Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 2 February 2005

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877

JESSE PUGH, farmer; P. O. Waynesville; born in this county and township April 4, 1831; is a son of Jesse and Mary (Woodruff) Pugh, he a native of South Carolina and she of New Jersey. The paternal grandparents were Ellis and Phebe (Coppack) Pugh, natives of New Jersey, who emigrated to South Carolina, and thence to Ohio and settled in Warren County about 1800, being among the pioneers; at or about the same time, his brother, David Pugh, also settled here, having purchased two sections of land direct from the Government, and here they commenced their great pioneer work of opening out their farms and making homes. After more than thirty years of hardships and labors, the grandfather passed away, dying about 1836. Jesse Pugh was twice married, his first wife dying after several years' residence in this county; they had seven children—all deceased except Elizabeth, who married Joseph Young and moved to Illinois many years ago. By his last wife, Mary Woodruff, he had eight children;, three now survive—Samuel, James and Jesse. Mr. Pugh died in the fall of 1842, aged 68 years; his wife died about 1871, aged 77 years. Mr. Pugh was a very unassuming man, never holding or desiring office or notoriety, but even refused them and paid his fines rather than serve. He was a hard-working, industrious farmer, and one whose word was as good as his note; was just and upright in all his. dealings—whose integrity was undoubted, find, like many others of those noble pioneers, were examples worthy of all honor and should be imitated in their pure, honest and upright lives. The subject of this sketch was married, Feb. 20, 1868, to Jane Ann, daughter of Thomas and Susan (Carpenter) Collett, natives of England, who emigrated to America and resided in New Jersey several years, and, about 1839, came to Ohio and died in Warren County; his wife still survives and resides in Waynesville; they have five children still living—Emma, now Mrs. Hawke: Thomas; Amelia, now Mrs. Hammel, of Cincinnati; Joseph and John W. Mr. Pugh and wife have had three children, only one surviving—Walter, born Oct. 5, 1868. Mrs. Pugh died July 14, 1873, aged 32 years, David Pugh, mentioned above, was the father of Lot Pugh, who was prominently known as a large and extensive pork-packer and dealer in Cincinnati in former days, and the Hon. George E. Pugh, of political fame and notoriety, was a son of Lot Pugh. Our subject has always followed farming as a business; purchased the place where he now lives in March, 1863, it being a part of the land of the original purchase made by David Pugh mentioned above; this farm consists of 158 acres, mostly in cultivation. Mr. Pugh moved on to the place in 1868, where he has since resided.