My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD NUGENT. Of the business enterprises that have contributed to the progress of Waterloo and promoted the development of its material interests, one of the most important is the firm of Allen & Nugent, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements, builders’ materials and house-furnishing goods. This company was organized in 1880, and has since carried on a profitable trade among the people of the village and surrounding country. Their sales of agricultural implements among the farmers of the county are large, as are also their sales of builders’ materials to carpenters and contractors.

Mr. Nugent has spent almost his entire life in Waterloo, and here he was born October 7, 1844. His parents, Patrick and Martha (Thompson) Nugent, who were natives of Ireland, emigrated to the United States in 1832, and settled in the village of Waterloo the same year. The father was for a number of years employed on a canal- boat, running between this place and Albany. He died here in 1845; his wife, who survived him for many years, died in 1888, at the age of seventy-seven.

Our subject is the fifth among six children, and he and his sister, Sarah, are the only survivors. His twin brother, Edmund, was killed at the battle of Stone River; George died in Florida, in 1876; John died in St. Louis, Mo.; and Thomas, the eldest of the family, died in Waterloo. Edward was reared in Waterloo, and received a practical education in the village school. At an early age he abandoned his studies and entered the office of the Waterloo Observer, where he spent four years, gaining a thorough knowledge of the printer’s trade. He then went to New York City, and for eighteen months was employed as a compositor on the New York Times. On his return to Waterloo, he took a position with Joseph Wright, with whom he lived seven years.

In 1877 Mr. Nugent was elected County Clerk for a term of three years, he being the candidate of the Democratic party. On retiring from office, at the expiration of his term, he formed a partnership with Alfred Allen, and the firm of Allen & Nugent has since had charge of a growing business. In 1889 Mr. Nugent was re-elected to the office of County Clerk, which he filled for three years, though meantime retaining his interest in the hardware business. As an official he proved himself capable, energetic and devoted to the county’s interests, while as a business man he has displayed the possession of considerable ability and indomitable perseverance.

The marriage of Mr. Nugent, which took place in 1869, united him with Miss Eleanor F. Genung, daughter of Seth J. Genung, a well known citizen of Waterloo. They are the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, namely: Edward G., who is a student in the medical department of Columbia College; Elizabeth K., Mabel C. and Martha S. Socially Mr. Nugent is a member of Seneca Lodge No. 113, F. &A. M.; Salem Town Chapter, R. A. M.; and Geneva Commandery, K. T. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian. His interest in educational matters has always been marked, and he has served efficiently as a member of the Board of Education. For a number of years he was Secretary of the Seneca County Agricultural Society. His citizenship has been proved in his advocacy of all measures that pertain to the welfare of the place and the advancement of the people, and all public-spirited enterprises have received his enthusiastic co-operation.