March 1898

George W. Cotterill, William Steinway’s former attorney, bills Steinway family $153,000 for five years of legal services, instantly becoming Steinway & Sons’ largest creditor. Having found out about the bill from George Cotterill, Charles Steinway pledges to resign as president before he agrees to pay it. Frederick T. Steinway and Henry L. Ziegler begin to negotiate with Cotterill.