Henry Bergh

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Henry Bergh (August 29, 1811 - March 12, 1888) founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in April, 1866, three days after the first effective legislation against animal cruelty in the United States was passed into law by the New York State Legislature. A Unitarian minister, Bergh also prompted the formation, in 1874, of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC).

1 Early life and education
2 Career
- 2.1 Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Early life and education

Bergh studied at Columbia College in New York, New York, after which he worked in his father's shipyard. After the shipyard was sold, Bergh received a share of the inheritance and set forth on a lengthy journey throughout Western Europe with his young bride, Catherine Matilda Taylor.

[edit] Career

Bergh was appointed to the American Legation in Russia by then President Abraham Lincoln

[edit] Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

Bergh was approached by a Methodist missionary seeking help rescuing a child, Mary Ellen Wilson, from an extremely abusive home. After Mary Ellen's story was heard, other complaints came in to Bergh. In response, a group of citizens met and formed the MSPCC.

[edit] References

Friend of Animals: The Story of Henry Bergh, Mildred Mastin Pace, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons (1942)
"The Child-Saving Movement", J. Riis, (1982), Childhood in America, P. Fass and M.A. Mason (eds.). New York: New York University Press, p 539-542 (2000).
Angel in Top Hat, Zulma Steele, (1942). New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers.