Edson assumed the conduct of the
business, retaining it for fifteen years.
He held many positions of trust and
honor in Albany, among them director
of the New York state bank, vestryman
of St. Paul’s Episcopal church and
president of the Young Men’s associa
tion. In the latter body a rupture oc
curred just before his administration
on account of the admittance of col
ored members to the reading room.
Mr. Edson was opposed to any dis
crimination on account of race and
carried the day, the victory resulting
in a reorganization of the association
and his election to the presidency. In
1806 he sold bis business in Al
bany, and, removing to New
York, became a commission mer
chant. In 1871 he was elected a mem
ber of the board of managers of the
produce exchange, and in 1872 be was
made chairman of the trade commit
tee and of the committee on by-laws
and annual report. One of the most
important services rendered by Mr.
