Frederick Eke was born in Peterborough in 1878 and was the son of William Eke (1844) and Elizabeth Broughton. In 1881 he was living at 6 Neals Cottages, Whitsed Street, Peterborough. In 1891 he was living at 10 Bedford Street, Peterborough, and working as an errand boy. In 1901 he was working as an iron founder in Sheffield and living with his brother Walter and his sister Hannah's family at 12 Beechmans Road.

Sources
• 1. 1881 Census. 6 Neals Cottages, Whitsed Street, Peterborough. Frederick Eke. Son. Age 3. Born Peterborough. • 2. 1901 Census. 12 Beechmans Rd, Sheffield. Frederick Eke. Age 23. Iron Founder. Born Peterborough. • 3. 1891 Census. 10 Bedford St, Peterborough. Frederick Eke. Son. Age 13. Errand Boy. Born Peterborough.