Henry Kleber

Henry Kleber (b. 1816, d. 1897) came to Pittsburgh around 1830 with his parents and brother. One of his first jobs in the city was to play the piano for prospective customers at the store of Smith and Mellor. He also taught music, sang, composed and eventually sold musical instruments, becoming a leading figure in the musical life of the city and a friend/collaborator of Stephen Foster. He opened his first music store around 1846 on Third Street (Avenue now). He was now in competition with his former employer and apparently the two business owners clashed frequently. In 1855 the store name changed to H. Kleber and Bro. after Augustus Kleber joined the business, they also moved to Fifth Street. They were the first store to introduce Steinway’s to the city. He operated the store until his death and then his sons continued it until about 1915.