Edward Purdy was the son of Robert Purdy (1829) and Ann Maidstone, and was born on 10th October 1863 in Burnham Sutton. He was christened in Burnham Westgate on 8th January 1865. In 1871 he was living in Burnham Sutton. In 1881 he was working as a plumber and glazier and was living with his parents in Fern Hill Terrace, Newchurch, Lancs. In 1901 he was working as a plasterer in Rochdale. The census gives his birthplace as Rochdale.

Sources
• 1. 1881 Census. Fern Hill Terrace, Newchurch, Lancs. Edward Purdy. Son. Age 17. Born Burham [sic, probably Burnham Sutton]. Plumber and glazier. • 2. 1901 Census. Rochdale. Edward Purdy. Age 37. Born Rochdale. Plasterer. • 3. Edwy Harling's Website. Edward Purdy. Born 10 Oct 1863. Christened 8 Jan 1865, Burnham Westgate. Father: Robert. Mother: Ann Maidstone. • 4. 1871 Census. Burnham Sutton. Edward Purdy. Son. Age 6. Scholar. Born Burnham Westgate.