Ernest was the son of William Stevenson and Emma Wright (née Page).
Both his parents were born in Ruddington and they were married at Ruddington St Peter on 21 August 1885. They had nine children of whom only five were still living in 1911. Seven children have been traced on the census between 1891 and 1911. Apart from the eldest, Harriett, who was born in Ruddington, the other six were born in Lancashire: Harriett b. 1885 (reg. Basford) d. 1898 (reg. Prescot Lancs); Ernest b. Widnes 1888; Elizabeth b. 1890 (reg. Prescot) d. 1891 (reg, O/N/D Prescot); Lilian b. 1892 (reg. Prescot); Ethel b. 1894 (reg. Chorlton); William b. 1897 (reg. Prescot) and John (Jack) birth registered 1900 (J/F/M reg Lunesdale).
In 1891 the family was living in Widnes, Lancashire: William a copper works labourer, Emma, Harriet (5), Ernest (3) and Elizabeth (1). Also in the home was Emma's brother, Herbert Page (18 b. Ruddington) who was also a copper works labourer. Elizabeth died later that year and Harriet in 1898.
By 1901 William, a coal miner chargeman, and Emma were living in Thringstone, Leciestershire. with their five surviving children, Ernest, Lilian (9), Ethel (6), William (4) and John (16m). Also in the household were William's younger brothers, George a coal miner, and James a labourer.
William, a farm labourer, and Emma had returned to Nottingham by 1911 and were living at 52 Midland Crescent with Ernest an engine cleaner, Lilian and Ethel who were both lace workers, William an errand boy, and John who was still at school. Also in the home was Reginald Wilson (2, Reginald Harold b. 1909 J/A/S Nottingham) who was described as their adopted child.
The family later moved to 81 King's Meadow Road, Meadows, Nottingham.
Ernest's mother completed a form for the army in April 1919 listing her son's surviving blood relatives. She named:
Parents: William and Emma Wright, 81 King's Meadow Road
Brothers: William (22) and John (19), 81 King's Meadow Road
Sisters: Lilian Holmes (27) 2 Newcastle Road and Ethel Sweet (24) 81 King's Meadow Road.