Edward was born in Eichelsachen, Germany on May 21, 1836. He learned the carpentry trade from his father, Johannes. Edward came to the United States in 1854. He moved out to Limerick and then to Norristown. He served in the Union Army from 1861 to 1867. After the war, he returned to the area and married Sophie Wenzel on September 16, 1867 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They had two children: Amelia and Edward, the famous newspaper reporter and historian. Edward died on April 11, 1914.