John Bolton

Born in Ulverston as the son of an apothecary, Bolton was educated at the Town Bank Grammar School and became an apprentice to the firm of Rawlinson & Chorley in the ownership of the West India merchants and ship-owners.

At age of 17 Bolton was sent to St Vincent, West Indies where he acted as their agent gaining a valuable experience and insight into the business opportunities. Eventually, he earned enough money to return to Liverpool in 1786 and start the business on his own account. In a very short term, Bolton rose to prominence as the leading West India merchant of his generation.

Bolton’s trade was mainly in slaves and the goods they produced, such as sugar, rum and cotton. He had interests in Jamaica and St Vincent, and owned several ships including the “John” and the “King George” for transport of commodities and slaves.

His prominence ensured him a leading position in the social and political affairs of Liverpool. He served as president of the Liverpool Association of West India Merchants. In 1797 he was in charge of the defense of the city during the French invasion of Wales. In 1803 he raised and financed a regiment known as “Bolton's Invincibles” that earned him a nickname “Colonel Bolton” for the rest of his life.