The son of a shoemaker, Waugh was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England and, after some schooling, was apprenticed to a printer, Thomas Holden, at the age of 12.
While still a young man he worked as a journeyman printer, travelling all over Britain, but eventually returned to his old job in Rochdale.
[2] Waugh died at his home in New Brighton, Cheshire, in 1890 and was buried in St Paul's churchyard on Kersal Moor.
[3] Waugh's Well was built in 1866 to commemorate him at Foe Edge Farm, on the moors above Edenfield, Rossendale where he spent much time writing.
[4] There is a monument in Broadfield Park, Rochdale which commemorates Margaret Rebecca Lahee, Oliver Ormerod, John Trafford Clegg and Edwin Waugh.