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Colonel Daniel Francis Treacy (1846-1916)

Perhaps no other living member of the piano industry of today [1913] can look back upon such a romantic career as Daniel Francis Treacy. Born at New Brunswick in 1846, as one of a family of eight children, he attended and graduated from St. Michael's College at the age of sixteen. After the death of his father and mother in the Provinces, the family moved to St. Louis, excepting one of the brothers, who became an editor of the New York Tribune. Of a restless disposition and desirous to see the world, Daniel F. Treacy shipped aboard a whaling vessel from New Bedford, Mass., in 1865. Returning after a three-year's cruise, he shipped on another vessel, serving another three years. On the homeward trip he was shipwrecked and cast away on the Isle of Trinidad, where he was forced to remain for about five months before he found opportunity to board a vessel, which was bound for Halifax, N. S. He finally made his way to Boston, where he went to work in an iron foundry. He remained in Boston for one year and then came to New York. Shortly after, he was the one successful applicant out of seventy-five chosen as foreman of the Achusent Iron Works of New Bedford, Mass. Evidently he had left an excellent record at New Bedford as a "whaler." Remaining a year and a half in that position, he returned to New York and accepted the appointment as foreman for Davenport and Oothout, where he commenced to make piano plates, in 1872. Two years later he bought out the interest of Oothout and became half owner. The business prospered to such an extent that foundries were established at Boston, Mass., and Stamford, Conn., but in 1889 the three establishments were consolidated at Stamford, Conn., and the manufacture of piano hardware was added. At the same time Treacy commenced the manufacture of pianos in New York, of which branch he became the sole owner in 1906. Meeting with great success in his piano enterprise, to which he soon added player-pianos, Daniel F. Treacy organized in 1912 the Carter Piano Company, and is now manufacturing besides the Davenport-Treacy, also the Carter piano and player-piano. Treacy has served the public as a member of the Board of Education of Jersey City for many years and also as tax-assessor. For the past fifteen years he has been foreman of the Grand Jury of New York County, before whom the celebrated life insurance and corporation cases were discussed. For eight years he was one of the Board of Governors of the Catholic Club of New York and is a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus. A versatile writer, he has contributed largely to the American Machinist on foundry practice. Among his writings are essays on the use of coke in smelting iron and on other subjects appertaining to the foundry business.

Ref:

Dolge, Alfred (1913) Pianos and their makers. Volume 11. Covina, California.

Picturesque Stamford, 1892

Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz4kvxk9n-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0lqAwpTR9Q

watch?v=xqhykwVNwKw

In 1873 a significant event in the personal and commercial history of Mr. Davenport occurred. This was his first meeting with Mr. Daniel F. Treacy, his present partner. In this year the latter was engaged as superintendent of the foundry works con- trolled by Mr. Davenport, after a few moments' conversation, during which both partners— between whom a steady and unbroken friendship has existed for seventeen years— met for the first time. Subsequently Mr. Treacy became an equal partner in the business, when the firm of Davenport & Treacy came into being.

Mr. Treacy is a man of remarkable professional and scientific attainments. He is, first, a practical iron moulder, and in addition possesses a deep knowledge of metallurgy and all scientific and experimental departments related to foundry work and metal working in general. Many composition metals have been originated by him for bearing purposes, plates, and a variety of objects only capable of being fully appreciated by engineers and metal workers. As Davenport & Treacy stand to-day the largest producers of refined piano- plates in the world, the assistance of such a man in im- proving the resistance and resonance quality of piano- plates is invaluable to the trade.

Mr. Treacy was born in the British province of New Brunswick. In his youth he was apprenticed to the moulding trade in Chatham, N. B. In exactly three months after his term of apprenticeship had ended Mr. Treacy's family moved to St. Louis, Mo , where he acquired a varied experience in the Corandelet Iron Works in that city. We next discover him in the Government employ. His subsequent experience served to make him restless and disinclined to settle down to one occupation or one city. He now drifted considerably around, working in the best shops in the principal cities, mean- while having no difficulty in always finding good position?, owing to his skill. In this way he happened to find himself in the whaling town of New Bedford, Mass., in 1866. Having been brought up in early life within easy reach of " old ocean," young sailoring aspirations combined with restlessness induced him to ship on board a whaling vessel bound on a three years' cruise. Before the term was completed the ship was disabled and re- turned to port for repairs, while Mr. Treacy again sailed on a second voyage, which came near being his last ocean trip, for the crew were cast away on one of the West Indian islands, from which he emerged safe, however. In 1870 he was back at his old business, and held the position of foreman of the Acushnet Iron Foundry in New Bedford. He subsequently moved to Brooklyn and started business, hoping to be able to find scope for his professional originality as a metal and iron founder ; but while attending too much to the inventive side, the commercial side suffered, and he was obliged to retire. After this he entered the employ of Mr. Davenport, as indicated. It is sixteen years ago since this firm began to make piano-plate castings for the late W. A. Conant. The latter took the plates unfinished to his shop, where he drilled and finished them, and supplied the trade. They held all Conant's work and the trade of his successors until 1884, when they became direct caterers for the piano manufacturing houses. They were located at this period in Jersey City. In this year exactly two hundred and seventy-five plates were cast, refined, drilled, and finished in their shop.

