James J. Bergen

James J. Bergen (October 1, 1847 – October 20, 1923) was an American lawyer, jurist, banker, and Democratic Party politician from Somerville, New Jersey who served as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1891 to 1892 and an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1907 until his death in 1923.

Early life and education James J. Bergen was born on October 1, 1847 in Somerville, New Jersey to John James Bergen and Mary Ann (née Park) Bergen. His family traced their ancestry in the United States to Hans Hansen Bergen and Sarah Rapelje, and his father was engaged in the lumber business.

Bergen attended the Brick Academy and Calvin Butler Seminary before reading law under H. M. Gatson. He was admitted to the bar as an attorney in November 1868 and as a counselor in November 1871. After leaving office, he was appointed by Governor Joseph D. Bedle as Somerset County prosecutor from 1877 to 1883. He also served as president of the Somerville Board of Commissioners for several years.

He was a delegate to the 1896 Democratic National Convention, where the New Jersey delegation boycotted the nomination of William Jennings Bryan.

Personal life and death He married Helen Arden Huggins in Somerville on May 3, 1883. They had four children, including Francis L. Bergen, who served as an assistant prosecutor in Somerset County.

He was a member of the Raritan Valley Country Club and Bachelor Club of Somerville.

He died of cardiac arrest during his sleep at his home in Somerville on October 20, 1923.