Oliver Jennings Burnett was born in Huntspill, Somerset, in 1837, baptised 12th October. He was older brother of  Francis Gilbert Burnett of Calstone Mills, Calne. In 1861 he was living in lodgings at 2 St. James's Square, Bristol, and was a clerk to a wine and spirit merchant.
    Oliver, whilst still living in Bristol, married Mary, second daughter of William Little, a grocer, of Chippenham. The marriage took place at Chippenham Parish Church, by the Rev. J. A. Henderson, on the 9th Nov. 1864. William Little was born in Middlebie, Dumfriesshire, Scotland and had a grocer's business in New Road, Chippenham, and was married to Mary Ann Spackman relict of William Spackman, gentleman of Calne. William was formerly a Tea Dealer in Pickwick Road, Corsham. In 1871 Oliver was employed at New Road as Grocer's Assistant and moved to New Road with Mary and their son Henry Oliver, aged 5, and daughters Florence Annie (3) and Eleanor Winefred (1) that year. Oliver and Mary had 2 more daughters in Chippenham: Alice Mary, b.1873 and Lily Kathleen, b. 1878.
    William Little died on 9th March 1873 and part of the New Road premises on the corner with St. Mary's Place and next to the grocers was sold off which included that which was occupied by Alfred Taylor, music seller and photographer. The part of the yard adjoining the grocery stores was walled off.
    By 1911 Oliver had retired, with his wife and daughter Florence to 39 Abbotsford Road, Redland. His son Henry was running the New Road store. At the time Thrush's Stores had opened nearby in direct competition.
    Oliver died at Abbotsford Road on 12th October 1925.