William Bent

Biography

William Bent was a Boston musical instrument and pianoforte maker. He first appears in the 1798 city directory as partner in 'Bent & Green, musical instrument makers, 90 Newbury Street'; by 1800 the firm was 'William & Adam Bent, musical instrument makers, 26 Orange Street,' continuing there until 1807, when 'William Bent, pianoforte-maker, 24 Orange Street' appears alone, and finally at 49 Newbury Street in 1809, his last appearance in the directory. Thomas Appleton recalled visiting the Bents' shop as early as 1803. Spillane speculates that Bent may have been the 'expert mechanic' behind a much-noticed new grand pianoforte in Boston in 1799, since Benjamin Crehore's shop was in Milton rather than Newbury Street. The Bent firm went out of business in 1809. According to Appleton, William Bent invented the first leather-splitting machine, obtained a patent on it, and moved to Philadelphia to carry on a leather business.

Highlights

• Operated as a musical instrument and pianoforte maker in Boston from 1798 (as Bent & Green) through 1809, later trading as William & Adam Bent and then alone.
• Invented and patented the first leather-splitting machine, later moving to Philadelphia to run a leather business.
• Possibly the unnamed 'expert mechanic' whose new grand pianoforte drew attention in Boston in 1799.

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 52, 53.

Public domain.