THOMAS A. EDISON JR. - ANNOTATED CONTRACT SIGNED 4/1899 CO-SIGNED BY: JAMES P. HERRON - HFSID 165458

THOMAS EDISON, JR.
Thomas Edison's first son signed this contract in 1899 to become part owner of "certain valuable discoveries of a new electrical force for mechanical operation" made by James P. Herron.
Annotated contract signed "James P. Herron Seal" and "Thomas A. Edison Jr". Black ink notations in unknown hand. 2 pages, 8x13, single-sided sheets. Bound to a blue 13¾x8½ cover sheet with blue ribbon binding. DatedApril of 1899. This was a duplicate agreement between Herron and Edison. Herron had "made and invented certain valuable discoveries of a new electrical force for mechanical operation, which said discoveries are known to and are the property of the party of the first part [Herron] exclusively". This contract "gives said second party [Edison] an exclusive option good for thirty days after date of this agreement to purchase a three-fifths interest in said discoveries upon the payment by the second party to said first party on or before the expiration of the time hereinbefore stated, of one thousand dollars". Herron's discoveries were to become the joint property of both men once he was paid. Edison (1876-1935) was the first son of inventor Thomas Alva Edison. His father nicknamed his older sister Marion Estelle Edison and him "Dot" and "Dash", respectively, after the Morse code terms. Fragile. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Chipped at edges. Folded thrice and unfolded. Light tears along folds. Otherwise in fine condition.