Thomas Edward Chickering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Edward Chickering
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | October 22, 1824 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 14, 1871 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Buried |
Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts
|
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1864 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Brevet Brigadier General |
Thomas Edward Chickering (born October 22, 1824 – died February 14, 1871) was a famous piano maker and a soldier.
His father started the Chickering and Sons piano company. It was one of the first and best piano makers in the United States. Thomas took over the company from his father in 1853.
In 1862, Chickering became a colonel during the American Civil War. He later received an honorary rank of brevet brigadier general.
Early Life and Family Business
Thomas Chickering was the son of Jonas Chickering. Jonas was a well-known piano maker in Boston. He started his company in 1823. By the 1830s, Chickering pianos were famous all over the country.
In 1845, when Thomas was 21, he started working with his father. He learned how to design pianos. He also became very good at business and marketing.
Thomas married Caroline Battelle on September 8, 1847. They had at least one child, Lillian Chickering Prince, in 1849.
In December 1852, the company faced a problem when their factory burned down. The Chickerings built a new factory in Boston in 1853. That same year, Jonas Chickering died. Thomas and his brothers took over the company. It then became known as Chickering and Sons. As the oldest brother, Thomas led the company's business.
Serving in the Civil War
Before the Civil War, Chickering was interested in the military. He led a group called the New England Guards in the state militia. On September 15, 1862, Chickering was put in charge of the 41st Massachusetts Infantry.
His regiment went to New Orleans in November 1862. They were part of an expedition led by Major General Nathaniel Banks. During the winter of 1862–1863, the 41st Massachusetts stayed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Nothing major happened there.
In April and May 1863, the 41st Massachusetts went on a trip to Opelousas, Louisiana. They looked for supplies. They also helped thousands of freed slaves join the Union Army. Chickering was made the military governor of Opelousas. He commanded the Union troops there.
In June 1863, Chickering's regiment joined other troops. They were part of the Siege of Port Hudson. His regiment then combined with three companies of Massachusetts cavalry. They became a mounted unit. The regiment was renamed the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry. This unit fought in the Siege of Port Hudson and the Red River Campaign. Chickering led this unit until September 1, 1864, when he left the army.
For his service, Chickering received an honorary rank. He was made a brevet brigadier general. This rank was confirmed on April 10, 1866.
After the War
After the war, Chickering went back to his job. He was the senior partner at Chickering and Sons. The company continued to grow. They created new designs and got new patents. Chickering pianos were shown at the 1867 World Exposition in Paris. They received much praise. For his achievements, Chickering was honored in Paris. He was given membership in the Légion d'honneur.
Chickering died in Boston in 1871. He was 47 years old.
Lasting Impact
The Chickering and Sons piano company continued to be successful. Thomas Chickering's younger brother, Frank Chickering, managed it. They opened a showroom in New York City. The company also built a concert hall in New York in 1875. It was called Chickering Hall. Famous musicians played concerts there.
The New York Times called it a "famous" hall. It was located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 18th Street. Architect George B. Post designed it. The hall was torn down soon after the company sold the building in 1901.
