John Henry Aufderheide (1865 – 1941) was a successful investment broker in Indianapolis and later a publisher of Midwest ragtime music. Mr. Aufderheide married Lucy Ann Deel in 1887 and together they had two children, May Frances and Rudolph. May developed a love of music from a young age. Despite her family’s attempts to provide a traditional upbringing for a young woman of her social class, including finishing school and a Grand Tour of Europe, May was determined to publish music. To support his daughter’s passions, Mr. Aufderheide founded J.H. Aufderheide & Company. Under the family company, May composed a number of waltzes and rags and was an influential member of the Indianapolis ragtime community. Lots 1 - 6 from the Aufderheide Collection have remained within the family for generations and provide a glimpse into a family collection with a keen eye for rubies and American jewelry.