POPE, CHARLES

(1832-1899)

Charles Pope was born in Germany, not far from Weimar, but was brought to the United States before his first birthday. From his youth he was attracted to the stage and found employment as an actor with various theatres in New York City. From 1854, he playedleadingroles with Benedict De Bar's company in New Orleans and St. Louis. He managed the inaugural season of Kansas City's first opera house (1870-1871), then toured for a time as a leading man. His career peaked at his own theatre, Pope's Theatre, in St. Louis.