The Robert E. Perdue Family papers document the ancestors of Robert E. Perdue Jr. His branch of the family lived in the lower Delmarva region, with a majority living in Pittsville, Wicomico County, Maryland. As time progressed the Perdue’s married into other families such as the Jones, Williams, Dennis, and Taylors. The Pittsville Perdue’s played an important part in building the St. John Friendship Methodist church. Research materials include land records, genealogy conducted by Robert E Perdue in the pursuit of his family history. Research was conducted from 2004-2011, with the bulk being completed in 2009-2010. Perdue’s research spans from the 17th century to the 20th century.

Robert E. Perdue was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in October 18, 1924, he spent his early years in Pittsville, Maryland, were Robert fell in love with history and plants. In the 1940s, Robert served in World War II, and was decorated with two purple hearts and a bronze star, for his participation in operation Market Garden. Later, spurred by his own curiosity, he wrote an account the twenty-two other soldiers experiences in Greece during the War titled, Behind the Lines in Greece: the Story of OSS Operational Group II. In 1945, Robert was discharged from the service, came home and attended Harvard University, where he earned a Master’s degree in biology, and a Doctorate in plant taxonomy. During Robert’s professional life he worked for the United States Geological Survey, the Texas Research Foundation, the Agricultural Research Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture Medicinal Resources. He started his own company, Ver-Tech International Inc, and was a key figure in discovering cancer-fighting drugs like Taxol, and other plant-related products. He was married to Georgia B. Purdue. He died at the age of 83 on July 20, 2011.

The Perdue family, of lower Delmarva originate from Western Europe. The Perdue's occupations varied from person to person with the majority being farmers. They played a pivotal role in the creation of St. Johns Friendship Methodist church, and as time progressed the Perdue family became prominent on the Eastern Shore. They married into the local families including but not limited to the Jones, Williams, Dennis, and the Taylors.

The papers of the Perdue family contain genealogical research conducted by Pittsville, Wicomico County native, Robert E. Perdue, Jr. A vast majority of the record set are facsimiles.

The arrangement of the materials follows the original organization of Robert E. Perdue Jr, with some items combined for a well-defined record set. Oversize materials have been separated.

Folders are listed by their location in each box; any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entirety of the collection.