Henry E. Steinway

Heinrich Steinweg was already an experienced piano maker in Seesen, in Lower Saxony, when he emigrated to New York with most of his family in 1850 after the failed revolutions of 1848. He and his sons worked in other workshops before founding Steinway & Sons in 1853, and their patents, including the overstrung iron frame of a grand, and medal wins at exhibitions built its reputation. His sons ran the business side; the craft came over with the father.