My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM RADE, piano manufacturer, Ripley, President of the Ohio Valley Piano Company of Ripley since 1878, was born in Germany November 27, 1829. His parents, Gustaff A. and Caroline Rade, were natives of Germany. When Mr. Rade was fifteen years of age, he took up the trade of making pianos, and served an apprenticeship of five years in Cobleatz. In 1850, he came across the waters and engaged in his trade with Light, Newton & Co., of New York, for one and a half years. He was then employed in his trade by Broadway & Gray, of Albany, two years, and Gale & Co., of Baltimore, for seven years. He then returned to New York City and was engaged as tuner and regulator of Steinway Pianos two years. He was then connected with the St. Louis Piano Company of St. Louis, Mo., in the same department up to 1874, when he came to Ripley, since which time he has been connected with the Ohio Valley Piano Company. Mr. Hade is perhaps one of the best tuners and regulators of pianos in the United States. He has been connected with the principal piano manufactories and has become proficient in his business. Mr. Bade was married in Washington County, N. Y., to Miss Carrie T. Baker, a daughter of Taylor Baker. Mrs. Rade was born in Washington County in 1839. Five children were the fruits of this marriages — Louise E., William, Hattie E., Carrie and Katie. Mr. and Mrs. Hade are members of the Presbyterian Church of Ripley, and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.