Edward Pfeiffer was born in New York City in 1868 of German immigrant parents. His father, Henry, was an engraver and his mother was Mary (nee York). As a young man, Edward suffered an injury to his leg that developed into osteomylitis and ultimately led to his death in 1932. Throughout his life he suffered from a severe limp and even designed his own orthopedic shoe to ease his discomfort.
"In addition to illustrating sheet music covers, Pfeiffer also designed costume jewelry and was an illustrator for various newspapers and magazines.