Susannah is buried in Northorpe church yard and her gravestone reads as follows:'In Affectionate Remeberance of SUSANNAH widow of Richard Elmhirst DUCKERING of Northorpe who died Sept 12th 1884 aged 60 years. "Thou hath fled from our gaze our mother dear, But sleep is a holy boon. For its happy visions bring thee near. Ah ! why do they break so soon ? We look around when voices ring, Where thine once used to be; And deep are the secret pangs they bring, For our eyes still ask for thee. For so he giveth his beloved sleep."(Taken from Lincolnshire monumental inscriptions - Michael 26.4.97)

Stamford Mercury, 3 October 1884. Deaths. Duckering. At Northorpe, Sept, 12th, Susannah the beloved wife of the late R E Duckering, aged 59 years.

Richard started in East Barkwith as tailor and some stage moved to Northorpe. (Daniels/Jill Dyson 22.4.96)

When Richard married Susanna at West Barkwith, he is recorded as being a 'widower' and a tailor living at East Barkwith. Witnesses to their marriage was Christopher, his father and Susanna's father John and Naomi Marrows. (Daniels/Jill Dyson -22.4.96)

The registration documents of Richard and Suzanna's children refer to Richard's occupation as a farmer in 1845, a tailor in 1846 and by 1856 (Henry) as a publican and again as a publicanin 1864 (Julia) and 1865 (Richard).

The Post Office Directory of Lincolnshire records Richard Elmhirst at the 'Verelots Arms' in Northorpe. (Mark 27.10.97)

Len Duckering writes that he has a silver cup presented to an 'R.E.D.' by Sparkenhoe Farmers Club for the best pig exhibited at Ashby de la Zouche on September 7th 1864. (Letter 22.2.96)

1869, October, taken fron The Farmer’s Magazine. Plate I. The Little Queen; A Prize Sow, the property of Mr R E Duckering, of Northorpe, Kirton-Lindsey, Lincoln. The Little Queen, a white sow of the small breed, wa two years and a week old when exhibited at the Manchester Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, where and when she took the first prize in a large class which the judges generally commended as “one of more than ordinary merit.” In 1868 she also took first prizes at Thorne, Rochdale, Keighley, Penistone, Halifax, Wakefield, and Banbury; and second prizes at the Highland Society, Grimsby, and Richmond. During the past season she took first prizes at the Southampton Meeting of the Bath and West of England Society, at the Colchester Meeting of the Essex Society, at the Attleborough Meeting of the Norfolk Society, at the Ipswich Meeting of the Suffolk Society, at the Manchester Royal, at the Lincoln Meeting of the Lincolnshire Society, at Hexham, and the Altone International Meeting; and second prizes at the Wharfdale, Beverley, Hunsleet, and Penistone. The Little Queen was, however, not noticed at the Leicester Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1868. Mr Turner, of Chyngton, one of the judges at Attleborough, declared at the dinner that the Little Queen was “as good a pig as ever he saw.” She is very round, of wonderful quality, with a nice kindly head and collar, as, if possible, still better in her hams and quarters. Moreover, she is properly eligible for the class she has been shown in, being really of the small breed, and this is saying something as times go.
The Little Queen, bred by Mr. Duckering, is by Comet, out of White Rose by Hermit. Comet won twenty-six prizes in his time, including Royal premiums in 1867 and 1868; and White Rose (late Lily), was first in a class of twenty-four at Bury St. Edmunds, as well as a winner of seventeen other premiums. (See original print and text on file).

Article taken from Lincolnshire & Village Life. See full article on Alfred's file. 'Mr Alfred Duckering's father made a hobby of it also, and showed not only here but in Austria, Germany, and even as faraway as Russia. The Hundred Guinea Pig.There is a story which Mr Alfred Duckering told us about his father, which we have told before, but which will bearrepeating. Mr Duckering's father always exhibited at theScottish Royal year by year, and one year took up a particularly good sow, which as he had anticipated, took first prize in its class. The Earl of Ellsmere, a noted breeder of that day, cameup and admired the animal. He wanted to buy, but the owner fromEast Barkwith did not want to sell; in fact he refused to do so."Oh, do put a price on it," persisted the Earl. "No," said MrDuckering. "Name a price," again asked the nobleman. "I don'twant to sell," declared Mr Duckering, with all the emphasis possible. "Not at any price ?" still persisted his would-becustomer, nothing daunted. "Not at a penny less than a hundred guineas," said Mr Duckering, turning away thinking he hadeffectually choked the bidder off. "I'll take the sow," remarked the Earl, quietly. And the deal was made there and then. MrDuckering, when he came back to East Barkwith, always declaredthat he would have obtained double had he asked it, and there was no denying that the Earl was really very keen on possessing the animal, which lives in East Barkwith history not only as the best Mr Duckering owned - which is saying a great deal - butquite the best ever seen for many miles around. But Mr Alfred Duckering, as we have said is a content to make this really only a hobby. '

