Biography of Robert Franklin Armfield

Born near Greensboro in Guilford County, North Carolina on July 9, 1829, Armfield graduated from Trinity College in Durham. He was admitted to the bar in 1845 and became a practicing attorney in Yadkin County.

In 1861, Armfield left his legal practice in Yadkinsville to become a lieutenant in the 38th North Carolina. His height was listed as 6'0" at time of enlistment. Eventually, Armfield rose through the ranks to become the 38th's lieutenant colonel to date from April 18, 1862. Armfield's career as a Confederate officer came to an end when he resigned his commission on January 14, 1863 due to disability from wounds recieved at the battle of Sheperdstown on September 20, 1862.

Returning to the Old North State, Armfield became North Carolina's state attorney in 1863. After the War, he was elected to the North Carolina legislature. He served as the state's lieutsenant governor from 1875 to 1876 and later as a United States Congressman from 1879 to 1883. He resumed his legal practice after his term ended and was later elected a superior court judge.

Armfield died in Statesville on November 9, 1898. He is buried there in Oakwood Cemetery.