John Jacob Decker
German
Biography
John Jacob Decker was born in Germany, where he learned piano-making before coming to America. In New York he worked in several of the best shops, gaining thorough familiarity with American methods, before joining his brother David Decker to found Decker Brothers in 1862. Described as an inventor of distinction and a capable 'scale' draughtsman, he is credited with much of the fine character of the firm's later instruments through his practical supervision and inventive capacity. He shared with his brother the patent No. 61,612, issued January 28, 1867. As of 1890 he remained head of the house and its active lead, while his brother David had by then retired.
Highlights
- Co-founded Decker Brothers in 1862 with his brother David Decker.
- Head of the Decker Brothers house as of 1890.
- Joint patentee of Patent No. 61,612 (January 28, 1867).
Source
Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 249, 250.
Public domain.