Edward Wightman was born at Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire and like most residents was baptized in traditional orthodox fashion. He attended Burton grammar school and entered the clothiers business of his maternal family. Eventually, he served an apprenticeship as a woolen draper in the town of Shrewsbury. He married Frances Darbye of Hinckley in 1593 and settled in Burton. Apart from his mercer's business in Burton he also became a minister of the local Baptist Church.