I have not had much luck finding information about Sir Felix Booth, and would especially love a picture....the hunt continues....but below is an excerpt form his obituary.
Jan. 24. At the York Hotel, Brighton, Sir Felix Booth, Bart, of Portland-place, Middlesex, and of Great Catworth, no. Huntingdon, a Deputy Lieutenant of the former county.
Sir Felix was the third
and youngest Son of Philip Booth, esq. of Russell-square. As a distiller his
business was the largest in England, and had also a branch in North Britain.
His metropolitan establishment was at Cow Cross near Smithfield; but he had still
more extensive premises at Brentford. The quantity of spirit distilled at the
latter establishment was from 800,000 to 1,000,000 gallons annually : paying a
duty from 320,0001. to 400,0001. The premises occupy about eleven
acres of land: and include a granary for 15,000 quarters of corn, and a
bullock-house capable of accommodating 300 head of cattle. Not far distant is a
brewery, which Sir Felix Booth bought of the Messrs. Hazard, and rebuilt, as he
did also the Royal Hotel adjoining. (Faulkner's History of Brentford, &c.
IK45.)
Sir Felix Booth was a person distinguished by peculiar
activity and ability in matters of business. He took a prominent part in the
foundation of the London Joint Stock Bank, of which he continued one of the
directors until his death, and in the establishment of the Brentford Gasworks.
His hospitality and liberality were great, and he devoted a large portion of
his wealth to the benefit or enjoyment of others.
He was elected one of the sheriffs of London and Middlesex in 1828, and it was during his year of office that his attention was especially directed to the scheme of Captain Ross's second voyage to the North Pole.
