Henry Bergh
Source: Wikipedia: Henry Bergh
Humanitarian & Peace • Historical Archive • 🇺🇸 United States • 1 views

Henry Bergh 🇺🇸

Henry Bergh
["Animal Welfare Pioneer", "ASPCA Founder", "Philanthropist"]
Born Aug 29, 1813 🇺🇸 New York City, United States
Passed Away Mar 12, 1888 New York City, United States
Lifespan 74 years old
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Notice / Correction
"Mercy to animals means mercy to humanity; cruelty degrades the human soul."

Archival Overview

Visionary humanitarian who founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and co-founded the world's first child protection society.

Biographical Record

Henry Bergh was the son of a wealthy New York shipbuilder and served as a diplomat in Saint Petersburg under Abraham Lincoln. Appalled by the brutal beating of horses on Russian streets and cockfighting in Europe, he resolved to devote his personal fortune and life to protecting voiceless creatures.

In 1866, Bergh drafted and persuaded the New York Legislature to pass the first comprehensive anti-cruelty law and charter the ASPCA, personally patrolling streets in top hat and cane to halt overloaded carts. In 1874, he also co-founded the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC).

Key Life Milestones

ASPCA Charter

Founding of the ASPCA

Secured legislative charter and police power to enforce the first animal anti-cruelty laws in America.

Child Protection

Co-founding of NYSPCC

Co-founded the world's first formal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Green-Wood Cemetery
Brooklyn, United States
GPS: 40.6581, -73.9947
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