Thomas Edward Chickering (born Boston, Massachusetts, October 22, 1824; died there, February 14, 1871) was a piano manufacturer and soldier. The Chickering and Sons piano manufacturing company was established by Thomas Chickering's father and was among the first and most celebrated piano manufacturers in the United States. Thomas took over administration of the firm from his father in 1853. In 1862, Chickering became a colonel during the American Civil War, eventually being awarded the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general.