Horatio Worcester

Biography

Horatio Worcester, a native of Albany, reportedly became acquainted with piano maker John Osborn in that city and was induced by him to come to New York, where he worked in Osborn's shop at the time of Osborn's death; it was generally believed, though disputed, that Worcester was originally a carpenter with no prior piano-making knowledge. He became a founding partner of Stodart, Worcester & Dunham around 1836, described by Spillane as the 'ruling spirit' of that enterprise. After the partnership dissolved, Worcester started his own business, and the 'H. Worcester' pianoforte became well known; an 1848 trade-journal advertisement offered his instruments in mahogany and rosewood cases. He contributed many improvements and ideas to piano construction. By 1856 his output was about eight instruments a week. He remained in business from 1836 until his recent death, though his business was gradually crowded out by younger, more modern enterprises after 1864.

Highlights

• Native of Albany; reportedly drawn into piano-making through acquaintance with John Osborn and worked in Osborn's shop
• Founding member of Stodart, Worcester & Dunham (c. 1836); afterward ran his own well-known 'H. Worcester' piano business
• By 1856 produced about eight instruments a week; remained in business until his recent death, though gradually eclipsed by newer firms after 1864

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 181, 182, 183.

Public domain.