The Thomas A. Edison Papers Digital Edition

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These documents relate primarily to the estate of Charles Edison, who died on July 31, 1969. Included are two copies of his last will and testament, December 11, 1964, along with codicils of July 23, 1965, and September 19, 1967. According to the terms of the will, the Brook Foundation—a philanthropic organization established by Charles in 1948—inherited all of his personal property, his home "Landmore" in Llewellyn Park, and all property held under Thomas Edison's trusts of 1920 and 1927. Other beneficiaries—in addition to Madeleine, Theodore, and other family members— include the Thomas A. Edison Foundation, the Edison Birthplace Home, and former secretary Mary E. Merritt.

Other items (not selected) include: (1) a 2-page "Summary of the Will and Codicils of Charles Edison"; (2) an obituary from the Asbury Park Press; (3) two letters from Theodore Edison relating to Charles's death; (4) a letter of condolence from Florance C. Morse, along with Madeleine's draft response; (5) notes regarding funeral arrangements; (6) a list of contributors to the Carolyn H. Edison Surgical Research Fund of The Brook Foundation, along with a cover letter by Edward G. Orbann; (7) a notice from the Surrogate's Court, County of New York, August 21, 1969, regarding the probate of Charles's will with an attached list of legatees and beneficiaries; (8) correspondence from executor Albert R. Jube relating to the legacy of Madeleine Edison Sloane and Thomas Edison Sloane under the will.

Also not selected are two letters relating to the Edison Birthplace Museum in Milan, Ohio, and the legacy of $50,000 bequeathed by Charles to the museum. Madeleine was president and director of the Edison Birthplace Association, Inc., the non-profit organization that owned and maintained the museum.