 | Archer E. Gilliam Sydnie J. | Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1960 | Archer E. Gilliam, Jr. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply Company | 530 Delaware Avenue | |
| 1960 | William E. Farrow | Machinist Norfolk Naval Ship Yard | 2504 Cromwell Drive | Helen J. |
| 1960 | Mrs. Agnes G. Buskey | Traffic Guard, City Police | 1309 W. Norcova Drive | |
| 1960 | Wilfred J. L. | Salesman, Economy Auto Supply | 1309 W. Norcova Drive | Agnes G. |
FBI Case Files
Archer Edward Gilliam, Sr. was investigated by the FBI
Investigative Case Files of the Bureau of Investigation 1908-1922. Records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Record Group 65, Publication Number M1085; National Archives, Washington. Footnote.com
Obituaries
Virginian-Pilot and the Norfolk Landmark, May 1 and 2, 1921:
May 1, 1921
James Dabney GILLIAM died suddenly at 4:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon at his home, 320 Duke Street. He is survived by his wife, two sons, John W. and Archer E. GILLIAM and one daughter, Mrs. L. F. Clark all of Norfolk.
May 2, 1921
GILLIAM, James Dabney, suddenly at the residence 320 Duke Street, Saturday, April 30, 1921 at 5:06 p.m. James Dabney GILLIAM, age 68. Services at H. D. Oliver’s Funeral Apartments, 610-12 East Freemason Street. This (Monday) afternoon at two o’clock. Friends of the family are invited to attend. Internment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Sources
- 1909 Norfolk Directory
- Investigative Case Files of the Bureau of Investigation 1908-1922. Records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Record Group 65, Publication Number M1085; National Archives, Washington. Footnote.com
- Virginian-Pilot and the Norfolk Landmark, May 1 and 2, 1921: