James Bellak

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]