John Crofton was a well-known mining engineer and colliery manager in Northumberland and County Durham who, in his earlier days whilst training in South Wales, made one appearance for Glamorganshire, against Breconshire at Neath in a two-day friendly starting on 2 July 1872. Batting at number 8, James made 2 in his only innings in a low-scoring game which was completed in a day, with Glamorganshire winning by four wickets.
John had also spent time working in the Wrexham area and is listed in the 1871 Census as being an engineer at a mine at Rhosllannerchrugog. He subsequently returned to his native County Durham and was Manager from the late 1870s of JW Pease and Partners Collieries at Esh, Waterhouses and Ushaw Moor.
CROFTON, John George
Born – Brancepath, Co. Durham 1842.
Died – Harrogate, August 1913.