New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung, March 27, 1889, p. 10

Theodor Steinway. †

One of the most important industrialists of the old and new world suddenly died yesterday, Mr. C. F. Theodor Steinway. Mr. William Steinway received the bad news yesterday morning in a cable from Mrs. Dorette Ziegler dispatched from Braunschweig. The deceased had been suffering for a short time from asthma and his condition became a concern a few weeks ago but seemed to have improved. On Monday he had informed his brother that he would like to have the company of locally related ladies on a trip to Switzerland and Italy. The ladies had just cabled their agreement when the death notice arrived. A suddenly appearing heart infraction was the cause of death. Family members and his brother William were hit hard by this news. Mr. William Steinway is now the only remaining Steinway of the second generation and with this death looses his most valued friend in his life. The many sympathies extended him yesterday from all over the world will probably bring him little comfort in this heavy sorrow.

C. F. Theodor Steinway was the eldest son of Henry E. Steinway, the founder of the Steinway Piano Factory, or better said, factories, since they exist here and overseas. Theodor was born in 1825 in Seesen near Braunschweig and received an excellent music education. At the age of 14 he already played his father's instruments exhibited at a State Exhibition in Braunschweig. When his father left for America in 1850 with the rest of his family Theodor took over his father's piano factory and did not join them until 1865 after he had sold his Braunschweig business and had joined the company as an Associate. Without a doubt Theodor was the most talented technician in the family, just as his brother William represents the greatest talent for business. After the death of their father and the other brothers the happy union of the brothers' talents earned the House of Steinway world renown, honors and riches, reserved for few mortals. Theodor's ingenious inventions in the area of piano technique lead to a total re-arrangement of the latter. Governments of all countries showered honors on him and first class scientific institutions of the world sent him their diplomas. He regularly and warmly communicated with all of the important persons in his field and became friends with many of these important men at the various world exhibitions, which he then crowned with extensive travels. Until 1884 he spent most of his time in New York, where he had created a large circle of friends. After the death of his wife in 1883 the childless man returned to the city of his birth and earliest activities. In 1884 he again became a citizen of Braunschweig but stayed in closest contact with his New York company and its singular chief William. His house in Braunschweig served as the center for artists and friends of the arts. Despite his appearing illness Theodor remained a lively social person until the end of his life. His understanding for everything beautiful and good encouraged this in others.

[hhv]