Frederick George Ekins
Frederick George Ekins was born on the 27th September 1871 in New Brompton, Kent.
Fred played for Chatham and caught the eye of Derby County in 1891. The Derby Mercury of the 28th October 1891, below left was a bit premature in announcing he was signing. Fred took his time and thought for a month about going professional. He eventually decided to take the plunge as revealed by the Chatham News of the 21st November 1891, below right.
It did not work out at Derby and Fred moved on to Burton Swifts. The Luton News of the 31st May 1895 announced that he was to become a Straw Plaiter –
“Ekins, the Burton Swifts outside left, “signed on” last Thursday and should be a valuable acquisition. Lutonians generally were greatly pleased with his display here in April and everyone agrees that the capture is very opportune. Ekins first played for Chatham and afterwards for New Brompton. Derby County and Burton.”
Fred fitted in well as a supplier of crosses as set out in the Luton News of the 14th October 1898 –
Fred played 8 times (out of 16 matches played) in the 1897/98 United League season and won a champions medal, below.
In total Fred played 88 times for the Straw Plaiters scoring 27 goals.
Fred also enjoyed cricket as many footballers did. The batting averages for 1897 for the Town team show Fred right up there.
He married Charlotte Helen Harris on the 13th August 1900 in Derby. The 1901 census shows him living with Charlotte at 169 Hitchin Road, Luton. He worked as storekeeper for a Dye Works.
By the 1911 census they had moved to Talbot Road and had a 9 year old daughter, Dorothy and a 3 year old son George.
In 1939 they were still living in 118A Talbot Road, Luton and Fred is described as a “Dyers Traveller Retired.” Forty years after his playing days were over, Fred was talked about in the Luton News (August 1939, below) when discussing the best early Luton Town team.
Fred’s wife, Charlotte, died on the 6th June 1960 in Luton. Just prior to his death Fred lived at 12 Fairford Avenue, Luton with his son George and daughter in law.
Fred died on the 12th December 1960 in Luton – his Luton News obituary is on the left.
Details of Fred’s will are below.
