Jacob Gross
b. July 26, 1819 · German
Biography
Jacob Gross was born in Wurtemburg on July 26, 1819. He learned his trade in Stuttgart and afterward worked in leading piano factories in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Paris before coming to America in 1848 to familiarize himself with methods used there. In 1856 he joined his brother-in-law, Charles M. Stieff, taking charge of the technical management of the Stieff piano factory. Dolge describes the pairing as an excellent combination of the professional musician and businessman Stieff supported by the artistic, expert factory manager Gross, and credits their combined product with winning distinguished awards. After Jacob Gross's death, the technical management passed to his son, Charles J. Gross, whom he had trained. A portrait of Jacob Gross accompanies the text.
Highlights
- Born in Wurtemburg July 26, 1819; trained in Stuttgart and worked in leading factories of Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Paris.
- Came to America in 1848 and joined his brother-in-law Charles M. Stieff in 1856 as factory manager.
- Described as the artistic piano maker and factory expert whose skill complemented Stieff's business and musical background.
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911).
Public domain.