Jacob Kirchmann, a German harpsichord maker, immigrated to London in about 1740 changing his name to Kirkman. Jacob Kirkman was a very successful builder of harpsichords and forte-pianos in London, and he died a very wealthy man in 1778. Kirkman's sons continued in the manufacturing of pianos and harpsichords, and maintained their place in the European manufacturing industry well into the 19th Century.