Robert Starke Armistead
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(November 5, 1800 - June 14, 1866) A native of North Carolina, Robert Starke Armistead moved with his family to Alabama in 1818. He married Ann Sylvesta Carney in 1826 and they came to Texas in 1835. Armistead served in the Republic of Texas army in 1836 and with forces defending San Antonio during the Vasquez invasion in 1842. He was a charter trustee of Baylor University in 1845. Settling in Washington County, the Armisteads operated a large agricultural enterprise and in 1863 adopted a daughter, Sallie. Robert and Ann are buried nearby in a family cemetery on land once a part of their farm. (1990)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in North Carolina in 1800, Robert Starke Armistead brought his family to Texas in 1835 on the eve of revolution, served in the Republic's army in 1836, and helped defend San Antonio during the 1842 Vasquez raid. A charter trustee of Baylor University in 1845, he built a large farming enterprise in Washington County, where he and his wife are buried nearby.
Why it matters
Settlers like Armistead fought for and then built the military, educational, and agricultural institutions of the young Republic and state of Texas.
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Related people
- ยท Robert Starke Armistead
- ยท Ann Sylvesta Carney Armistead
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Robert Starke Armistead
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Robert Starke Armistead and his wife Ann came to Texas from Alabama in 1835, and he served in the Republic of Texas army in 1836 and again defending San Antonio during the Vasquez Invasion of 1842. A charter trustee when Baylor University was founded in 1845, he built a large farm near this site, where the family graveyard began at his death in 1866.
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