Robert Franklin Durden facts for kids
Robert Franklin Durden (born May 10, 1925, died March 4, 2016) was an American historian and author. He spent many years working at Duke University. As a historian, he wrote books about the history of Duke University. He also wrote about important figures like journalist James S. Pike and historian Carter G. Woodson.
He was born in Graymont, Georgia. His parents were Virgil Edward Durden and Mildred Donaldson Durden. He went to school at Emmanuel County Institute and Emory University. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. In 1952, he earned his Ph.D. degree from Princeton University.
Robert Durden married Anne Diller. He worked at Duke University for many years. He retired in 2001 and received the University Medal for his contributions. He passed away in Durham, North Carolina. His ashes were spread in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a special place where his wife's ashes were also placed. He had two daughters and five grandchildren. Duke University keeps a collection of his writings and papers.
Books by Robert Durden
As a historian, Robert Durden wrote many books about different parts of American history. Here are some of his well-known works:
- Reconstruction bonds & twentieth-century politics: South Dakota v. North Carolina, 1904 (1967)
- The Launching of Duke University, 1924-1949 (1993) - This book tells the story of how Duke University began and grew in its early years.
- The Dukes of Durham and The Launching of Duke University (1987) - This book is about the Duke family, who helped create Duke University.
- Electrifying the Piedmont Carolinas: The Duke Power Company, 1904-1997 (2001) - This book explores the history of how electricity came to the Carolinas.
- Bold Entrepreneur: A Life of James B. Duke (2009) - This book is a biography of James B. Duke, a very important person in the history of Duke University.
- The Gray and the Black: The Confederate Debate on Emancipation - This book won the Jules F. Landry Award. It looks at discussions about freeing enslaved people during the American Civil War.
- Carter G. Woodson: Father of African-American History - This book is about Carter G. Woodson, a key figure in African-American history.
- The Self-Inflicted Wound: Southern Politics in the 19th Century (1985) - This book explores political events in the Southern United States during the 1800s.
- James Shepherd Pike: Republicanism and the American Negro, 1850-82 - This book is about the life and ideas of journalist James S. Pike.
- The Climax of Populism; The Election of 1896 - This book focuses on a very important election in American history.
- Lasting Legacy to the Carolinas; The Duke Endowment 1924-1994 (1998) - This book is about the Duke Endowment, a foundation that supports many good causes in the Carolinas.
