Boase was the fourth son of Arthur Boase (born 1698), of Madron, a parish in west Cornwall, who died August 1780, by Jane, daughter of Henry Lugg. He was born at Madron on 3 June 1763, and in 1785 went from Penzance to Roscoff, in Brittany, in a fishing-boat, to proceed to Morlaix, where he stayed for some time, and acquired a knowledge of French.
Not finding any business opening in Cornwall, Boase went to London, where he obtained a situation as corresponding clerk in the banking house of Messrs. Ransom, Morland, & Hammersley in 1788. This house had an extensive continental connection, and after the flight of Louis XVI in 1791 a large part of the funds for the support of the emigrant clergy and nobility passed through their hands.
Through his knowledge of French, Boase was able to be of service to his employers.
He was promoted to be chief clerk in 1792, and seven years later he became the managing partner. Boase was also interested in the formation of schools on the system of Joseph Lancaster.
In poor health, Boase in 1809 retired from the business and went to live at Penzance. In 1821 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
He died at Alverton, Penzance, 8 April 1827.
During his residence in London he was acquainted with Granville Sharpe, Robert Owen, and other philanthropists. Was a leading member of the London Missionary Society. And took part in the foundation of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in conjunction with the Review
Thomas Charles, of Bala, whom he came to know while distributing, as Mistress
Palmer"s banker, her donation of £1,000 to the poor beneficed clergy of Wales.
