John Loud

Biography

John Loud was one of the three 'Loud brothers' -- with Joseph and Philologus Loud -- who were Philadelphia piano-makers and uncles of Thomas C. Loud. A correspondent of the Maryland Historical Society told Spillane the brothers were sons of a man from Maidstone, Kent, England, who wrote a tract titled 'Loud on Infant Baptism.' It is not established whether the brothers emigrated from London together or separately, before 1824. John Loud was one of the four sons of the emigrant Loud who made up the original Philadelphia firm of Loud Brothers. He was the husband of Marguerite St. Leon Loud, described as an authoress of some repute. After the collapse of the original family firm, John Loud continued in the piano-making trade on his own, enjoying some distinction as a maker until 1842, when he left manufacturing. John Loud joined his brother Thomas Loud, Jr. as a partner in 1818, forming the Philadelphia firm of Thomas & John Loud, located at 361 High Street. The firm later became Loud Brothers when a third brother, Philologus, joined in 1822.

Highlights

• Joined brother Thomas as partner in 1818, forming Thomas & John Loud in Philadelphia.
• One of four brothers composing the Loud Brothers piano firm of Philadelphia
• Husband of authoress Marguerite St. Leon Loud
• Continued as an independent maker of some distinction until 1842
• One of the 'Loud brothers' of Philadelphia, uncle of Thomas C. Loud
• According to a correspondent, son of a writer/clergyman from Maidstone, Kent, England

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 112, 117, 179.

Public domain.