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Alfred Wagstaff
Alfred Wagstaff (1844-1921).jpg
President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
In office
1906–1921
Preceded by John Peter Haines
Member of the New York State Senate from the 5th District
In office
January 1, 1877 – December 31, 1879
Preceded by James W. Booth
Succeeded by Edward Hogan
Member of the New York State Assembly
In office
January 1, 1874 – December 31, 1874
Preceded by George W. Clarke
Succeeded by Frederick W. Seward
In office
January 1, 1867 – December 31, 1867
Preceded by James H. Tuthill
Richard A. Udall
Succeeded by James M. Halsey
Personal details
Born (1844-03-21)March 21, 1844
New York City
Died November 2, 1921(1921-11-02) (aged 77)
Babylon, New York
Political party Republican
Liberal Republican
Democratic
Spouse
Mary A. Barnard
(m. 1880; his death 1921)
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).

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.

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.

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