In Edmund's early years, he worked in the cotton industry with his father, who was tutoring him. Edmund was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dec 13, 1856 at the age of 18. His parents who were against the teachings of the Church tried to persuade him to join, but Edmund did not listen. He left his home at the same age, only taking his clothing and his violin.

After leaving his family, Edmund found refuge in the Green family home, an active LDS family. On June 17, 1859, Endund married Alice Green. While in England, Edmund became the Branch President of the Oldham, England Branch in 1862 until he left for Utah.

John Green, the head of the Green family, moved to live in Utah in 1859. One by one, other members of the Green family left for Utah. Edmund and Alice began their journey to Utah in 1863.1 They crossed the Atlantic in the Antarctic, and crossed the plains in Captain Peter Nebeker's company.4 Edmund and family moved to Franklin, Idaho to settle. 

The Buckley family moved to Richmond in 1864.