James Fraser (cricketer) facts for kids

James Campbell Fraser (born March 14, 1840 – died November 23, 1913) was a Scottish man who played cricket and was also a successful businessman. He was known for playing a special kind of cricket called first-class cricket.

The Life of James Campbell Fraser

Early Life and School

James Campbell Fraser was born in March 1840. His father, William Fraser, owned a sugar plantation in Demerara. This area is now part of British Guiana. James went to school in England at Harrow School. After finishing school, he joined the army. In January 1860, he became one of the first people to join the 19th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps. He started as an ensign, which is a junior officer.

Cricket Career

In 1861, James played in a first-class cricket match. This is the highest level of cricket played at the time. He played for the Gentlemen of Marylebone Cricket Club. They played against the Gentlemen of Kent during the Canterbury Cricket Week.

In this match, James batted two times. He scored 12 runs in his first turn. In his second turn, he scored 16 runs. Two different bowlers, Richard Streatfeild and Fendall Currie, got him out. This was his only first-class cricket game.

Life as a Merchant

In the same year he played cricket, James started working. He became a clerk for merchants in Liverpool. A year later, in 1862, he traveled to Yokohama in Japan. In Japan, he continued to play cricket. He played for and even captained the Yokohama Cricket Club. In 1863, his team played against a team from the Royal Navy.

James became a business partner in a company called Ross, Barber & Co. in Yokohama. Later, in 1867, he started his own company. It was called James C. Fraser & Co. His company focused on insurance and trade. However, James left Japan in the same year. He returned to Liverpool, England.

Travels and Later Life

In 1869, James traveled to the United States. He rode on the first transcontinental railroad. This was a very important train journey. It connected the east and west coasts of America. He traveled between New York and San Francisco. During his trip, he stayed as a guest of Brigham Young in Salt Lake City.

James kept his connection with the United States. In the 1890s, he represented New Orleans at a big meeting. This meeting was called the National Nicaragua Canal Convention. They talked about plans for building the Panama Canal. This canal would connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

James Campbell Fraser passed away in November 1913. He died in Lynton, Devon, England.