13th June 1931

Jesse Boot, of Boots chemist, dies in Jersey

Although founded by John Boot, Boots the chemist owes its early success to John’s son, Jesse, who was born on 2 June 1850 and died in Jersey, aged 81, in June 1931.

Jesse Boot’s mother, Mary (nee Wills) was born in Jersey. So was Jesse’s wife, whom he met while visiting the island for rest and recuperation in the 1880s, following illness brought on by overwork. Although born in Nottingham, Jesse himself retired to Jersey after selling his controlling interest in his father’s chemist company in 1920. No death duties were payable on his considerable estate as he added a codicil to his will stating that he had “definitely abandoned” his domicile in the mainland in favour of Jersey.