(1839-1913)
« return to database listArmistead Burwell was the fifth child of Robert Burwell and Margaret Anna Robertson, who founded the Burwell School. He was a teacher, lawyer, soldier, and local politician.
On October 22, 1839, Robert and Anna Burwell welcomed their fifth child and second son, Armistead Burwell. He attended school in Hillsborough before studying under his brother John at Cub Creek School in Virginia. According to his mother, Armistead was not interested in teaching, but after completing his studies at Davidson College in 1859, he took up the profession. He was teaching in Arkansas in 1861 when he enlisted in the Confederate Army.
Armistead served in the 3rd Arkansas Calvary and was injured in July 1864. He convalesced at the home of his parents in Charlotte, and after the war took up teaching again while simultaneously studying law. In 1866 he was licensed to practice law and he would do so in a variety of partnerships over the years including with Zebulon Vance, former North Carolina Governor and U.S. Senator.
Armistead was appointed as associate justice to the North Carolina Supreme Court by Governor Holt in 1892. In addition to teaching and practicing law, he also served in the state senate and as the city clerk and treasurer of Charlotte. He remained active in Confederate veteran’s events and spoke regularly at events such as reunions, Lee-Jackson Day celebration and the unveiling of confederate monuments. At one such event in August 1910, Armistead gave a speech about the “Ideal Confederate Soldier” and one of the virtues he attributed to that type of solider was “to protect from taint the Saxon blood that courses in your veins.” This speech was given to a crowd of more than 8,000 people, and indicates that he supported white supremacy.
In 1869 he married Ella Maude Jenkins and they had five children, three of who preceded him in death. His wife Ella died in 1907, and Armistead died May 13, 1913 at the age of 73 and was buried in Charlotte near his parents.
Armistead Burwell was born on October 22, 1839, in Burwell School. He died on May 13, 1913.
, Frances Armistead Burwell (1838-1856) , Mary Susan Burwell (1832-1859) and Virginia Isabella Burwell (1851-1867). and Virginia Bridges (1832-1859) .