Spillane, Daniel (1890) History of the American pianoforte; its technical development. NY

Family References

Patt Tracey married Catherine Bergin of Miramichi river lane 28 Oct 1842 Northumberland, New Brunswick, Canada Wit: Mathew Bergin & Christianna McMullins

1851 Census New Brunswick Canada

Patrick Tracey, 35, Chatham Parish Northumberland County, Cordwainer, Irish race, date of entry 1839

Catharine Tracey, 26, Irish race

Eliza Tracey, 7, Native

Danl Tracey, 5, Native

John Tracey, 3, Native

Mathew Tracey, 1, Native

http://automatedgenealogy.com/censusnb51/SplitView.jsp?id=3013

Surprisingly, there was only one other ‘Irish’ family for the 1851 Census of New Brunswick:

John Tracy, 37, Kingsclear Parish York County, Irish, farmer (Irish?), date of entry 1836

Ellen Tracy, 35, Irish, date of entry 1836

Thomas Tracy, 9, Native

George Tracy, 7, Native

Frances Tracy, 4, Native

Mary Tracy, 2, Native

1861 Census - Chatham, Northumberland New Brunswick Canada

Patrick Tracey, 46, birth: 1815, Newfoundlander, RC, Boot Shoemaker

Catherine Tracey, 32, birth: 1829, wife, Native, RC

Elizabeth Tracey, 19, birth: 1842

Daniel Tracey, 16, birth: 1845

John Tracey, 14, birth: 1847

Nathan [Mathew] Tracey, 12, birth: 1849

Alesander Tracey, 6, birth: 1855

Charlotte Tracey, 2, birth: 1858

Elizabeth Bunyan, 20, Native, RC

There was a second ‘Irish’ family in the same parish:

1861 Census - Chatham, Northumberland, New Brunswick, Canada

John Tracey, 52, birth: 1809, Irish, RC, Blacksmith?

Lucey Tracey, 37, birth: 1824, native,

Patrick L Tracey, 9, birth: 1852

Marey Tracey, 7, birth: 1854

January 14 1865 The Gleaner and Northumberland Schediasma

d. At his residence in Chatham (North. Co.) Sunday 1st Jan. Patrick Treacy, age 49, left seven children.

Daniel F. Treacy b. March 27 1846 Canada neutralised October 14 1871 Boston Mass.

1871 Census Canada - 03, Chatham, Northumberland 184, New Brunswick

James Pierce M 43 Nova Scotia, W Methodist, English, married, Publisher

Harriet Pierce F 28 Nova Scotia, W Methodist, English, married

Elizabeth Pierce F 65y Nova Scotia, W Methodist, Irish, widow

Julie Pierce F 66y Nova Scotia, W Methodist , English

Ann Pierce F 4y New Brunswick, W Methodist, English

Mathew Tracy M 21y New Brunswick, RC, Irish race

1871 Census Canada - 01, Blissfield e, Northumberland 184, New Brunswick

Alexander Tracey, 16, b. N B, ethnic origin: Irish. RC, farmer

1871 Census - 02, Chatham i, Northumberland 184, New Brunswick

John Tracy M 61y Ireland, RC, Blacksmith

Lucy Tracy F 47y N B, RC, Irish

Julia Tracy F 19y N B, RC, Irish

Kate Tracy F 10y N B, RC, Irish

Mary Tracy F 8y N B, RC, Irish

1870 Census – St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Chas W Pike M 33 New Brunswick

Elizab Pike F 26 New Brunswick

Sarah M Pike F 0 Missouri

Charlotte Tracy F 11 New Brunswick

Daniel Francis Treacy, 32, b. 1846 New Brunswick (s. of Patk. F. Treacy & Catherine Bergen) married Louise T. Kevenny, 24, b. 1854 New York (d. of John Kevenny & Susan Jane Keating) 22 May 1878 Brooklyn, Kings, New York, United States

