(1845-1864)
« return to database listJames Webb Burwell, the eighth child of Robert and Anna Burwell, was born in Hillsborough on July 7, 1845. Known as Jamie or Jimmie, he was often paired up with his older brother William for early school lessons under the tutelage of his mother. Anna mentioned Jamie and Willie getting into mischief together, but also showing their affectionate side by surprising their parents with a plate of strawberries when they returned from a visit.
Jamie was 12 whenthe family moved from Hillsborough to Charlotte. He had been educated at home for many years, but it is likely that he attended school under Ralph Henry Graves who operated an academy in Granville County, NC.
He enlisted in the Confederate Army in April 1864 at the age of 18, and eldest brother John, who was part of the 53rd NC Infantry, took him on as his clerk after in hopes of keeping him out of battle. brother John who was part of the 53rd NC Infantry took him on as his clerk after he enlisted in April 1864 at the age of 19 in hopes of keeping him out of battle. Unfortunately, his efforts were unsuccessful, and in October 1864 James was called back to his company. “I remember well the last time I saw him alive,” wrote his brother John, “he came to my camp about sunrise one morning and told me he got his orders to report to duty with his company. He left me and was, a few days after, shot dead in the battle of Cedar Creek on the 19th of October 1864.”
James was buried in the front yard of a lady who for years kept the grave covered with flowers and referred to it as her “Soldier Boy’s Grave.” In 1867 the family had James’ body returned to Charlotte where he was buried by his siblings. Anna wrote in her journal that day, “A sad day…I sat by the coffin nearly all day – memory was busy and tears could not be restrained.”
James was called Jamie.
He was also called Jimmie.
James Webb Burwell was born on September 7, 1845, in Burwell School. He died on October 19, 1864, gunshot wound.
, Frances Armistead Burwell (1838-1856) , Mary Susan Burwell (1832-1859) and Virginia Isabella Burwell (1851-1867). and Virginia Bridges (1832-1859) .