08/31/2026
Meet the Former Residents: Sidney Scarth Sr. & Family
When we think about the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, we often picture the famous names who called Fort Myers home for part of the year. But behind every great estate were the dedicated people whose work helped make life there possible.
Sidney Scarth Sr. served as Thomas Edison’s chauffeur in Fort Myers, becoming part of the everyday life of one of America’s most famous inventors. Him and his family lived in an apartment that was added on to the original caretaker’s house in 1903. As Edison was not fond of driving, Scarth would es**rt the Edison family on many of their road trips. He was also noted to have helped Mina with family events and greeting guests. She reportedly would refer to him affectionately as “little mother.”
Scarth’s service to the Edisons continued for many years. Historical records place him in the Edison household in West Orange, New Jersey, by the 1920s, before he became associated with the Edisons’ winter residence in Fort Myers. His daughter, June Mates, later recalled her family's experiences living and working for the Edisons, providing a valuable glimpse into the lives of the people behind the scenes at the estate.
Photo of Sidney Scarth Sr. credited to Thomas Edison National Historical Park
