Plyler, Marion Timothy, 1867-1954

Marion Timothy Plyler was born in Iredell County, N.C., near Statesville in 1867. He graduated from Trinity College in 1892 with a B. A. degree and played on the school's first football team. He earned his M. A. degree at Trinity in 1897 and received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Duke University in 1937. Additionally, Plyler received the M. A. degree and the D. D. degree from the University of North Carolina in 1905 and 1931, respectively.

From the description of Marion T. Plyler papers, 1832-1950. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 159935257

Marion Timothy Plyler was born in Iredell County, N.C., near Statesville in 1867. He was the son of Robert Conrad Plyler and Mary Kimball Plyler. He received his boyhood education in the Iredell County schools and a boarding school in Mooresville. He graduated from Trinity College in 1892 with a B. A. degree and played on the school's first football team. He earned his M. A. degree at Trinity in 1897 and received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Duke University in 1937. Additionally, Dr. Plyler received the M. A. degree and the D. D. degree from the University of North Carolina in 1905 and 1931, respectively.

Dr. Plyler was ordained as a minister in the Methodist Church in 1892 and served several pastorates throughout North Carolina before moving to Durham in 1919. He and his twin brother, Alva, edited the NC Christian Advocate from 1926-1946 and he also helped organize the North Carolina Pastors' School and chaired its board of management for 30 years. He wrote several biographies, including an unpublished one of William Preston Few, President of Trinity College and Duke University. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

On June 20, 1900, he married Epie Duncan Smith, and they had seven children. Dr. Plyler died in 1954 at age 86.

From the guide to the Marion T. Plyler Papers, circa 1832-1950, (University Archives, Duke University)