1880 Census St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri [second listing as Tracy, sister-in-law]

self Chas. W. Pike M 42 Canada

wife Eliza M. Pike F 36 Canada

son Philip Pike M 6 Missouri, United States

son Chas. W. Pike M 3 Missouri, United States

sister Lotta G. Treacy F 21 Canada

brother Wm. T. Treacy M 18 Canada

Daniel F. Treacy (35y) & Louise Keveney/Kerney (27y)

Susan Jane Treacy b. 8 (or 3) Oct 1881 bapt. 16 Oct 1881 Saint Michael-catholic, Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey

1885 Census - Jersey City, District 02, Hudson, New Jersey

Daniel F Treacy (20-60 years)

Louise Treacy (20-60 years)

Susan Treacy (5-20 years)

Louise Treacy (5-20 years)

Mathew Treacy (20-60 years)

Hilda Bender (20-60 years)

Matthew A. Treacy d. 12 Apr 1885 [1886] Jersey City, Hudson, New Jersey, age 35, Father & Mother b. Ireland. (LDS)

13th Apr 1886 New York Tribune

M. A. Treacy

M. A. Treacy, for several years an employee of 'The Tribune' died of consumption in Jersey City yesterday, age thirty-five years. Although in failing health for the last two years, Mr. Treacy remained at his post and rendered faithful service to THE TRIBUNE until August 1885, when he vainly sought by rest and change of climate to restore his health. He returned to Jersey City and died at the residence of his brother, D. F. Treacy. Mr. Treacy was a native of New Brunswick.

April 14, 1886 New-York tribune

Treacy - On Monday, April 12 M. A. Treacy, aged 35 years.

Funeral services at the residence of his broth D. F. Treacy, 258 9th St., Jersey City, on Wednesday morning April 14 at 10 o'clock.

April 21 1886 ‘The World’ Chatham Northumberland
Mathew A. Treacy, for several years in the employ of 'The Tribune' died of consumption in Jersey City yesterday, age 35. Although in failing health for the last two years, Mr. T. remained at his post to the 'Tribune' until August 1835. He died at the residence of his brother, D.F. TREACY. Mr. Treacy was a native of New Brunswick - N.Y. Tribune, 13th Apr. - Mr. Treacy was an apprentice of Mr. Pierce in the 'Gleaner' and subsequently published the 'Herald' here.

Theodora Davenport Carter (2 Jul 1869 Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut - Stamford, Fairfield, Connecticut) married September 13, 1893 Stamford, Connecticut

16 September 1893 Music Trade Review, New York

A distinguished and popular member of the trade has surprised and pleased his friends this week by getting married to a very estimable lady. The benedict is none other than Mr. Daniel F. Tracey, of Davenport & Tracey. Mr. Tracey was married on Wednesday last, at Stamford, Conn., to Miss Theodora Davenport Carter, daughter of Mr. Geo. A. Galen Carter. The bride is a member of one of the best families in the State. We offer our sincerest congratulations.

September 8 1894 The World, Chatham Northumberland

Daniel F. Tracy of New York, a Chatham boy, whose firm is one of the largest makers of piano castings in the world, is visiting here at present.

April 1895

Daniel F. Treacy, of Davenport & Treacy, leaves to-day by steamer for his old home in New Brunswick, where he will spend his vacation.

June 25, 1902 New-York tribune

Scheduled for to-day is the wedding of Miss Louise Elizabeth Treacy, daughter of Daniel F. Treacy and David Monroe Cory. Harold Holderness will be the latter's best man, while Miss Suzanne Treacy will be the only attendant of the bride, at whose house in East Seventy-fifth st the ceremony will take place.

June 22, 1902 New York Times

One of Wednesday's several weddings will be that of Miss Louise E. Treacy, daughter of Daniel F. Treacy, and David Munroe Gory, son of the late Dr. David M. Cory. It will be quietly celebrated at the residence of the brides father and no guests have been invited save the immediate families, as the family of Mr. Cory is still in mourning for Dr. Cory, who died last Summer. Miss Suzanne treacy will be her sister's maid of honor, and Harold Holderness, a cousin of Mr. cory, will be his best man. Mrs. Cory, who was formerly Miss Munrtoe, lived in Englewood, N.J.

