No details of Edwin's childhood have been discovered, but he married the 22 year old dressmaker, Mary Ann Gooud at Penrith, NSW on 7th Feb 1861. The officiating minister was Rev James Cameron of the Presbyterian Church.Edwin was then described as a labourer. In 1869 he stated his occupation as gardener. By 1879 he was a Carpenter and they lived at North Rd, Ryde. In 1882 and 1883 they lived in Rose Cottage, St Anne's Street, Ryde. From 1884 their movements are again uncertain but an Edwin Best, Carpenter or Builder, appeared at various addresses in Leichardt, including 112 Albion Street from 1888 to 1893. In the 1901 NSW census index Edwin Best is listed between 69 and 71 Young Street Annandale with 2m 3f. In directories the address is given as 69½ Young Street. from 1905 to 1907 Laycock's Road, Penshurst.
Grand daughter, Norma, remembers that her grandfather lived near her home (Webber's Road, Carlton - now probably Willison Road) when she was quite young. She also remembers he had a dark beard and smoked a pipe.
Mary Ann died in 1906. Edwin died in 1912 of a ruptured thoracic aneurism, at Mount Victoria where he was living with his daughter, Florence Poole.
Edwin and Mary Ann's children were:
- Gertrude Emma
- Henry E (died as infant)
- Florence Augusta Elizabeth
- Henry Edwin (Harry)
- Beatrice Louisa
- George Alfred
- Frederick Norman
- Sarah Ann
- Norman
- Arthur William