William Henry Meadowcroft
William Henry Meadowcroft (* May 29, 1853 in Manchester, † October 15, 1937 in Boonton, New Jersey) was for many years secretary of Thomas Alva Edison and author of several books.
Life and work
William Henry Meadowcroft received his education at a Grammar School and then attended high school. In 1875 he immigrated to the United States. There Meadowcroft was employed by the law firm Carter & Eaton as a law clerk. On 11 December 1878 he married Phoebe Canfield with whom he had two sons. 1881 Meadowcroft received his admission to the New York Bar Association New York State Bar Association.
As Sherborne B. Eaton, one of the senior partners of Carter & Eaton Vice President of the newly founded company Edison Electric Light Company was, Meadow Crofts began working with Thomas Alva Edison, the first ended with Edison's death. In 1910 he became personal secretary to succeed Harry Frederick Miller Edison.
Meadowcroft wrote with The ABC of Electricity an introduction to the theory of electricity, which has undergone numerous revisions. Edison 's opinion of Meadow Croft's The ABC of Electricity:
" DEAR SIR: - I have read the MS. of your "ABC of Electricity " and did find the statements you have made Therein are correct. Your treatment of the subject, and arrangement of the matter, have impressed me favorably. Yours truly, THOS. A. EDISON. "
Meadow Crofts The Boy 's Life of Edison is a living representation of Edison, specifically aimed at a youthful audience.
Writings
- The ABC of Electricity. 1st Edition, Frank F. Lovell & Co., New York, 1888.
- The ABC of the X rays. American Technical Book Co., New York, 1896.
- The Boy 's Life of Edison. 1st edition, Harper & Bros., New York / London 1911.