John W. Viant
- JOHN W. VIANT was born in Canada West September 18, 1835, and
is a son of Francis and Catharine (Bridgman) Viant, the former a native
of Paris, France, the latter of Ireland. Francis Viant emigrated to
Montreal when a young man, and engaged in lumbering. The mother of
our subject was his second wife. John W. Viant is the only living child,
his brother having been killed while building a bridge. His father died
in 1840, and his mother in 1875, and he is now the only descendant
bearing the family name. Mr. Viant received but a spare education in
his native country. When about fifteen he began as a clerk at Castleton,
Canada, where he lived until he was twenty years old. Realizing the poor
opportunities for advancement in that country, he came to the United
States. Accordingly, in l856, he started for Minnesota, but on the way
stopped in Indiana, and liking the territory, remained at Crown Point one
year. In the spring of 1857, he went back to Canada, and on March 31
was married to Miss Ann Jones, a native of Canada. To this union were
born five children-- Frederick H., Cassius M. C., Clifford, John W. and
Bessie (deceased). In the fall of 1857, Mr. Viant came to Lowell, and,
in conjunction with Jonah Thorn, purchased a stock of dry goods and
groceries, and began his career as a merchant. Thorn sold out to Mr.
Merton, the original owner of the goods, in about one year, and two
years later Mr. Viant purchased Mr. Merton's interest, continuing until
1881, when he sold out and returned to farming. In 1882, he took his
eldest son, Frederick H., as a partner in his present business, and this
has been successful. Mr. Viant is the oldest Lowell merchant living.
When he came hither, the population numbered about 100, and he has
been identified with its growth and prosperity; be has supported
churches, schools and other useful enterprises. In politics, Mr. Viant
is a firm Republican; he is an original member of Colfax Lodge, No. 378,
A., F. & A.M. Besides owning valuable town property in Lowell, he has
seventy acres of good land adjoining. Both he and his wife are
members of the M. E. Church for thirty years.
from the Lowell Star, Aug. 10, 1872.
also found in the Clipping Files at Lowell Public Library--LH--"Businesses":
CALL AT
J. W. Viant's
FOR THE BEST ASSORTMENT OF GOODSAND THE
LOWEST PRICES.
- For cash or ready pay. I am determined to do away with the credit system, by selling goods so low for ready pay you will not want credit.
PRINTS,
DOLLY VARDEN KID GLOVES,
IN GERAT VARIETY,
HATS AND CAPS,
Fur, Wool, Palm Leaf, and all other kinds,
BOOTS AND SHOES
a fine assortment
A LARGE STOCK OF CLOTHING
From $6.50 to $25 a Suit.
GROCERIES
- IN ENDLESS QUANTITIES.
EXAMINE OUR PRICES
Go to John W. Viant, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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