Pipe Organ Database

The following note is from a previous version of this entry; it has been superseded by the note above, which contains new information.

From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders, by David H. Fox (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1991). -

Partnership of Henry Pilcher {Sr.} and sons Henry {Jr.} and William in St. Louis, Missouri, 1857-1858.

Sources:

• Local directories of the period.
• Elizabeth Towne Schmitt.

For help in locating a particular Pilcher family member or firm name/location, refer to Pilcher Family - Overview.
The Overview contains:

• A summary of the family's organbuilding history in the United States.
• The Pilcher Family Tree of Organ Builders courtesy of Bynum Petty, OHS Archivist.
• A list of the various company names used by family members.

From Organ Database Builders editor Stephen Hall, March 31, 2018. -

Partnership of Henry Pilcher [I] and sons Henry [II] and William in St. Louis, Missouri, 1857-1858.

In 1852, Pilcher's sons Henry [II] and William decided to head west and settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where they established the first Pilcher factory in 1852. The firm rapidly expanded into a musical conglomerate, not simply building organs, but also selling pianos and other musical instruments, sheet music and even publishing music. After the death of his wife, the senior Henry moved to St. Louis and joined his sons in a new partnership; he retired in 1858. The brothers continued on, first under William, then under Henry [II], then again under both by 1862.

Source:

• Bynum Petty.