Over fifty
Edison power stations had been built American cities and
many were use European countries, where installations
were made nearly every major city the continent. the
United States, his factories were full orders and running
constantly. must have been tempted remain New York,
the center his business interests and the home close
associates (such Charles Batchelor) and important financial
. The Edison electric lighting companies were
capitalized around $10 million. 1886, Edison was the
hero his generation, rich and powerful industrialist, and
an inventor world wide fame."^ formed
the Edison Construction Company build central stations and
travelled the country erecting lighting systems.
He said 1883 that "I'm going business man, I'm a
regular contractor for electric lighting plants and I'm going
to take long vacation the matter invention.
Another member the laboratory staff, Sigmund Bergmann, was
set his own manufacturing company. 1886 the
work "pushing the system" was well underway.
Edison himself was absorbed with management problems
after the great engineering work Pearl Street was complete. She came
from well-to-do family from Akron, Ohio, attended finishing
school Boston, and was more than acceptable partner for
the famous inventor.
Edison married Mina Miller February 1886. Marriage inevitably brought changes to
Edison's life. was also love.3
faithful mechanic who had worked with the inventor for years
