Wilson Armistead

Wilson Armistead
Born(1819-08-30)30 August 1819
Leeds, England
Died18 February 1868(1868-02-18) (aged 48)
Leeds, England
Resting placeWoodhouse Cemetery
OccupationFlax and mustard manufacturer; abolitionist
SubjectAbolition
Notable worksA Tribute for the Negro
SpouseMary Armistead née Bragg (1844-1868)
Children
Joseph John
  • Arthur Wilson
  • Anthony Wilson
  • Sarah Mercia
  • Mary Louisa

Wilson Armistead (30 August 1819  18 February 1868) was an English businessman, abolitionist and writer from Leeds. He led the Leeds Anti-Slavery Association and wrote and edited anti-slavery texts. His best known work, A Tribute for the Negro, was published in 1848 in which he describes slavery as "the most extensive and extraordinary system of crime the world ever witnessed". In 1851 he hosted Ellen and William Craft, including them on the census return as 'fugitive slaves' in an act that has been described as "guerrilla inscription".

According to prominent African-American abolitionist William Wells Brown "Few English gentlemen have done more to hasten the day of the slave’s liberation than Wilson Armistead".