Charles Edison

ABOUT CHARLES EDISON

Famous as the son of inventor Thomas Edison , he had a prominent political career, serving as both Governor of New Jersey and United States Secretary of the Navy.

Before entering politics, he established and managed a theater company and served as president of Thomas A. Edison, Inc.

Although he ran for Governor of New Jersey on a Democratic ticket, he later helped found New York State's Conservative Party.

Born in West Orange, New Jersey, to Mina Miller and Thomas Edison, he grew up primarily in Lakeville, Connecticut. He was married to Carolyn Hawkins.

During the 1950s and '60s, he lived in New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where former U.S. President Herbert Hoover also resided. The two men became friends.