HON. B.F. BERGEN

Hon. B.F. Bergen, of San Francisco, is a native of Schuyler county, Illinois. His father, George S. Bergen, was one of the large farmers and stock-raisers of Illinois, and a native of New Jersey, from which State he removed to Kentucky in 1818, the same year that the Prairie State was admitted to the Union. Four years later Mr. Bergen removed to Illinois, where he entered Shurtleff College as on of its charter members. After completing his course of studies there, he settled on Jersey Prairie near Jacksonville. Very many residents of the “dark and bloody ground” removed to Illinois about that time and a little later and settled in the country between St. Louis and the Wabash river, notably in Vermilion, Edgar, Champaign, Macon, Sangamon and Morgan counties. The members of those old families, intermarrying with the families of other hardy and honest pioneers, produced descendants especially distinguished for beauty of women and courage and talent in men. It would require but a moment’s thought to recall the names of a host that have become noted at the bar and in the field, whose parentage were natives of Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and States further north. 

The subject of this sketch was education in Illinois, enjoying the crude facilities then common, and selected the law for his profession. On being admitted to the bar, he commenced the practice of his chosen profession, and continued a close student, as in fact he has been such all his life. This, however, did not prevent his taking an active part in politics, always affiliating with the Democratic party. As an organizer he has but few if any superiors. He was chosen as a delegate to nearly every State convention for twenty-five years, or as long as he remained a resident of Illinois, and has such political associates as Hon. Virgil Hickox, Hon. William M. Springer, Hon. James C. Allen, Hon. William A. Richardson, Hon. O. B. Ficklin, United States Senator John M. Palmer, Hon. William R. Morrison and the old war horses who have left their records upon the pages of history. He was also a member of the Democratic State Central Committee from the State at large, for many years, was a member of the Executive Committee, and also secretary of the State Central Committee during the memorable Tilden campaign, spending several months of his time in Chicago, performing the duties of these arduous positions with an ability highly appreciated by the Democracy of the State, and indeed of the whole country. 

It was through his instrumentality that the largest State Convention ever held in Illinois convened at Springfield, on January 8, 1877, for the purpose of protesting again the counting in of R. B. Hayes, as President, by the returning boards of the various States, instead of Samuel J. Tilden, at which such men as General John A. McClernand, Hon. Lyman Trumbull, Governor John M. Palmer and other distinguished lights took part. The resolution offered at that time tendering the thanks of the convention to the Hon. B. F. Bergen for the calling of the convention and its successful termination was enthusiastically adopted. 

At the installation of Mr. Cleveland as President, it became a matter of more than ordinary importance to select the right man to represent and defend the interests of the Government in public land matters on the Pacific coast. Mr. Bergen was importuned to accept the position of special agent of the land department, that the Government might avail itself of his unquestioned probity and great knowledge of law and of the statutes bearing upon land questions especially. He came to California in that official capacity, and filled the position for four years, with marked influence upon the administration of the affairs of the public land office. During this time he conducted the prosecution of the noted California Redwood Company or Scotch syndicate, cases in which he was opposed by the best legal talent that money and influence could procure: the title to some 60,000 acres of redwood timber land, situated in Humboldt county, California, was involved, valued at $20,000,000. The case was contested with all the ability and power that vast wealth could command, and more than 400 witnesses were examined during the trial, which was won for his Government by Mr. Bergen, putting the seal of eminent approval on his ability and fitness as a lawyer for this difficult and important mission. 

After Mr. Harrison had been inaugurated as President, Mr. Bergen forwarded his resignation, requesting that it be accepted as soon as practicable. In reply to this he received the following letter: 

Department of the Interior, General Land Office

Washington, D. C., May 9, 1889. 

R. F. Bergen, Eureka, California:

Dear Sir:--Referring to your request to have your resignation as special agent accepted as soon as practicable, I have to say that I regret very much to learn of your purpose to leave the service, and hope you will reconsider the matter and find it agreeable to remain. Your thorough knowledge of land laws and the duties of your office has enable you to render service which has been of incalculable benefit to the Government; and I feel it my duty to do and say whatever I can to keep you in the service. You have proven yourself to be an honest and efficient officer, and the Government cannot well afford to lose your services. The able manner in which you conducted the trial in the California redwood case, is especially deserving of the highest commendation and praise. I shall therefore decline to recommend the acceptance of your resignation, as long as I believe you can be induced to remain in office.

Yours very truly,

S. M. Stocksleger,

Commissioner G. L. O. 

Later on, and after Mr. Bergen’s resignation had been accepted, the Hon. William F. Vilas, then Secretary of the Interior, in a letter to Mr. Bergen, said, “An honorable record is your just reward for public labor.” As a lawyer Judge Bergen has proven a success, rarely ever losing a case for his clients, and is honored and recognized throughout the State as one among the ablest members of the bar on this coast. 

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker 

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, pages 500-502, Lewis Publishing Co., 1892.