Edward was born in Scarisbrick about 1846 to farmer John Culshaw and his wife Catherine Heaton. They lived at Dig Lake on the Southport/Ormskirk road. In August 1871, John Culshaw senior died so his other son, John, took over this farm.

Edward moved to Halsall along with his sister Margaret and they lived on Plex Lane, farming 85 acres of land. In 1891, he was recently married and  living at Barton House, Barton, Downholland with his wife Margaret Rainford (from Altcar) and their 8 month old baby Catherine Josephine (who was named after her grandmother, Catherine Heaton who had passed away in 1889). The household also consisted of Mary’s brother, Thomas Rainford, a farm bailiff, 2 Domestic servants, 3 farm servants and 3 agricultural servants.

Edward was living at Model House Farm, Plex Lane in March 1901, his wife Mary having died on 10th February 1901. On 31st October 1908, Edward Culshaw himself died – he is buried with his wife and daughter, Ada Annie Culshaw at Our Lady’s R.C. Church in Lydiate. The probate records indicate that Edward’s effects totalled approximately £9999 which is the equivalent of £1.5 million today.