Pegram, W. H. (William Howell), 1846-1928

William Howell Pegram (1846-1928) was a student, professor, and administrator at Trinity College (N.C.). He moved with the school from Randolph County to Durham County (N.C.), and remained active as Trinity College evolved into Duke University.

William Howell Pegram was born August 18, 1846, in Harnett County, North Carolina. He served as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. Following the war, he returned to his parents' farm and taught in the small schools of Harnett County. In 1869, he began college at Trinity College in Randolph County. He was regarded as an excellent student and worked closely with Braxton Craven, the president of Trinity College.

Pegram graduated in 1873, and beginning that fall, he began working as a tutor of Natural Science at Trinity. He became a full professor the following year. He would eventually serve as a professor of chemistry, astronomy, geology, and even English during his career, although chemistry was his passion. When Craven died in 1882, Pegram became chairman of the faculty, and from 1883 to 1910, he served as Secretary of the faculty. He was honored with an L.L.D. degree from Trinity in 1917, and made Professor Emeritus of Chemistry in 1919. He remained active with the school and the Department of Chemistry until his death, always staying interested in the students and faculty of his school. Pegram was one of very few faculty members to work with the school in all its phases, from its beginnings in Randolph County, to its move to Durham County, to its growth and change into Duke University in 1924. He was known as "The Grand Old Man of Duke University" by many of his students.

In 1875, Pegram married Braxton Craven's daughtor, Emma L. Craven. They had five children, all of whom attended Trinity: Annie M. Pegram, George B. Pegram, Irene C. Pegram, J. Edward Pegram, and William H. Pegram, Jr. William H. Pegram, Sr. passed away on April 30, 1928, ending a 55-year career with Duke University and Trinity College. He is buried at "Old Trinity," in Randolph County, near the grave of Braxton Craven.