Brief profile of J.R.Napier by Don Ambrose

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Player:

JR Napier

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NAPIER, John Russell.
Amateur.
Born at Preston, Lancashire, 5th January 1859.
Died at Sidley, Sussex, 12th March 1939.
The son of Richard Clay Napier, of Preston, Lancashire, he was educated at Marlborough College, where he was a member of the cricket eleven 1877-78, being captain in 1878. He went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, and although he played for the University in 1881, injury prevented him from winning his blue. He played in four first-class matches in all, including two matches for Lancashire. He gained his B.A. in 1882 and attended Leeds Clergy School 1882-83 and became curate of Leigh in Lancashire1883-86. He was curate of St. Paul’s, Preston 1886-90 and vicar of Walsden 1890-1906. While there he played for the local club and was the first President of the Central Lancashire League. From 1906 to 1911 he was rector of North Fambridge, Essex and from 1911 to 1928 was vicar of Old Windsor, Berkshire.
At the time of the 1881 Census he was a 22 year old student, lodging at 28 Malcolm Street, Cambridge, with Sarah A. Sturlman, a 66 year old widow, who had one domestic servant.

 

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Don Ambrose)