John R Eke was born in 1880 in Stranton, West Hartlepool, and was the son of John Newton Eke (1840) and Margaret Usher. In 1881 he was living at 3 Brunswick Place, Stranton. In 1891 he was at school in the District County Industrial School in Earls House, Witton Gilbert, Durham. In 1901 he was a prisoner in Durham Gaol. His occupation was given as railway porter.

Sources
• 1. 1881 Census. 3 Brunswick Place, Stranton, West Hartlepool. John R. Eke. Son. Age 8 mo. Born Stranton. • 2. 1901 Census. H.M.P., Durham. John R. Eke. Prisoner. Age 21. Railway Porter. Born West Hartlepool. • 3. 1891 Census. District County Industrial School, Earls House, Witton Gilbert, Durham.