Henry Armistead

President John Tyler relied on a mix of free and enslaved labor at the White House. While there are few names recorded, one individual, Henry Armistead, is known because of the tragic circumstances of his death. Little is known of Armistead’s early life, but he was likely born into slavery.¹ Considering his role as valet, it is likely that Armistead accompanied Tyler to the White House in 1841. 

On February 28, 1844, Armistead was killed when a firing gun exploded on the USS Princeton during a cruise down the Potomac River that included President Tyler and other prominent government officials. Five others also lost their lives – including Secretary of State Abel Upshur and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer. Newspapers across the country detailed the grizzly accident, though a variety of names were used to identify Armistead.² Taken collectively, they suggest that Armistead was Tyler’s valet (sometimes also called a body servant, manservant, or body man). This was one of the most important roles on the domestic staff, as the valet often traveled with the president, assisted with their wardrobe and personal effects, and often acted as confidantes and companions.³ Sherwood Forest has identified several Armistead family members who lived and worked at John Tyler’s plantation – it is possible Henry was a member of that family.⁴