Reverend Dr. Robert Burwell

Dr. Burwell was the first Principal (President) of Charlotte Female Institute. He and his wife, Margaret Anna, came to Charlotte to open the school in 1857.  Before that they operated "Burwell's Female School" in Hillsborough. Dr. Burwell was also the pastor of the Presbyterian Church there. After Mrs. Burwell died in 1872,  Dr. Burwell and his son, John Bott Burwell, left Charlotte Female Institute. They went to direct Peace Institute in Raleigh.