Our Unique Stories

burrell arrington, sr.

1854-after 1940

Life Story

Burrell Arrington, Sr. was born into slavery around 1854 on the Arrington plantation south of Newton, at a time when the struggle for freedom and dignity was ongoing. The identities of his parents remain unknown, as no documentation has been found to confirm their identities, leaving much of his early life shrouded in mystery. By 1880, after the Civil War had ended, Burrell resided in Newton County, where he worked as a farmer, demonstrating resilience and determination in building a life for himself in a new era. He married Mary Ellis Arrington on December 20, 1877, in a ceremony that symbolized hope and unity amidst a challenging social landscape. Together, they are known to have had two children who are as follows:

  • Pink Arrington (1872-?)
  • Scott Arrington (1875-?)

On March 19, 1885, Burrell married again, this time to Angeline Chapman (1864-?). The couple built a life together in Beat 5, a rural area located in Hickory, Mississippi, where they dedicated their efforts to cultivating their owned farm, nurturing not only crops but also their growing family. By the turn of the century in 1900, Angeline had given birth to nine children, an impressive feat for the time, with eight of them surviving into childhood. This thriving household was filled with the sounds of laughter, the bustling activity of daily farm life, and the love that comes from a close-knit family. The known children are as follows:

  • Andrew Arrington (1879-?)
  • Van Arrington (1886-?)
  • Bertha Arrington (1890-?)
  • Henry H. Arrington (1891-1988)
  • Kitsey Arrington (1894-?)
  • Lottie Arrington (1898-?)

By 1910, Burrell had entered into his third marriage with Sarah Ann Foster (1877-1930), a native of Winston County, Mississippi. Together, they built a life filled with love and resilience, navigating the challenges of the time with unwavering support for each other. From this union, they welcomed the following children, who would carry on the family legacy and reflect the values instilled in them by their parents:

In 1930, Burrell returned to the Altare Community of Newton County, a place deeply rooted in his upbringing, where he became a charter member of the Altare Missionary Baptist Church, an institution that would play a significant role in the spiritual life of the community. The details surrounding his death and burial remain unclear; however, it is widely speculated that he may be interred in the Altare cemetery alongside other family members, where generations have found their final resting place. This speculation is fueled by anecdotal evidence and local lore, suggesting that familial bonds were strong and that Burrell’s desire to be near his loved ones in death mirrored his life choices and community ties. Despite the lack of concrete evidence regarding the exact location of his grave, the connection to the cemetery symbolizes the enduring legacy he left behind.

Resting Place

Unknown Gravesite

Photos/Albums

Sources

  • 1880 Federal Census
  • 1900 Federal Census
  • 1910 Federal Census
  • 1920 Federal Census
  • 1930 Federal Census
  • U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

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