Pew, Joseph N., Jr.

Pew, Joseph N. (Newton), Jr. (1886–1963) industrialist, philanthropist; born in Pittsburgh, Pa. He studied mechanical engineering at Cornell and invented a gyroscopic instrument for use in oil wells. Following in his father's footsteps, he was vice-president (1912–47) and president (1947–63) of Sun Oil. An economic conservative, he opposed all government regulation of industry. He made large contributions to the Republican Party over three decades and was influential at both the 1940 and 1944 Republican conventions. He and his siblings created a trust fund in memory of their father that continues to make gifts to many charitable and educational organizations.