Moen, Philip Louis, son of Augustus R. and Sophie Ann Moen, was born in Wilna, Jefferson county, N. Y., November 13, 1824.
His initiation into business life was in a hardware store in New York City, in which wire, from the Washburn Wire Mill in Worcester, was sold. In 1847 he settled in Worcester, and the firm I. Washburn & Moen was formed, the business being wire-drawing and rod-rolling.
This was when Mr. Moen was about twenty-three years of age. The business has continued essentially the same, but in 1868 it began to be carried on under the firm title of the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company, the corporation being established by legislative act. The business has steadily increased, till at the present time it has reached gigantic proportions—the concern said to be the largest wire manufacturing company under individual ownership in the whole world. They now employ three thousand workmen, and turn out about three hundred and fifty tons daily. This phenomenal growth of the business is due largely to the financial ability of Mr. Moen.
Though not a college graduate, nor one who claims especial scholarship, he is yet a man of rare intelligence and elevated thought, a judicious and active friend to all educational movements and institutions, and one ever ready to further his convictions by liberal contributions. His services on the school board have been highly appreciated, and as trustee of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute since 1869, and treasurer for seven years, he has so acquitted himself as to merit and receive the highest approval.
In the more active scenes of political life he has not been often found, though on public questions his views and sentiments have had decided expression and due weight. In 18S5 he was chosen a presidential elector on the Republican ticket, a fact which sufficiently indicates his party affiliations. In religious sentiment he is of the New England Orthodox Congregational stamp, and well known for his broad Christian characteristics.
Mr. Moen has been twice married, his first wife having been Eliza, the daughter of Ichabod Washburn, of Worcester, and his second, Maria S., daughter of Peter C. and Dorothy Grant, of Lyme, N. H. By the last marriage he has had three children: one son, Philip W., and two daughters, Sophie and Alice Grant Moen, all of whom are now living.