Charles Henry Pugh (6 June 1840 – 9 April 1901)[1] was founder of a British bicycle manufacturer. Charles Henry Pugh was the chairman and managing director of the Whitworth Cycle Co., he was also the chairman of CH. Pugh Ltd.[2] Pugh designed a machine press and specialized steel for making seamless bicycle rims.[3] By 1894 Pugh was the leader of Rudge-Whitworth: a company which became Great Britain’s leading bicycles and motorcycle manufacturer.[4]

Career

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Pugh, along with his two sons, Charles Vernon and John, co-founded Whitworth Cycle Co. (later Rudge-Whitworth) of Birmingham.[5] following Charles Henry Pugh's death his sons took the company public, and renamed it Charles H. Pugh Ltd.[6]

In 1921 Charles Henry Pugh's son Charles Vernon Pugh owned a company called the Atlas Chain Company. That company sold the first mass produced gas powered lawn mower. The mower was named the Atco: a name derived from the company name.[7]

 
Atco 1932

References

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  1. ^ Memoirs — Proceedings. Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 1901.
  2. ^ Reynolds, Bryan (2014). Rudge-Whitworth: The Complete Story. Marlbourough, Wilshire: The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN 978-184797-688-8. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  3. ^ "Press for Making Steel Bicycle Rims". Scientific American. Munn & Company: 216. 4 April 1896.
  4. ^ "1895 Rudge-Whitworth No 3 Road Racer". oldbike.eu. Old Bike Museum. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  5. ^ Driver, Hugh. The Birth of Military Aviation: Britain, 1903–1914 Royal Historical Society, Boydell Press, Suffolk UK, Rochester NY, 1997, p.14. ISBN 978-0-86193-234-4
  6. ^ "Charles H. Pugh". gracesguide.co.uk. Grace's Guides Ltd. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  7. ^ "Atco Mowers". gracesguide.com. Grace's Guide Ltd. Retrieved 21 November 2019.