Francis Conner

Biography

Francis Conner entered the American piano trade in 1871 and by 1878 had achieved an honorable reputation as a manufacturer of excellent instruments sold at prices within reach of the people. A skilful, practical tuner and toner conversant with every detail of piano structure, he personally superintended each instrument built in his factory to ensure it left the shop in the most perfect manner possible. Starting modestly, Conner rose through careful and conscientious effort, backed by practical knowledge and skill, to become a large and reputable maker, marketing his instruments without exaggerated claims but as equal in value to any piano of their grade. His business, chiefly wholesale, operated from East Forty-first Street, and around the time of writing he was preparing to move to a larger factory while leasing new warerooms at 4 East Forty-second Street. The text specifically praises his career for fair dealing and uprightness.

Highlights

• Entered the piano trade in 1871; had built a strong reputation by 1878
• Personally superintended every instrument constructed in his factory
• Praised for fair dealing and business uprightness

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 286, 287.

Public domain.