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Vol. 86 July 18, 2026 No. 19

James Julian

active 1785

maker inventor

Biography

James Julian, located at Franklin and Arch streets in Philadelphia, announced in 1785 'the great American pianoforte of his own invention' shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War. Spillane cites this as evidence of Julian's nationalist pride as well as his standing as an early American piano maker, noting that his name appears frequently in Philadelphia newspapers of the period. No further biographical details are given.

Highlights

  • Announced in 1785 'the great American pianoforte of his own invention' from Franklin and Arch streets, Philadelphia.

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 77.

Public domain.

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