'BRIGG - A sad accident occured at Brigg station on Thursday night to A.E. Duckering the famous Lincolnshire pig breeder of Northorpe, Kirton Lindsey, terminating fatally. It appears that the deceased, who had been attending Brigg market, was crossing the line to return to Northorpe just as the train entered the station. As he reached the opposite platform he slipped. The train coming up knocked him down severly bruising his head & severing one foot. He was removed to the White Horse Inn where medical aid was summoned. Amputation was deemed necessary and death ensued. The decease was 77.' (Taken from the Lincolnshire Chronicle, Friday December 28th 1877, Lincoln Library. Mark14.5.97)

‘The shocking accident to Mr Duckering. The Shocking accident (reported in yesterday’s Telegraph) to Mr Duckering, the well-known breeder and exhibitor of prize pigs, has had a fatal termination, it being evident from the very first that such must be the case, inasmuch as the unfortunate gentleman had both legs and one of his arms cut off by the train. He died late on the night of the accident.’ 22nd Dec 1877

1878 Obituary in the “Deutsche Landwirtschaftliche Zeitung” Berlin on the front page.
R. E. Duckering – Northorpe, Kirton-Lindsey.
An accident ended the life of Mr. R. E. Duckering, the great world-renowned breeder in Northorpe.
On crossing the roadbed to Brigg Station he was killed December 20th B.C. J. was seized by the Hull passenger train, which was delayed by an hour as a result of heavy fog, and he died two hours later from the terrible mutilations.
A consideration of the life and work of Mr. R. E. Duckering will be of interest, not only in England, but also in all countries where the breeders have been engaged in the improvement of one of our daintiest domestic animals. fro
There is no doubt that the great diligence that Mr. Duckering put into improving the pigs has benefited Germany in particular, among other countries. From 1868 to the end of 1877 he sent about 2000 pedigree pigs to Germany through his Stettin agents and more than 3000 pigs had been sold in England since 1865. From the obituary dedicated to him in the Agricultural Gazette (March 25, 1878) we gather that Mr. Duckering was of all English breeders the oldest exhibitor of pigs, and at the same time by far the most successful, having alone 1402 pulps, 60 silver cups and received 51 medals from May 1865 to Christmas 1877.
Mr. Duckering competed in his breed for thirty-four years, first attending a show at Market Rasen in 1843, and thence attending Great Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, and many other provincial shows In 1861 he coated the exhibition of the Royal Agricultural Company at Leeds and afterwards that of Bath and West England at Hereford, in 1863. again the Royal. Agricultural Exhibition at Newcastle 2c.
In 1865 he started, as they say, in earnest, and received at the Königl. Agricultural Show at Plymouth 5 first and 3 second prizes. On the same occasion he sold a sow to the Duke of Hamilton for thirty, guineas, and also a boar of the great white breed to Messrs. Howards of Bedford. *Two years later, Lehteres Thier was presented by the Howards at the königl. Agricultural Show at Bury St. Edmunds, where it received first prize, while Mr. Duckering won second prize.
The Earl of Ellesmere, beginning his career in 1873, also acquired several animals from Duckering’s herd, as well as Messrs. Wheeler, Walker, and a number of other breeders, who competed with success at the shows.
In 1869 Mr. Duckering attended the Altona Exhibition, where he received 9 out of 10 prizes. In 1870, 1871 and 1872 he took part in the exhibitions in Breslau, Posen, Copenhagen ic. In 1873 he appeared at the Vienna World Exhibition with an excellent selection of 30 pigs, almost all of which were sold to Germany, Hungary and southern Russia. At the same time he competed at the Bath and West England Show at Plymouth where he won 10 prizes.
On the way back from the show he had the misfortune that one wagon caught fire, which burned 5 pieces of his best big pigs worth 6000 marks, the other animals went back safely to Northorpe.
The big boar "Cultivator" which was awarded at the Vienna exhibition competed only 12 days later at the Royal Agricultural Show in Hull, and despite having lost very much on the ten-day trip, he nevertheless received the second prize; this boar was later sold to Lord Ellesmere bought for 100 guineas (approx. 2100 Mk.).
In 1874 Mr. Duckering again visited Germany, at the Bremen International Exhibition, where he reaped many prizes.*) From then on he confined himself to England, where he was the chief winner at all the great agricultural exhibitions.
Before his death he had entered a number of pigs for the forthcoming Paris exhibition.
Although the deceased reached the age of 64 enough, he was still as vigorous as a forty. He had a diligence, perseverance and energy not often found. In his actions he always distinguished himself as a most honorable and reliable man. Acquired by its strict legality and reliability he gained the trust of his business friends. The many breeders who own Mr. Duckering's hogs will no doubt be pleased to hear that the famous Northorpe herd is being bred by the sons on the father's lines, and that they will again compete in the season to come. A.A.

