He's a descendent of Johnny Barleycorn who brought women back to Smalltown. However, after that, the barleycorn seeds(that gave birth to Thumbelina)  were put in the business office. Eddie's father and grandfather, as did many of his male relatives attempt to sneak into the business office to steal a barleycorn seed. For two reasons, one to gain attention for trying and two, hoping to get a beautiful maiden if they succeede. However, like his father and grandfather, Eddie also got caught by Bigby and was sent back to the Farm.