Pope, Albert A(ugustus) (1843-1909)

US manufacturer. Known as the ‘founder of the American bicycle industries’, he opened the Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut, which made small, patented articles, but eventually specialized in bicycles, especially the popular ‘Columbia’ brand.

Pope was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He was decorated for ‘gallant conduct’ during the Civil War. He opened a shoe supplies factory and became wealthy by 1877. After he established the Pope Manufacturing Company he energetically promoted bicycling and founded The Wheelman (1882), which was changed into Outing (1883). He later ventured into the automobile business (1896) and for a time manufactured gasoline and electric cars in Toledo, Hartford, and Indianapolis.