| Bio notes |
Founded in 1787 as the “Society for the Relief of Distressed Debtors,” which sought to ameliorate prison conditions and free what debtors it could. Upon enlarging its plan to cater to the poor of the city in general, in 1803 the group rebranded as the “Humane Society of the City of New York.” In 1806, it began a campaign to educate the population about resuscitation techniques for drowned people. Incorporated by the city legislature in 1814. Located at the rear of the debtor's prison, and operated a soup kitchen on Tryon-street. |