September 11, 1908 The evening world, New York

Mrs David M. Cory, divorced, becomes wife of G. Maxwell Clark

September 12, 1908 New York Times

The marriage of G. Maxwell Clark, manager of the Macey Company of 343 Broadway and Mrs. Louise Elizabeth Cory, divorced wife of David Monroe Cory and daughter of Col. Daniel F. Treacy, President of the Davenport Treaty Piano Company, was somewhat reluctantly admitted yesterday by their families.

Mr. Clark and Mrs. Cory who have both been staying at Hill Crest Hall, Highland Falls, N.Y., for the last few weeks, had never met before going there. They went to Jersey City together last Tuesday and were married, returning the same evening. Next day Mr. Clark informed his mother, Mrs. John Clark of 545A Quincy Street Brooklyn. His brother called on Col. Treacy later in the day and told him of the marriage.

The Clark family expressed themselves yesterday as pleased with the marriage, in spite of its unexpectedness. Col. Treacy, however, is understood to object to it, not on Mr. Clark's account, but because, his daughters’ remarriage is contrary to the laws of the Catholic Church, to which he belongs.

Miss Treacy married David Munroe Cory six years ago at her fathers home, 57 East Seventy-Sixth street. After two years Mr. Cory obtained a divorce. At the time of the divorce the couples differences were said to be religious. Mr. Cory's sister became the wife of Joseph S. Ulmann soon after she divorced John Gallatin.

1905 Census – 5 16th Manhattan, New York, New York

head , Daniel F Treacy , M, 57y, New Brunswick, 25 years citizen, occupation pianos

wife , Thedora D C Treacy , F, 35y, United States

daughter , Susanne Treacy , F, 23y, United States

1910 Census - Manhattan Ward 12, New York, New York

self , Danice [Daniel] F Treacy , M, 64y, Canada

wife , Theodora H Treacy , F, 40y, New York

dau , Susan J Treacy , F, 28y, New Jersey

Daniel F. Treacy, Married, Piano Manufacturer, died 24 Aug 1916, 70 years, 61 West 130th St. Manhattan, New York, N.Y., Buried 26 Aug 1916 Hudson County Catholic New Jersey, b. 27 Mar 1846 Canada (s. of Pat Treacy & Cath. Beigin, both of Ireland)

August 25, 1916 New York Times

Daniel P. Treacy, President and founder of the Davenport-Treacy Piano company, and connected for fourty-five years with the piano business here, died yesterday at his home, 61 West 180th Street, in his seventy-first year. He was born in Canada and came to this city in early life. Mr. Treacy was a member of the Catholic Club, the Elks, the Friendly sons of st. Patrick and the knights of Columbus. His wife and two daughters survive him.

The Music Trade Review - Death Of Col. Daniel F. Treacy

President of Davenport-Treacy Piano Co., and One of the Veterans of the Trade, Passes Away on August 24, in His Seventy-first Year

Col. Daniel F. Treacy, founder of the Davenport-Treacy Piano Co., for over forty years actively engaged in the piano manufacturing trade, died on Thursday of last week at his home, 61 West 130th street, New York, in his seventy-first year. As Col. Treacy had been ill for some time, the end was not unexpected. Col. Treacy was born in New Brunswick, Canada, where he learned the moulding trade. In early life his family moved to St. Louis, where he became connected with the Corandelet Iron Works, and later entered the Government employ. In 1870 he moved to Brooklyn and started business for himself, and a few years later entered the employ of John Davenport, then engaged in the foundry business in Jersey City, .and soon became a partner in this business, when the firm of Davenport & Treacy came into being. This concern made a specialty of piano plate castings, and their factory at Stamford, Conn., was one of the large plate producing concerns of the country. Many years ago Col. Treacy retired from the Davenport & Treacy concern and engaged in the manufacture of pianos, and owing to his wide experience in the supply field, had long been recognized as an expert in all the phases of piano construction, as well as in the details of selling in the piano field. His business career was a successful one, and enabled him to amass a fortune. Col. Treacy was highly respected in trade circles and was a member of the Catholic Club, the Elks, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. The funeral was private and was held on Saturday. Numerous floral tributes and messages of condolence were received from the trade. At the offices of the Davenport-Treacy Co., James A. Stewart, the secretary of the company, stated that plans had not yet been made regarding the future of the business.

September 25, 1908 The Sun, NY James A. Treacy.jpg

Last update: 30 June 2021