Kirker was born in Killead , County Antrim , Ireland , to an Ulster Scots family .
Kirker was left for New York City , United States , at the age of 16 to avoid conscription in the Royal Navy .
Kirker was born in Killead , County Antrim , Ireland , to an Ulster Scots family , but left for New York City , United States , at the age of 16 to avoid conscription in the Royal Navy .