Charles Edison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Edison
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Edison in 1945
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| 42nd Governor of New Jersey | |
| In office January 21, 1941 – January 18, 1944 |
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| Preceded by | A. Harry Moore |
| Succeeded by | Walter Evans Edge |
| 46th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office January 2, 1940 – June 24, 1940 Acting: July 7, 1939 – January 2, 1940 |
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| President | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Claude A. Swanson |
| Succeeded by | Frank Knox |
| 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office January 18, 1937 – January 1, 1940 |
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| President | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Henry L. Roosevelt |
| Succeeded by | Lewis Compton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 3, 1890 West Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 1969 (aged 78) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (before 1940) Democratic (1940–1962) Conservative (1962–1969) |
| Spouse |
Carolyn Hawkins
(m. 1918; died 1963) |
| Parents | Thomas Edison (father) Mina Miller Edison (mother) |
| Signature |  |
Charles Edison (born August 3, 1890 – died July 31, 1969) was an important American politician. He was the son of the famous inventor Thomas Edison. Charles Edison held several significant roles in government. He served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and later as the United States Secretary of the Navy. He also became the 42nd Governor of New Jersey. He was sometimes called "Lord Edison." Charles Edison was involved with a political group called the John Birch Society, helping with their magazine.
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Who Was Charles Edison?
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Charles Edison was born on August 3, 1890. His birthplace was Glenmont, the family home in West Orange, New Jersey. He was the fifth child of Thomas Edison and the second child with his mother, Mina Miller. Charles finished his studies at the Hotchkiss School in 1909.
His Work and Public Service
Early Creative Ventures
From 1915 to 1916, Charles Edison ran a small theater called the Little Thimble Theater. It was located on Fifth Avenue in New York City. He worked with Guido Bruno to put on plays by famous writers. Charles also wrote poetry for a magazine using the name Tom Sleeper. He even arranged for his actors to perform for immigrants at Ellis Island.
Later, his father asked him to join the family business. For several years, Charles managed Edison Records, a company that made music recordings. In 1927, he became the president of his father's main company, Thomas A. Edison, Inc.. He led this company until 1957. Then, it joined with another company to become the McGraw-Edison Electric Company. Charles Edison was the chairman of the board for this new company until he retired in 1961.
On January 18, 1937, President Roosevelt chose Charles Edison to be the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Later, on January 2, 1940, he became the Secretary of the Navy. He held this important position until June 24, 1940. He left the job to run for governor.
While working for the Navy, Charles Edison supported building large warships called battleships. He suggested that one of these ships be built in Philadelphia. This decision helped President Roosevelt gain support in upcoming elections. In return, one of the new battleships was named the USS New Jersey.
Governor of New Jersey
In 1940, Charles Edison was elected as the 42nd Governor of New Jersey. He ran against a powerful political group in the state. He also made a big change by becoming a member of the Democratic Party. This was different from his family's usual political choices.
As governor, he wanted to update the New Jersey State Constitution. This is the main set of rules for the state. His idea did not pass at the time. However, state lawmakers did make changes to the constitution later on.
Later Public Activities
From 1951 to 1969, Charles Edison lived in the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. There, he became friends with former President Herbert Hoover. In 1962, Charles Edison helped start the Conservative Party of New York State.
In 1967, he held a meeting that led to the creation of the Charles Edison Youth Fund. This fund was later renamed The Fund for American Studies in 1985. This change honored Edison's wish to remove his name after 20 years.
Family and Legacy
Charles Edison married Carolyn Hawkins on March 27, 1918. They did not have any children. In 1924, he joined the Sons of the American Revolution. This group honors people whose ancestors helped in the American Revolution. In 1948, he started a charity called "The Brook Foundation." Today, it is known as the Charles Edison Fund.
His Final Years
Charles Edison passed away on July 31, 1969, in New York City. He was almost 79 years old. He is buried at Rosedale Cemetery in Orange, New Jersey.
See also
