Edward Gernon lived for many years in Claverack, New York, where he was elected justice of the peace in the 1840s and 1850s, running on the Democratic Party ticket.
[4] The Democratic Party of Wisconsin at the time was split over several issues, but prominently over the re-election of Governor William A. Barstow, who was tainted by corruption allegations.
Gernon narrowly prevailed in the election,[5] and went on to serve a two-year term representing Wisconsin's 10th State Senate district—then-comprising the southern half of Waukesha County.
[7] On January 16, 1828, Edward Gernon married Catherine Huyck at Claverack, New York, as members of the Dutch Reformed Church.
Their son Stephen served for several years as chairman of the Genesee town board, and was a member of the Republican Party of Wisconsin state central committee.