Joseph Eke was born in Norton, Co. Durham, in 1874 and was the son of Joseph Eke and Louisa. In 1881 he was living in Foulsham. In 1891 he was living in Church Road, Runwell, in Chelmsford and working as an agricultural labourer.

Sources
• 1. 1891 Census. Church Rd, Runwell, Chelmsford. Joseph Eke. Son. Age 16. Ag Lab. Born Durham, Norton. • 2. 1881 Census. Foulsham. Joseph Eke. Son. Age 7. School boy. Born Durham, Norton.