Pipe Organ Database

See also: Heinrich (Henry) Tellers, Tellers-Sommerhoff, and Tellers-Kent.

From the OHS Database Builders editor, Stephen Hall, June 18, 2016. —

Ignatius' organ building career mirrors that of his older brother, Heinrich (Henry). Both brothers worked with their father, both worked with A.B. Felgemaker, they left Felgemaker together and were partners in Tellers-Sommerhoff and its successor, Tellers-Kent. Presumably he and Albert Kent kept the Tellers-Kent firm operating after Henry's death in 1920 at age 45, the firm closed with Ignatius' death.

From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders, by David H. Fox (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1991). —

Born in March 30, 1876 in Langbroich, Germany; brother of Heinrich (Henry) Tellers; immigrated to the United States, 1881; in New Orleans, Louisiana, with organbuilder father; partner with his brother and William A. Sommerhoff in Tellers-Sommerhof Organ Co. of Erie, PA, c. 1907; partner with his brother and Albert E. Kent in Tellers-Kent Organ Co. of Erie, Pennsylvania, by 1918; president, 1920; died March 23, 1933 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Sources:

• The Diapason September 1920, 15.
• Obituary "Ignatius Tellers" (Erie, Pennsylvania, Daily Times March 24, 1933).
• Martin Kares, The German Element in American Organbuilding, 1700-1900 (dissertation, Marburg 1990).
• Elizabeth Towne Schmitt.