James Bellak (March 1, 1813 – September 1, 1891) was a Bohemian-American musician and instrument manufacturer active in Philadelphia during the nineteenth century.
James Bellak | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 1, 1813 |
| Died | September 1, 1891 (aged 78) |
| Alma mater | Charles University |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Spouse | Nina Bellak[2] |
Bellak was born in Prague and educated at the former Jesuit College.[3] He was involved in calico manufacturing until political unrest caused him to immigrate to the United States in 1846.[3] Bellak began teaching music in Philadelphia and in 1854 began manufacturing pianos and organs.[3] Bellak himself served as organist at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and the Church of the Holy Trinity.[3] He composed music and was active in his business until a couple years before his death.[3]
Bellak's youngest son, Alfred, died suddenly on February 11, 1891, after developing inflammatory rheumatism the previous November.[2] James Bellak and his wife were both already in poor health. Mr. Bellak died on September 1; he was survived by his two eldest sons, Leopold and Charles, and his two daughters, Bertha and Betty.[3] His widow did not long survive him, dying on October 7, 1891.[4]
James Bellak was a Freemason (Rising Star Lodge No. 126 and Columbia Mark Lodge No. 91 in the Scottish Rite), an Odd Fellow (Herman Lodge No. 7, I.O.O.F.), and a member of the Union League.[3] His estate, including the piano and organ business bequeathed to his sons, was valued at $200,000 to the surprise of the Philadelphia music community, which had imagined him to be even wealthier.[5]
References
edit- ^ The New York Clipper (1892). The New York Clipper Annual. New York: Frank Queen Pub. Co. Retrieved March 17, 2021 – via Columbia University Libraries.
- ^ a b "Alfred Bellak". Musical Courier. Vol. 22, no. 574. February 18, 1891. p. 166. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Two Prominent Men Gone". Musical Courier. Vol. 23, no. 603. September 9, 1891. p. 284. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "Obituary". Musical Courier. Vol. 23, no. 608. October 14, 1891. p. 434. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "Bellak's Will". Musical Courier. Vol. 23, no. 603. September 30, 1891. p. 376. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
External links
edit- James Bellak, Biographical Dictionary of the Organ
- Works by James Bellak at International Music Score Library Project
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