In 1890, The Smith & Nixon Piano Company began building their own pianos in addition to selling pianos of other popular brand names.  In 1889, Joseph G. Ebersole joined the firm, at which time the firm added a successful line of pianos sold under the “Ebersole” brand name.  Smith & Nixon operated out of two large factories, one in Cincinnati and one in rural Norwood, Ohio.  Smith & Nixon pianos were well-made, expensive instruments and they enjoyed a superior reputation in the industry.  Unable to balance the pursuit for perfection with profitability, the firm encountered financial difficulty and closed in bankruptcy in 1909.

James H. Butler, a former employee of Smith & Nixon, purchased the Cincinnati factory and established “The Butler Brothers Piano Company”.  Butler Brothers continued building pianos under the “Ebersole” brand name until 1924.