Miami Union

February 2, 1911 

JANVIER, WALTER - Troy relatives and friends were shocked Monday to receive the news that Walter Janvier, one of New York City's leading business men and the son of Mrs. Sarah H. Janvier of Troy, had died Sunday night.  Death was due to pneumonia.  He went from Troy to New York City some thirty years ago and in that city had a very successful business career.  He was at one time sole American agent of the famous "Pears" soap and is said to have received a salary in that capacity of $50,000 a year.  Mrs. Charles Riley, Mrs. Anna Skinner, Mrs. D. W. Smith and Mrs. Ellen J. McKinney, all of Troy, are sisters of the deceased.  Concerning his death the issue of the New York Sun of January 30th says: "Walter Janvier, head of the commission house bearing his name, died of pneumonia yesterday at his home, 230 West 107th street, in his sixty-third year. He is survived by his wife, his aged mother, a brother, William N. Janvier, in the wholesale drug business in Boston and four married sisters who with their mother live at Troy, Ohio.  Mr. Janvier was born in Piqua, Ohio.  He began in this city as a salesman and later went into partnership with James Gaunt in the manufacture of beef extract.  The business developed into the handling of various proprietary articles, notably an English toilet soap.  Mr. Janvier had lately been in sole charge of the firm, Mr. Gaunt having retired.  Mr. Janvier was a member of the New York Athletic club, the Wool club, and the Columbia Yacht club.  He was interested in horses and was the breeder and owner of several well known trotters.  He was at one time active in the affairs of the National Horse Breeders association."  The body was brought to Troy and the funeral was held from the residence of Mrs. Ellen McKinney and was conducted by Dr. J. W. Clokey, only a few intimate friends and relatives being present.  Burial was at Riverside.

Return to Main Page