Duke, Benjamin N. (Benjamin Newton), 1855-1929

Tobacco manufacturer, industrialist, and philanthropist, of Durham, N.C.

From the description of Papers, 1834-1984 (bulk 1884-1929). (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 122600897

From the description of Benjamin Newton Duke papers, 1834-1984. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 19405927

• 1855, Apr. 27: Born to Washington and Artelia Roney Duke; Orange Co., N.C.
• 1856: Brother, James Buchanan Duke, born
• 1858: Mother, Artelia Roney Duke, died of typhoid
• 1871: Enrolled New Garden School (later Guilford College), near Greensboro, N.C.
• 1874: Father moved family to Durham proper
• 1877, Feb. 21: Married Sarah Pearson Angier
• 1878: Duke, Sons and Company established
• 188?, Oct. 3: Son, George Washington Duke, born. Died at age 2 or 3
• 1884, Dec. 8: Son, Angier Buchanan Duke, born
• 1887, Nov. 16: daughter, Mary Lillian Duke, born
• 1889: Elected member Board of Trustees, Trinity College
• 1890 - 1890 ? : Director, American Tobacco Company
• 1891: Brought William A. Erwinto Durham. Established Erwin Mills
• 1893 - 1922 : President, The Fidelity Bank of Durham, N.C.
• 1898: Delegate, General Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Baltimore, Md.
• 1905, June 22: Southern Power Company established by Benjamin N. and James B. Duke, (later Duke Power Company)
• 1905, May 8: Father, Washington Duke, died
• 1923, Sept. 3: Son, Angier Buchanan Duke, died
• 1925, Oct. 10: Brother, James Buchanan Duke, died
• 1929, Jan. 8: Died New York City. Buried in family mausoleum at Maplewood Cemetery, Durham, N.C.
• 1936: Remains removed to the Memorial Chapel of Duke University Chapel along with those of father, Washington Duke, and brother, James Buchanan Duke
• 1936, Sept. 3: Wife, Sarah Pearson Angier Duke, died

Benjamin Newton Duke took a leading role in the development of the tobacco, textile and hydroelectric power industries in North Carolina. He served as president of Citizens National Bank in Durham, N.C., and of the Southern Railway Company. Along with his brother, James Buchanan Duke, and their partner, George Washington Watts, Benjamin Duke held substantial investments in a variety of enterprises throughout the United States.

Benjamin Duke took a primary role in conducting the Duke family's philanthropies from the late 1880s until his death. Between 1892 and 1927 it is estimated he contributed to over 400 organizations or institutions, including churches, hospitals, orphanages, schools and universities. This does not take into account assistance given to relatives and other individuals.

From the guide to the The Benjamin Newton Duke Papers, 1834-1984, bulk 1884-1929., (Duke University. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)