Alfred Wagstaff Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Wagstaff
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| President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | |
| In office 1906–1921 |
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| Preceded by | John Peter Haines |
| Member of the New York State Senate from the 5th District | |
| In office January 1, 1877 – December 31, 1879 |
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| Preceded by | James W. Booth |
| Succeeded by | Edward Hogan |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office January 1, 1874 – December 31, 1874 |
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| Preceded by | George W. Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Frederick W. Seward |
| In office January 1, 1867 – December 31, 1867 |
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| Preceded by | James H. Tuthill Richard A. Udall |
| Succeeded by | James M. Halsey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 21, 1844 New York City |
| Died | November 2, 1921 (aged 77) Babylon, New York |
| Political party | Republican Liberal Republican Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary A. Barnard
(m. 1880; |
| Relations | Sam Wagstaff (grandson) Henry A. DuBois (cousin) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | Alfred Wagstaff Sr. Sarah Platt DuBois Wagstaff |
| Education | Columbia Law School (1866) |
Alfred Wagstaff Jr. (born March 21, 1844 – died October 2, 1921) was an American lawyer and politician from New York. He was well-known for his work protecting animals. From 1906 until he passed away in 1921, he was the president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Contents
Early Life and Family
Alfred Wagstaff Jr. was born in New York City on March 21, 1844. His parents were Dr. Alfred Wagstaff Sr. and Sarah Platt Wagstaff. His father was a doctor in New York City.
Alfred's grandfather, David Wagstaff, was an English immigrant. He became very wealthy as a successful merchant.
Career Highlights
Alfred Wagstaff Jr. had an interesting career that included military service, law, and politics. He also led important organizations.
Military Service
In 1863, when he was only 19, Alfred became a Colonel in the 16th Regiment of the New York Army National Guard. He helped during the New York Draft Riots in Brooklyn. These riots were a major disturbance in New York City during the American Civil War.
In 1864, his regiment joined the Union Army. They were stationed on Staten Island. Later that year, he became a first lieutenant and worked with General William Walton Morris. In February 1865, he was promoted to major. He served as Chief of Staff for General Samuel W. Crawford with the Army of the Potomac until the war ended. He was also given the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel.
Legal and Political Work
After the war, Alfred Wagstaff Jr. studied law. He graduated from Columbia Law School in 1866. He then became a lawyer and practiced law in New York City. He also lived in West Islip, New York.
From 1867 to 1869, he worked on the staff of Reuben Fenton, who was the Governor of New York.
Alfred Wagstaff Jr. was involved in politics for many years.
- In 1867, he was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican. He represented Suffolk County, New York.
- He later joined the Liberal Republican Party in 1872.
- After that, he became a Democrat. In 1874, he was again elected to the State Assembly, this time representing a district in Manhattan.
- From 1877 to 1879, he served as a member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 5th District.
From 1896 until his death, he worked as the Clerk for an important court called the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, First Judicial Department.
Protecting Animals and Community Service
One of Alfred Wagstaff Jr.'s most important roles was leading the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). He served as its president from 1906 until he died. The ASPCA works to prevent cruelty to animals and help them.
He was also the 48th President of the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York. This is a charitable organization for men whose families have lived in New York State for a long time. He held various leadership roles in this society before becoming president.
Personal Life
On March 30, 1880, Alfred Wagstaff Jr. married Mary Anderson Barnard. Together, they had five children:
- Alfred Wagstaff III (1881–1930)
- David Wagstaff (1882–1951)
- Samuel Jones Wagstaff (1885–1975)
- George Barnard Wagstaff (born 1886)
- Margaret Barnard Wagstaff
Alfred Wagstaff Jr. passed away on October 2, 1921, at his home in Babylon, New York. He was 77 years old.
Family Legacy
His grandson, Samuel Jones Wagstaff Jr. (1921–1987), became a well-known art curator and collector.
