Her father William Osburn was a wine and spirits merchant but his passion was for Egyptology, writing books and social reform. When Lucy was around five years old, her father became bankrupt and reputedly moved to Manchester.
William Osburn, who managed a wine and spirits business, showed a passion for Egyptology by writing books and promoting social reforms. At the age of approximately five, Lucy's father experienced financial troubles and was rumored to have moved to Manchester.