John Bowyer.

— Mr. W. W. Thomson, the honorary secretary of the Mitcham Cricket Club, calls our attention to the fact that John Bowyer, an old cricketer of no inconsiderable repute, who was born at Mitcham on June 18, 1790, and is, therefore, in his 80th year, is now residing in his native village without any means of subsistence, and unable to do anything for his living.

John Bowyer first played for his county (Surrey) v. England at Lord’s, in July, 1810, and is one of the few men living who played against the following members of the old Hambledon Club (dissolved in 1791), viz.: William Beldham, Wells, Robinson, Thomas Walker. Fennex, and Lambert (the little farmer). He was a celebrated batsman (left-handed) in the days of those good cricketers, Lord F. Beauclerk, Messrs. W. Ward, E.H. Budd, G. Osbaldeston, Assheton Smith, and others, who flourished between 1810-30, and he also took part in half a dozen of the “B’s v. England” matches at Lords. He last played in 1838, but still stands umpire in the village matches, as he has done for thirty-three years past.

An excellent photograph of this sterling cricketer has been published, and the Mitcham cricketers appeal to the cricketers of England to take a photograph of this fine old player, winch will be sent by post on receipt of eighteen postage stamps. Application can be made either to the honorary secretary, Mitcham ; Mr. Wm. Mortlock, cricketing outfitter, Waterloo Station, London. S.W.; or Mr. John Lillywhite, Seymour-street, Euston-road, London, N.W. The proceeds will be given to Bowyer. A few days’ delay may perhaps occur in forwarding photographs, as the orders for copies will be regulated by the demand.

Source: Sporting Life – Saturday 26 February 1870 from the British Newspaper Archive (subscription required)