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John Geib John Geib was born in Standerheim (now Staudernheim) in the Rhineland Germany on February 27th 1744 where he trained as an organ-builder. In around 1760 John emigrated to England and established himself in London where he worked for several famous piano makers; his patent “grasshopper action” was significant. His reputation for piano-making grew and he became one of the “twelve apostles” the founding fathers of English piano craft. In August 1779 John married Rebecca Shrimpton and had several children by her including the twins John Jr. and Adam who were to carry on the business after him. Despite receiving his denization papers (English nationality) in 1792 the family emigrated to New York aboard the Factor in 1797. In 1798 John is on First Street in New York as an organ-builder. Shortly after this Geib & Company (John and one of his sons, probably John Jr.) traded in Bowery until declared bankrupt in 1802. Although listed as organ builders the firm advertised (New York Spectator on 19th March 1800) as builders of organized, grand and common pianos and pedal harps. In 1803 the business was reorganised and relaunched as Geib & Son also selling music through their own shops. John Geib died near Newark, New Jersey on October 30th 1819 aged 75 and was buried in St Paul’s churchyard at Broadway and Vesey, New York.
Acknowledgements: The History of The Organ in the United States by Orpha Caroline Ochse Musical Instrument Makers of New York by Nancy Groce
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