William Sterling Pugh is a worthy native son of Utica who has devoted many years to public service and is now capably discharging the duties of city comptroller. His birth occurred on the 14th of July, 1872, his parents being Richard Reese and Mary Elizabeth (Sterling) Pugh, the latter a daughter of Isaac Sterling, a member of the Sterling family which settled that portion of the town of Schuyler in the vicinity of Sterling Creek. Richard R. Pugh passed away in 1881 and for more than a third of a century was survived by his wife, who was called to rest in 1917.
William Sterling Pugh supplemented his public school training by study in a night school and was a lad of but nine years when he began providing for his own support. He was identified with the clothing business for many years and at the same time made a study of civic law in connection with public service. His first public position was that of city clerk, which he filled from 1912 until 1916, inclusive, while during the years 1918 and 1919 he acted as deputy city treasurer and was then again chosen city clerk, continuing in that capacity until the 1st of January, 1924. On the latter date he assumed the duties of his present position as comptroller for the city of Utica and in this connection is making a most commendable and creditable record.
In early manhood Mr. Pugh was united in marriage to Miss Alice Elizabeth Walter, daughter of John and Ann (Fletcher) Walter. They have one son, Dr. Walter Sterling Pugh, who is a successful practicing physician. Mr. Pugh is a member of the Republican Club and fraternally is identified with the Masons and the Elks. He enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the city in which he has always made his home and is widely recognized as one of its most efficient and trustworthy public officials.