pugh was born in burke county, georgia, and moved to alabama in 1824. he received a collegiate education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1841. he began to practise in eufaula, alabama. he was a presidential elector in 1848 and 1856. he represented alabama's second district as a democrat in the united states house of representatives from 5 december 1859 until 21 january 1861, when he retired upon the secession of his state.