Isaac Edge, Jr., father of Nelson J. H. Edge, at a very early age enlisted in Captain Smith's company, Third Regiment, New Jersey Infantry, and served his country in the army during the War of 1812. He subsequently became one of the pioneer manufacturers of Jersey City and achieved a national reputation as a pyrotechnist. From his establishment for many years went forth all the displays of fireworks which were at one time annu- ally given on the Fourth of July by all the principal cities of the country. He was also the originator of movable pieces, the first being a representation of the battle of Vera Cruz given on Boston Common. He died March 10, 1859, and left surviving him his wife Margaret, who died October 27, 1879; his son, Nelson J. H.; and his daughters, Mary Louisa and Frances Ogden. The latter died January 5, 1885.

Nelson J. H. Edge has been a life-long resident of Jersey City. He first attended old Public School No. 1, afterward studied at Mr. Dickinson's school in the Lyceum, and from there entered St. Francis Xavier College in New York City, where he finished his education. His early training was designed to fit him for an active business life, which he soon entered, and in which lie has achieved an honorable reputation. Upon leaving college he entered the Mechanics' and Traders' Bank of Jersey City, now the First National Bank, and from there went to the Merchants' Bank of New York City as cashier's assistant. In 1887 he assisted in the organization of the Bank of New Amsterdam, of New York, and acted as its Cashier until 1896, when he retired from business. He was not long permitted to remain idle, however, for in 1899 he was called to the post of Cashier of the Hudson County National Bank of Jersey City, which he accepted, and which he is now filling with characteristic energy, ability, and satisfaction