F. C. Lighte

Biography

F. C. Lighte began business in New York about 1848 at 22 Canal Street. Within a few years he formed a partnership with W. H. Newton to create Lighte & Newton, a firm noted for excellent instruments and numerous improvements; Lighte himself was a steady patron of the Patent Office and an inventor of some moment. In 1853 the firm was joined by the pianist and teacher W. B. Bradbury, becoming Lighte, Newton & Bradbury. After Newton withdrew, Lighte & Bradbury carried on until 1861, when Bradbury left to manufacture his own 'Bradbury' piano. Lighte subsequently formed a new partnership with Louis Ernst, producing the popular Lighte & Ernst pianoforte; Lighte was the practical member of that firm and originated many of its mechanical improvements and modifications. He died in 1879.

Highlights

• Began business about 1848 at 22 Canal Street, New York
• Founded successively Lighte & Newton, Lighte, Newton & Bradbury, Lighte & Bradbury, and Lighte & Ernst
• A steady patron of the Patent Office and inventor of some moment
• Originated many mechanical improvements in the Lighte & Ernst instruments

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 197, 198.

Public domain.