Mr. Bergkamp was educated in the public schools of Secaucus, where his parents settled when he was three years old. Reared on the farm, he developed a robust constitution, and early acquired those habits of thrift and industry which have characterized his life. For two years after leaving school he was a clerk in a grocery store in Brooklyn, and afterward he held clerkships in different grocery stores in Hudson County until 1885, when he accepted a position as salesman in a large commission house in New York. There he remained four years. In 1889 and 1890 he was engaged in the hotel business, first in Secaucus and later in New York City. In 1890 he established his present real estate and insurance office in West Hoboken, where he resides.

Few men have contributed more to the growth and prosperity of the City of West Hoboken than Mr. Bergkamp. The development of the north part of the city is largely the result of his untiring efforts. During three years he built no less than twenty-six dwelling houses there. In 1898-99 he erected on the Hudson Boulevard, between Charles and High Streets, an extensive auction mart for the sale of horses, etc., and for the use of a livery and boarding stable business. He is also an auctioneer, a Notary Public, and a Commissioner of Deeds, and in these various capacities has been successful.

Mr. Bergkamp is an ardent Democrat, a recognized leader of his party and a man of unquestioned integrity and great force of character. In 1894 he was chosen by the Eleventh Assembly District Convention a member of a committee to re-organize the Democratic party in Hudson County, and by virtue of this position was a member of the Executive Committee of the Hudson County Democratic Committee. To this duty he brought great energy and ability, and the result attested his foresight and shrewd executive management. In April, 1899, he was elected Mayor of West Hoboken for a term of two years, receiving a handsome majority in spite of strong political opposition. He has also been the President of the North Hudson Business Men's Association since its organization in January, 1897, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum.