James Anderson Boath, auditor of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis, was born in Carnoustie, Scotland, September 30, 1885. His father, David M. Boath came to America from Scotland in 1900, and has been connected in the capacity of accountant with various institutions of this city. He married Isabella Sturrock, who was also born in the land of hills and heather and they became the parents of four children, of whom James A. is the eldest. The other three were daughters, namely: Lottie, who died in infancy; Lily, who is living with the mother in Scotland; and Emily Isabella, who is also at home.
James A. Boath was educated in the public schools of his native town, pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen years, when he began providing for his own support by working in a wholesale shoe house as clerk for John Winter & Sons, Limited. He was with that house until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when in 1910 he resigned his position of traveling salesman for the purpose of coming to the new world. Mr. Boath in the meantime had been ambitious to get into accounting work as he had heard that this field in the new world was good and with that thought in mind had been preparing himself by actual practice, evening and spare time study, towards that end. Crossing the Atlantic he became connected with Marwick, Mitchell, Peat & Company of St. Louis as a public accountant, in which position he remained from 1910 until I913, when he joined the staff of the Business Men’s League as auditor. This organization was superseded by the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce in 1917 and Mr. Boath was retained in the same position and is now successfully carrying on that line of work for the St. Louis Chamber, his ability making his service highly satisfactory to the organization which he represents.
In St. Louis, on the 8th of April, 1914, Mr. Boath was married to Miss Adele Maria Bourdon, daughter of Adolph Bourdon, now deceased, who was at one time manager of the Noonday Club and was a representative of one of the old French families of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Boath reside at No. 7318 Maple boulevard in the attractive suburb of Maplewood. During the World war Mr. Boath not only subscribed liberally to various war activities but did personal work in securing subscriptions to the Liberty loan campaigns. He belongs to Tower Grove Lodge, No. 631, A. F. & A. M., and in religious faith is a Protestant. He is an enthusiastic golfer and fisherman. His entire life has been characterized by a spirit of progress and advancement and the laudable ambition which brought him to the new world that he might enjoy the opportunities here offered has led him in all of his activities until he has won for himself a most creditable place as a St. Louis auditor.