[1] Born in La Grande, Oregon while his parents were visiting,[2] Nugent attended public schools in Silver City, Idaho, where his father, Edward, was a judge.

Nugent was admitted to the bar in 1898, commencing practice back in Silver City, and was prosecuting attorney of Owyhee County from 1899 to 1906.

In January 1918, Governor Moses Alexander appointed Nugent to the U.S. Senate to succeed Republican James Brady, who died in office.

[4][6] Nugent resigned in January, prior to the end of his term in March,[7] to accept an appointment from lame duck President Woodrow Wilson to the Federal Trade Commission.

[1] Nugent, his wife Adelma (1870–1943), and their son George (1896–1979) are buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.