He never made a first-class century, falling just one run short against Yorkshire in a Roses Match.

He was born at Enfield, Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, on 22 July 1843, the son of mill owner Joseph Appleby.

Educated at Grange School, Thorp Arch, near Tadcaster he began his playing days at Enfield Cricket Club where he was coached by John Berry and W. H. Iddison.

In later life he assumed control of the family firm and, amongst other directorships, sat on the board of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

He died at Mill House, Enfield, Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, on 24 October 1902.