Richard's gravestone reads as follows: 'In Affectionate Remeberance of RICHARD ELMHIRST DUCKERING of Northorpe, Kirtonin Lindsey who suffered a railway accident on the 20th and died on the 21st December 1877 aged 64 years. "Hush ! Hush ! We are hastening fast O'er rivers of life's dark wave, And ere we arrive where our hopes are cast, We are deep in the silent grave. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." Samuel III 18.' (See photograph)

Richard's will states that he died on the 21st of December 1877at Brigg. That he was a farmer and pig breeder. His will was proved by his sons Charles Elmhirst Duckering of White Hoe Kirton in Lindsey, farmer and Frederick of Kirton in Lindsey, Coal Merchant and Malster. The estate was valued under £3000. (Michael D. 29.6.96)

'This is the last Will and Testament of me Richard Elmhurst Duckering of Northorpe in the County of Lincoln Farmer and Pig Breeder. I revoke all former wills and appoint my two sons Charles Elmhurst Duckering and Frederick Duckering joint Executors hereof. I give and bequeath all my real and personal estates whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kindsoever unto and to the use of my said two sons Charles Elmhurst Duckering and Frederick Duckering and to the survivor of them and to the heirs executors and administrators of such survivor nevertheless upon the trusts following, that is to say Upon trust to carry on all my businesses until my youngest child forthe time being shall attain the age of 21 years for the benefitof my Wife and such of my children as are now living at home andUpon further trust when my said youngest child for teh time being shall attain the age of 21 years. Upon trust to sell andconvert all my said trust estates into money and invest sufficient to provide an annuity for twenty five pounds for my Wife for her lifeand subject there to to hold the same for all my children in equal shares but such of my children as shall have had advances shall bring the same into hotchpotch Witness my hand this 20th December 1877.' 'Signed by the said Testator as his last Will in the presence
of us present at the same time
who at his request in his R.E.Duckering presence and in the presence
of each other have here unto
subscribed our names as witnesses
Decimus M.Robbs Frank C. Hett'
'Proved at Lincoln the twenty eigth day of January 1878 by the oaths of Charles Elmhirst (in the Will written CharelsElmhurst) Duckering and Frederick Duckering - the sons theExecutors to whom Administration was granted. The TestatorRichard Elmhirst Duckering was late of Northorpe in the Countyof Lincoln, Farmer and pig breeder and died on the twenty first day of December 1877 at Brigg in the said County. Under £3000. Hett Freer, Hett & Hett, Solicitors Brigg.'
'I do hereby certify this to be a correct copy, Lincoln 7th February 1878'(Will on file - Michael)

‘Northorpe. - Interesting Cricket Match. - The family of the late Mr. Richard Elmhirst Duckering, of Northorpe, Lincolnshire, have long been famous for their celebrated pig breeding, and have been successful at nearly all the shows in the kingdom, but it is not so generally known that they are a family of cricketers of more than ordinary repute. Yet seven of the late Mr Duckering’s sons are considered above the average of “all round” men in the cricket field. Four of them - Charles, Fred, Arthur, and Will, are each possessors of prize bats gained in the Kirton district for the best batting average, whilst Fred is pretty well known in North Lincolnshire as a successful bowler. On Monday a match was played in the park, adjoining Northorpe Hall, when no less than thirteen of the Duckering family, including scorer and umpire, took part in the game. Mr. Wm. Embledon Fox kindly provided an excellent luncheon in the hall, to which nearly thirty sat down. At the close of the day’s play, Mr Fred Duckering, on behalf of himself, brothers, cousins etc, thanked the Squire for his hospitality and kindness. In reply Mr. Embledon Fox assured them that the meeting had been a source of great pleasure to him, and expressed the hope they might meet on a similar occasion another year. The score will be found amongst our cricket news.’ 29th Sept 1882 - Lincolnshire Newspaper757

When Richard married Susanna at West Barkwith, he is recorded asbeing a 'widower' and a tailor living at East Barkwith.Witnesses to their marriage was Christopher, his father andSusanna's father John and Naomi Marrows. (Daniels/Jill Dyson -22.4.96)

The marriage certificate of Richard and Susannah, records Richard Elmhirst Duckering aged 28, a widower, working as a tailor and living at East Barkwith and the son of Christopher, who was a gardener. Susannah Cottingham, was 18, a spinster, a farmers daughter living at West Barkwith. They married on the 27th June 1841 at the parish church of West Barkwith. (See certificate on file).

Lincolnshire Chroncile 16 July 1841: Lincoln, Married. At Barkwith, on Sunday last, (by the Rev. W Winn) mr Rd. Duckering, to Miss Susanna Cottingham, second daughter of Mr Cottingham farmer, of the former place.