Robert Franklin Durden

Robert Franklin Durden
Born(1925-05-10)May 10, 1925
Graymont, Georgia, U.S.
DiedMarch 4, 2016(2016-03-04) (aged 90)
Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
EducationEmory University
Princeton University (PhD)
Occupations
  • Historian
  • author
SpouseAnne Oller

Robert Franklin Durden (May 10, 1925 – March 4, 2016) was an American historian and author who worked at Duke University. He wrote books about Duke's history, journalist James S. Pike, and historian Carter G. Woodson.

He was born in Graymont, Georgia, to Virgil Edward Durden and Mildred Donaldson Durden. He studied at Emanuel County Institute and Emory University.[1] He served in the U.S. Navy.[2] He received a Ph.D. from Princeton in 1952. He married Anne Oller. He retired from Duke in 2001 and was awarded the University Medal.[3] He died in Durham, North Carolina.

Duke has a collection of his papers.[4] He had two daughters, two granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren.[5] His ashes were spread in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens where his wife's ashes were also placed.[6]

  1. ^ Obituary The News & Observer March 6, 2016
  2. ^ "Robert F. Durden *52". Princeton University.
  3. ^ "Dr. Robert Durden - Museum of Durham History".
  4. ^ "Robert F. Durden Reference collection, circa 1965-2001 - Archives & Manuscripts at Duke University Libraries". David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
  5. ^ "Robert F. Durden – The Historical Society of North Carolina".
  6. ^ "Duke Flags Lowered: Longtime Duke Historian Robert Durden Dies at Age 90". today.duke.edu.