Mathew: Notes on the Edison Family from records of the Roseland Historical Society (as left to me by my Father).

The Edisons were mill owners in Holland for many generations. In the early part of the 18th century Thomas Edison, the great great grandfather of the inventor, came from Holland to New York City and established a bank there. Thomas did not take part against the revolutionists in the struggle for independence. His son John, however, was a major in the British Army.

Major edison's wife belonged to the New York Ogden family, who were English. The major and his family as loyalists removed to Nova Scotia during the Revolution They settled near the town of Digby.

Major Edison's grandson, Samuel Edison, the father of the inventor, was born in Nova Scotia in 1804. In 1812 the entire family moved to upper Canada and settled in the township of Bayham, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. Captain Samuel Edison, the grandfather of the inventor, served as an officer in the Canadian militia throughout the War of 1812.

Major John Edison died near Vienna at the age of 104 and was buried on the homestead. His son, Captain Edison, father of the inventor, married Miss Nancy Elliott. Their son, Thomas Alva Edison, was born in Milan, Ohio, in 1847. His father dies in Newark N.J. in 1896 and was buried at Port Huron, Michigan.

Adonija Edison, who married Nancy Williams, daughter of Enos Williams, went to Canada with his father Major John Edison and settled near Port Burwell, Ont., Can. The British government gave them each a grant of about 1000 acres of land or 100 acres for each child. Adjonia had one son, Enos, and several daughters: Elsie (unmarried) Susanna (Haines) Pheobe (Weaver) Betsy (Saxton) Sallie (Brundage), and Nancy (Merrill). Susanna had one daughter Hannah, who married Newell Cameron. Her daughter Della married George R. Harrison and lived in Roseland New Jersey. (( George R. Harrison is one of my direct ancestors.))

Hoping this information is of some use on your quest!! Happy Hunting. Ann Harrison Robertson.