Career
Pugsley began his career as a butcher and cattle dealer in Richmond Hill. He was first elected to the Richmond Hill Village Council after standing for election as a councillor in 1880. He was re-elected to that position in 1881, 1882 and 1883.
In 1885 he stood for reeve and was elected.
He was re-elected every year from then until 1896. He was again elected to the position in 1907, successfully seeking re-election through 1918.
Pugsley Avenue in Richmond Hill is named in his honour.