Edwin Litchfield Turnbull was born in Baltimore on November 14, 1872, the son of Frances Litchfield and Lawrence Turnbull. His early education was under the direction of his parents at their home, where the concentration was on music, literature, and poetry. As a boy he published a magazine called The Acorn, whose contributors included John Bannister Tabb and Mark Twain.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the Johns Hopkins University in 1893, Turnbull studied music in London, Florence, and Munich. He became a proficient violinist but soon grew more interested in orchestral conducting and composition. In Baltimore he began the Beethoven Terrace Amateur Orchestra with a few childhood friends, and this soon grew to an organization of about 30 members which met regularly, and under Turnbull's leadership gave numerous concerts. For many years Turnbull directed the musical programs for various celebrations at The Johns Hopkins University. In 1919 he realized his plan for a university orchestra and became the first president of the Johns Hopkins Musical Association.

Because of his ability and experience as a conductor he was invited to lead well-known orchestras such as the Marine Band, and some of his orchestrations were played by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was an active promoter of the Florestan Club, which for many years aided the social and artistic life of the musicians of Baltimore, both amateur and professional. He took great interest in the public band concerts in the Baltimore parks, often serving as conductor, and he was a prime mover in the establishment of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Turnbull was professionally active as a real estate broker from 1895 to 1920. He also maintained a lively interest in public and civic problems, contributing frequently to the public press. In 1923 he married Rebecca Trueheart of Galveston, Texas. Edwin Litchfield Turnbull died in Cazenovia, New York, on September 22, 1927.