Pegram was born in Trinity, North Carolina, one of the five children of William Howell Pegram, professor of chemistry at Trinity College (now Duke University), and Emma, daughter of Rev. Braxton Craven, the college's president.
Pegram was born in Trinity, North Carolina, and was one of the five children of William Howell Pegram. He was also professor of chemistry at Trinity College (now Duke University), and Emma, daughter of Rev. Braxton Craven, the college's president.