Angus Augustus Burleigh

Rev. Angus Augustus Burleigh, commonly known as A. A. Burleigh, was an American A.M.E. minister, teacher, and soldier. He was formerly enslaved, fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War, and was the first African American adult to attend and graduate in 1875 from Berea College in Kentucky.

Early life Angus Augustus Burleigh was born in c. 1845, however the records of his birth have conflicting dates and locations according to the University Press of Kentucky. Many sources suggest he may have been born at sea. On November 2, 1865, Burleigh was promoted to the rank of sergeant, before his discharge on April 24, 1866. Fee was the founder of Berea College, and invited Burleigh to attend classes and enroll as a student. Other places of his residence included Brooklyn in New York City; Redondo Beach, California; Quincy, Illinois; Bloomington, Indiana; and Milwaukee.