Francis Samuel Jacob Edbrooke was born in Deal, Kent, England on 21 April 1888 (baptized 20 May 1888). He was the son of Francis Henry Edbrooke (b. 1863) and Annie Jessie Sadler (b. 1865). His father and mother were natives of Bristol and Hampshire, respectively and had married in Portsmouth in 1886. His father was also a Corporal in the army and Francis was born in South Barracks in Deal. Francis had two siblings: Gertrude Jessie (b. 1894) and Lilian Victoria (b. 1901).

On the 1891 census Francis and his parents are still living on the army barracks at 56 Forton Road (?). His father is described as a Corporal in the R.W.L.I.. Francis' father seems to have retired from the army by the time of the 1901 census and is working for HM customs. The family have also relocated to 18 St Mary Place, Southampton. By the time of the 1911 census the family have shifted to an address in Portsmouth, 62 In Hector, Conway Street, Landport where Francis' father had now become a publican. Francis himself was described as unmarried and as working as a steward for the White Star Line.

When he signed-on to the Titanic on 4 April 1912, he gave his address as 49 Lake Road, Portsmouth. His last ship had been the Olympic. As a third class steward he received monthly wages of £3 15s. He was acquainted with fellow third class steward Sidney Daniels, Sid's father being a beer retailer. Sid Daniels would later marry Francis' sister Gertrude Jessie.

Francis Edbrooke died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

His parents continued to reside in Portsmouth. His father passed away in 1925 followed by his mother in 1937.