Philanthropist, born in New York City in 1813; died there on the 12th of March 1888. He was of German descent. His father was a wealthy ship-builder. He and his brother succeeded to the ship-building business, but it was not to his taste, so he abandoned the business and entered Columbia College. Before completing the course he went to Europe, where he spent five years. In 1862 he was appointed secretary of legation at St. Petersburg, ill health compelled him to resign two years later, and he went to London, where, among other famous people, he met the Earl of Harrowby, president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Returning to New York in 1864, he set about organizing a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The following year the society was formed, with Mr. Bergh as president. The work done by this society has been a noble one. Mr. and Mrs. Bergh gave largely of their abundant means for the work. Through Mr. Bergh’s influence similar societies have been formed in several cities, while thirty-nine states have adopted laws for the protection of animals. In 1874 his attention was called to the inhumanity sometimes practiced upon children, and he founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Mr. Bergh wrote plays, some poetry and a few sketches; but the work for which he will always be remembered is that in regard to kind treatment of children and animals.
