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Edward was the son of Edward William Crosby, Sr. and Julia Brown Crosby. He was 62 years old at the time of his death. He was born on May 10,1850. According to the 1855 New York State Census, Edward is listed as a 5 year old. Edward, Sr. was identified as a hotel keeper in this census. Other family members included sisters Mary and Julia. By the 1875 NYS Census, the family can be found living in Albany, New York. Edward, Sr. was listed as a Steward in Albany, perhaps in the State Legislature.

According to his obituary Crosby, Jr. "died in the home of his aunt on East Ferry Street, after a long illness, due to paralysis. He came to Buffalo as a young man and was educated in New York and Albany having been born in the Eastern part of the State."

Edward William Crosby was a telegraph editor, columnist and music critic for the Buffalo Times. He was hired for the position in 1879 that according to the newspaper was "one of the most important positions on the paper, requiring quick judgment, a thorough knowledge of passing events, a ready conception of news which is more desirable than other which may be on hand at the same time, as well as many other qualifications. Mr. Crosby is admirably fitted for his work, although his versatility and wit as a general writer makes it sometimes appear too bad to confine him to routine work where his bright originally is at times very much hampered. His career has been varied; page, messenger and committee clerk under Governor Fenton; then held important clerkshifts in New York under Collectors Murphy and Arthur. In these, abundant opportunity was afforded him for observation, of which he made use, and his anecdotes of New York politicians would make an interesting book. He entered the office of General G.B. Handy then United States Quartermaster here in 1874, and affiliated with the Times in 1879, and has been a valued stand-by and capable assistant to the proprietor ever since."(Buffalo Sunday Times, June 5, 1887)

Crosby "took a leading part in the organization of the old-time Buffalo Lincoln Birthday Association, in cooperation with the late Julius Francis, the father of the movement leading to the general observation of Lincoln's birthday. of a poetic temperament and possessing rate literary talent, Mr. Crosby naturally drifted into the newspaper business sand for many years up to the time he was forced to relinquish labor because of his failing health he was connected with The Times, as telegraph editor, editorial writer and the author of the "Junius Letter" and "Snap Shots." Buffalo Times, July 1912.

In an article for the Buffalo Star about early Buffalo Blacks, Rev. J. Edward Nash wrote the following about Crosby: "Among newspapermen of his day he was recognized peer among the best and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His writings were widely read and copied by contemporary newspapers. But it was not generally known that he was a member of our group. This made no difference to him. He had something to give the world and he was happiest when giving it. Nor did it matter to his employer who was big enough to give him a chance to prove his ability and also Christian enough to enlarge his opportunities for advancement." (Buffalo Star, June 20, 1934)

His death was also acknowledged in the NAACP Crises Magazine at the time.

He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.