Joseph Battersby Duckworth

Joseph Battersby Duckworth, the son of Nicholas Duckworth and Lucinda Ann Eyes was born on July 20, 1847 at Holt Hill, Birkenhead. He was brought over the Mersey to be baptized at St. Nicholas C of E Church on December 1 of the same year. As well as being educated privately, he also attended Liverpool College and a school in Germany.

He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by entering the cotton trade. His career started in 1864 with his father's firm, Messrs. Duckworth and Rathbone.

He soon established his own business, becoming head of the firm of Messrs. Muir, Duckworth and Company, (3 Rumford Place, Liverpool and 6 Bank Street, Manchester), and president of the Duckworth Company, merchants, of Savannah. He also had extensive business contacts in the southern states of America and Egypt. Indeed, Joseph lived in America for nearly twenty years.

In addition to his career in the cotton trade, he lead an active social and public life. Joseph was:

High Sheriff of Cheshire;

President of the Savannah Cotton Exchange;

Director of the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company;

Director of the Standard Marine Insurance Company, Ltd.

He was also a member of the following clubs:

Royal Liverpool Golf Club;

Liverpool Cricket Club;

Birkenhead Cricket Club;

Palatine Club, Liverpool;

Constitutional Club, Manchester;

Union Club, London;

British Empire Club, London;

Royal Automobile Club, London.

Joseph Battersby Duckworth married Mary Hartridge Battersby on August 22, 1872 at Lymm Parish Church. They had five children:

Alfred Battersby Duckworth;

Hubert Battersby Duckworth;

Walter Battersby Duckworth;

Winifred Battersby Duckworth;

Leila Mary Battersby Duckworth. (Married Arthur Blundell Johnson-Houghton, August 4th, 1910, St. Mary's Church, Eastham)