Abe Plough

Abe Plough was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for founding the Plough, Inc. pharmaceutical and consumer goods company. His business acumen transformed a small investment into a major corporation, later part of Schering-Plough. Plough directed his substantial wealth toward extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of medicine, education, and community development in the Southern United States.

Early life and education

Abraham Plough was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. His father, a peddler, instilled in him an early understanding of commerce. The family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Plough attended public schools before briefly studying at Christian Brothers University. His formal education was cut short by the need to contribute to the family income, leading him to take a job at a local pharmacy, where he gained foundational knowledge in pharmaceuticals and retail.

Business career

In 1908, using a $125 loan, Plough began selling a liniment door-to-door, which he manufactured himself. He formally established Plough, Inc. in 1914, initially focusing on patent medicines like St. Joseph Aspirin, which became a household name. Through aggressive marketing and strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of the Memphis-based Maybelline company in 1967, he expanded the firm into a diversified manufacturer of health care and cosmetic products. His leadership culminated in the 1971 merger with the German pharmaceutical giant Schering AG, forming Schering-Plough, a major force in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Philanthropy

Plough's philanthropic work was vast and focused on his home region. He was a principal benefactor of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where the Plough Foundation endowed professorships and research facilities. He made transformative gifts to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis and supported the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded by his friend Danny Thomas. His foundation also funded community projects, parks, and scholarships at institutions like Rhodes College and the University of Memphis, aiming to improve public health and educational access across the Mid-South.

Personal life

In 1922, Plough married Jocelyn Wurzburg, a member of a prominent Memphis family, with whom he had two children. He was known for a modest personal lifestyle despite his wealth, maintaining a deep commitment to his Jewish faith and community, supporting synagogues like Baron Hirsch Synagogue. An avid art collector, he donated significant works to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Plough remained actively involved in his company and charitable foundations until his death in Memphis in 1984.

Legacy

Abe Plough's legacy is anchored by the enduring Plough Foundation, which continues to grant millions annually to nonprofit organizations in Shelby County. The Schering-Plough merger solidified his impact on the pharmaceutical world, a company later acquired by Merck & Co. in 2009. Key institutions like the Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Solutions at the University of Tennessee bear his name, honoring his dual commitment to business innovation and philanthropy. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the economic development and civic life of Memphis and the American South.

Category:American businesspeople Category:American philanthropists Category:People from Memphis, Tennessee Category:1892 births Category:1984 deaths