On 30 October 1831 Edward married Sarah Ritson in Hexham, Northumberland and she was one year younger than him. They went on to have at least nine children in Hexham between 1832 and 1855. The birth certificate of their last child (John b.1855) shows that Edward was a "Tanner". A tanner is someone who makes leather from animal skins. Sarah marked an 'x' for her signature, indicating that she was likely illiterate.

Their second known child, Edward Robson (b.1833), married Sarah Wilson (b.1838) on 1 May 1857 in Hexham. This is recorded in the family bible owned by Patricia Mielnicki (wmiel@aol.com) who is Edward and Sarah's Great Granddaughter.

Edward (b.1811) was dead by the time of the 1881 census as his wife, Sarah, is recorded as a widow who lives with her daughter, Margaret, in Orchard Terrace, Hexham. Her occupation is recorded as "keeps refreshment stall (mussel)". It is unclear when she died.