Signed book: Edison Pioneers: Constitution and By-Laws, 1918. Hardcover, 4.75 x 6.75, 15 pages. Signed below his image in ink, “Thos. A. Edison.” Inscribed on the title page in another hand, “To my dear grandson Frederick Kingsbury White Dec. 25/1918. Fredk A. Scheffley who first suggested ‘Edison Pioneers’ and organized same Jany 28–1918. His association with Mr. Edison began May 30th, 1881.” In very good condition, with uniform toning to the pages (and some scattered heavier spots), a loose but intact hinge, moderate silvering to Edison’s image, loss to spine and lower left corner, and some light rippling and spotting to the cover.
Frederick Scheffler joined Edison in 1881 as an electrical engineer, designing the second electric locomotive built for experimental purposes in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was also one of the founders of the Edison Pioneers, a group of former employees and other associates of Thomas Edison who worked on his early projects. Formed on February 11, 1918, the objects of the association were "to bring together for social and intellectual intercourse the men who were associated with Thomas A. Edison in the days prior to 1886 in his work of invention and experimentation in the arts and sciences." The first meeting took place on Edison's 71st birthday, but he was not present, being "engaged in important government service." Among the first officers was Scheffler, who served as treasurer. He was also a draftsman and in this book he inscribed an illustration of ‘Edison's Second Electric Locomotive and Trailer’ with "Designed by Fredk A.Scheffler" appearing opposite page five. Scheffler and the other twenty-seven charter members of the Pioneers left a legacy of science and invention that revolutionized the world we live in today. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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