James Bellak (March 1, 1813 – September 1, 1891) was a Bohemian-American musician and instrument manufacturer active in Philadelphia during the nineteenth century.

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

External links

• James Bellak, Biographical Dictionary of the Organ
• Works by James Bellak at International Music Score Library Project

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