Piano

Object number72.101.1

Date1791

OriginPhiladelphia, PA

MediumWalnut; Mahogany; Ivory; Metal

Credit LineGift of Gertrude Sowers McCalmont and Isaac Meason Sowers

DescriptionSquare pianoforte made of mahogany. Above keys is a painted yellow panel with red thistle flowers, green leaves, and an inscription in black.Dimensions31.9999 x 21.25 x 61.7499 in. (81.3 x 54 x 156.8 cm)
SignedOn panel above keyboard: "Charles Taws/Maker/Philadelphia"
InscriptionsPiano is dated on nameplate "1791"
Historical NotesThis piano was brought to Fort Pitt by General Richard Butler for his daughter Mary. It was donated to the Historical Society of Western in 1920 by Gertrude Sowers McCalmont. The maker of this piano, Charles Taws, emigrated from Scotland and settled in Philadelphia in 1787.Label TextAccording to family history, Major General Richard Butler, an Indian agent and commandant at Fort Pitt, gave the pianoforte to his daughter, Mary, in 1791, just prior to leaving on a fateful military expedition with General Arthur St. Clair. The instrument was made by Charles Taws of Philadelphia and transported over the Allegheny Mountains to the Butler family’s home in what is now Lawrenceville.

Related person Major General Richard Butler

Previous owner Mary Butler

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