Ben H. Janssen
b. August 31, 1862 · German
Biography
Ben H. Janssen was born at Brakin, Oldenburg, on August 31, 1862, and came to New York with his parents in 1863. After public and high school he briefly tried a seafaring career, making six transatlantic voyages before deciding land suited him better. Following a spell in commerce, he entered the piano trade as manager of a music store in 1873, becoming secretary of the Mathushek and Son Piano Company in 1878, and in 1901 he started in business on his own account after thorough training with firms making high-grade pianos. A skilled musician with more than 250 published compositions for piano to his credit, Janssen was regarded as an excellent judge of tone quality. Described as poetic, an interesting raconteur, and highly popular among his trade colleagues, he was often honored with offices of trust in various trade associations, and built a successful manufacturing business on a reputation for honesty, integrity, and a loyal clientele.
Highlights
- Born at Brakin, Oldenburg on August 31, 1862; came to New York with his parents in 1863
- Became secretary of the Mathushek and Son Piano Company in 1878, then started his own piano business in 1901
- Composed over 250 published piano pieces
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 113, 114.
Public domain.