[3] At age twenty, Edson moved to Albany to work in his brother Cyrus' distillery, becoming a partner three years later.

His venture proved successful during the American Civil War,[2] making Edson wealthy and enabling him to engage in civic, religious and charitable causes.

During his term the Brooklyn Bridge was dedicated, the Manhattan Municipal Building was constructed, and work was completed on the city's new water supply, the Croton Aqueduct.

[3] After leaving the mayor's office, Edson returned to his business interests and continued his philanthropic activities.

[1] They owned a homestead in Morris Heights, Bronx that consisted of three acres, a stately residence, stable and barn, which he exchanged for 247 Central Park West, two doors south of the corner of 85th Street, in 1893.