Anton Bergmann

Already during his youth he was fond of Dutch literature, and together with Julius Vuylsteke, he was a member of 't zal wel gaan, a Flemish cultural and liberal organization.

After he graduated from humaniora (E: highschool), he went to the University of Ghent, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in literature, law and notary.

A Royal Decree of 17 June 1857 awarded to Anton Bergmann the five-year price of Dutch literatur for the period 1870–1874.

His frail health deteriorated while he was working on his magnum opus Ernest Staas, which he published under the pseudonym Tony.

Ernest Staas was a success, and also his friend Nicolaas Beets (alias Hildebrand), whom he admired very much, was full of praise for his book.