Our Name
The Story of E.D. Bellis
E.D. Bellis was an American pioneer and musician who helped make music flourish in the American Plains from 1870-1934.
Born in 1847 in Plainfield, NJ where many people of culture, refinement, and wealth resided at the time, E.D. Bellis had a love for music at an early age. After filling in for the organist at the Dutch Reformed Church in Plainview, friends and members of the church noticed his unique musical ability and arranged training under the famous Charles Morgan a master pipe organist in New York City at $10 for a half-hour lesson. E.D. Bellis soon became their organist and found employment at Ditson Music House, a premier music establishment.
Around the same time, hundreds of miles away in Omaha, manifest destiny was in full swing as the Civil War had just ended. The thriving but rough railroad town of Omaha, Nebraska had experienced success through the Westward expansion. Mr. Augustus Kountze, an American Banker, and Real Estate magnate, who was appointed by President Lincoln in 1862 as the first Chairman of the Union Pacific Board of Directors was used to making things happen. As a member of Immanuel Church, now Kountze Memorial located at 26th and Farnam, Mr. Kountze reminisced about how the Church’s music used to be the best around but had regressed over time.
After asking around with no luck, Mr. Kountze set out for New York in search of someone who could go to Omaha, play the organ and lead the choir. After a few days, E.D. Bellis was recommended by a well-known musician, H.P. Danks, who was, like many notable musicians, a friend of E.D. Bellis.
Mr. Kountze personally guaranteed a salary of $50 per month which was a large amount.
E.D. Bellis made the move across the country and it was not long before tragedy struck as unfortunately his wife and baby did not make it and were sent back East to be buried.
Despite this he persevered and soon after reaching Omaha, he had plenty to keep him busy. Through music, he eventually met and married Cora Belle Withnell of one of Omaha’s original pioneer families and for the next 60 years, he became a well-known and respected citizen of Omaha and was the “finest organ player in the West” according to the Omaha Bee.
E.D. Bellis trained hundreds of future musicians and because they never had exposure to someone with his musical knowledge, some of his students went on to international success and stardom. Through his contributions and teaching, he influenced the cultural foundation of a city where it thrives today.
The legacy of E.D. Bellis is embodied by the organization bearing his name pioneering a new industry at a different time. In communities all across the country, a new type of professional is needed with superior knowledge you can count on to provide real answers on healthcare and new ideas for you your family and your organization.
E.D. Bellis is the Great-great-great-grandfather of our founder, Sean McGuire.