John Vivian (c1840-1912)
John Vivian (c1840-1912) of Cumberland Diamond Rock Boring Co
of Whitehaven
Born the son of Samuel Coad Vivian, a Smith.
1862 Married (1) at Plymouth to Ann Prowse Lethbridge (1835-1892)
1881 Residing at Marina Terrace, Preston Quarter, Whitehaven: John Vivian (age 41 born Plymouth), Civil and Mining Engineer. With his wife Annie P. Vivian (age 44 born Plymouth).[1]
1883 John Vivian, Civil Engineer, Whitehaven. Marina Villa.[2]
1891 Residing at Godwell, Marine Terrace, Preston Quarter, Whitehaven: John Vivian (age 51 born Plymouth), Mine and Civil Engineer. With his wife Annie Prowse Vivian (age 54 born Ivybridge).[3]
1894 Married (2) at Curry Rivel, Somerset, to Emily Lee
1901 Residing at Godwell, Marine Terrace, Preston Quarter, Whitehaven: John Vivian (age 60 born Plymouth), Civil and Mining Engineer. With his wife Emily Vivian (age 51 born Yorks).[4]
1912 Died. 'The death is reported of Mr. John Vivian, C.E., who for many years took a prominent part in the industrial life of West Cumberland. Mr. Vivian was well known amongst the members of the mining profession as the pioneer of diamond boring in the Cumberland and North Lancashire district, he being the head of the Vivian Diamond Boring and Exploration Company. His most notable achievement probably was his discovery of salt on Walney Island when boring for coal, as the result of which a company was formed to carry on operations in connection therewith. Mr. Vivian was also interested in iron mining in the Dalton district and was chairman of the Elliscales Mining Co., Ltd., Dalton-in-Furness. He was an ardent Liberal and frequently appeared on the platform in th e Whitehaven district during election times. Mr. Vivian left the West Cumberland district some years ago and went to the south.'[5]