James Rufus Boosé

James Rufus Charles Boosé CMG VD (1859 – 19 April 1936) was the librarian, secretary, and finally, travelling commissioner, of the Royal Colonial Institute. He prepared a catalogue of the institute's library as part of its mission to promote British colonialism. He was a captain and honorary major in the 1st Middlesex (Victoria and St George's) Rifles.

James Rufus Boosé

Early life and family

James Boosé was born in London[1] or Windsor[2] in 1859. His mother was Fanny J. Boosé.[3] He married Ada A.[4] at St. George Hanover Square, London, in 1884.[5] They had children Ernest J.H. Boosé, Lila G. Boosé,[4] V. Gladys Boosé, and Esme A. Boosé.[2] His wife Ada died in 1911.[6]

Career

Boosé was first librarian, then secretary, and finally, travelling commissioner of the Royal Colonial Institute (now the Royal Commonwealth Society). The development of the Institute's library played an important part in its mission to promote British colonialism and as librarian, Boosé was naturally instrumental in its structuring and expansion.[7] His catalogue of the library was published in 1895 with a supplement in 1901.

In 1899, with Joseph Frank Alderhoven, he was executor of the will of West Indian merchant C. Washington Eves (died 1899).[8][9] All three were members of the Royal Colonial Institute.

He was commissioned into the 6th Middlesex (St George's) corps as a second lieutenant in 1890.[10] In 1897, he was presented at court as an officer of the 1st Middlesex (Victoria and St George's) Rifles.[11] In 1904, he was a captain and honorary major in that corps.[12] He received the Volunteer Officers' Decoration and in 1916 was appointed companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.[13]

Death

Boosé died on 19 April 1936[14] at St Andrews Road, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand.[15] He was survived by his second wife, Louisa. He was cremated and his ashes scattered.[14] Probate was granted in London on an estate of £319.[16]

Selected publications

References
  1. James Rufus Charles Boose England and Wales Birth Registration Index. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  2. James R Boose England and Wales Census, 1901. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  3. James R Boose England and Wales Census, 1871. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  4. James R Boose England and Wales Census, 1891. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  5. James Rufas Boose England and Wales Marriage Registration Index. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  6. Ada A Boose England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007. Family Search. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  7. Palmer, Beth, " 'A journey around the bookshelves': Reading in the Royal Colonial Institute" in Beth Palmer & Adelene Buckland. (Eds.) (2013). A Return to the Common Reader: Print Culture and the Novel, 1850–1900. Ashgate Publishing. p. 135. ISBN 978-1-4094-7849-2.
  8. The Times, 25 April 1899, p. 12.
  9. 1899 Probate Calendar. gov.uk Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  10. The London Gazette Publication date: 16 May 1890 Issue: 26051 Page: 2826
  11. "Court Circular", The Times, 31 March 1897, p. 13.
  12. The London Gazette Publication date: 5 August 1904 Issue: 27702 Page: 5054
  13. The London Gazette, 31 December 1915. Supplement 29423, p. 82.
  14. "West burial and cremation records search". Auckland Council. Retrieved 2 January 2017. Search for "Boose"
  15. "Major J.R. Boose", The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 April 1936, p. 10.
  16. 1936 Probate Calendar. gov.uk Retrieved 30 December 2016.
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