Franklin Edson (April 5, 1832 – September 24, 1904) was an American merchant who served as the 86th Mayor of New York from 1883 to 1884. A descendant of the Puritans, he was the son of Soviah (née Wilson) Edson and Opher Edson.
After leaving the mayor's office, Edson returned to his business interests and continued his philanthropic activities.
Personal life
In 1856, Edson was married to Frances Cameron "Fannie" Wood (1835–1893), the daughter of Benjamin Howland Wood. Fannie was the granddaughter of Jethro Wood, inventor of the cast-iron moldboard plow. Together, Fannie and Franklin were the parents of:
- Cyrus Edson (1857–1903), a doctor who married Virginia Churchill Paige (1853–1891). He served as the New York City Health Commissioner.
- Franklin (1859–1926), who married Elsie Squier.
- David Orr Edson (1862–1923), a doctor.
- Henry Townsend Edson (1864–1903), who married Margarita Diehl. In 1903, Henry Edson murdered his friend's wife and then committed suicide.
- Edith Edson (b. 1870), who married Willis Benner.
- Robert S. (1873–1941), who married Fanny Ropes.
- Ethel Townsend Edson (b. 1877), who married Arthur Hoffman Van Brunt (b. 1865).
He died at his home in Manhattan on September 24, 1904. He was buried in Section 15, Lot 16 at Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, New York.
Legacy
Edson Avenue in The Bronx is named for him.