In 1860 he was “Trader/Dealer” living in Portland (now part of St. John, New Brunswick) when he was co-owner with his brother Henry of a 20 ton schooner called “Mary”.45 In 1862-3 directories he had a grocery store in the Portland area.12
His son Frederick was born in St. John (from Frederick’s obituary).
According to research from the Moncton Museum files he was living in Cornwallis, NS in 1867.32 This would fit with the fact that his next son Ernest was born in Nova Scotia (from Ernest’s obituary).
In 1868 he moved to Moncton where he had a carbonated beverage business and was an agent for liquid carbon dioxide which was sold in stone bottles. One was on display at the library. Motto: “Givan’s Orange Julep the best drink that ever trickled down a thirsty throat...Try it”
He was a member of the Moncton City Council for ten years.
He was a member of the Masonic Order.
There was a big writeup with his picture in “Men of Canada” 1894 (see note)
It looks like the gate on the Givan plot at the Covenanter Cemetery in Grafton, NS reads “William Givan 1883” so Ham thinks he gave the gate to the cemetery.12 It’s also possible that he commisioned the painting of the Coat of Arms that is in the Moncton Museum.
He died of cerebral embolism (stroke) from mitral valve disease.
William and his brother Henry and sister Mary are buried with members of their families in Elmwood Cemetery, Moncton, N.B.3

from The Canadian Album “Men of Canada or Success by Example” vol. 3 1894 (published with a picture of him):
“William Roger Givan, Manufacturer, Moncton, N.B., was born October 9th, 1841 in Kings County, Nova Scotia. He is the son of John and Fanny Givan, formerly of Omah [sic], Ireland. He received his education in the public schools of Kings County, N.S. In 1868, he removed from St. John, N.B., to Moncton, where he has been one of the prominent manufacturers as well as one of the leading citizens of that enterprising city. He has been for ten years a member of the Council Board of that city, and has occupied many other important positions. He is also a member of the Masonic Order, and in politics, a Liberal-Conservative. He takes a lively interest in the affairs of the country, as well as of the city of Moncton. Mr. Givan was married, July 28th, 1862, to Mary Elizabeth Rising, daughter of Captain William Rising, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Eng. His family consists of two children, both sons; the eldest, Fred. W. Givan, of the firm of Robertson & Givan, hardware merchants, Moncton and his second son, Ernest Washington Givan, proprietor of the steam laundry in the same place.”

Another article photocopied from Ham’s research:12
“Ald. Givan.
Though not a native of the city or province, Ald. W. M. [sic] Givan ranks among the leading citizens of Moncton. A native of Cornwallis, N.S. he has lived in Moncton some twenty-four years. A successful business man himself, he has also two sons now engaged in active business in the city. Ald. Givan has been a member of the city council for ten years; though not continuously, as he withdrew and accepted the position of harbor master for some three or four years. He is himself quite largely interested in shipping. He is also proprietor of a factory in Moncton, in which are manufactured all kinds of aerated waters. These are sold not only in Moncton, but to the trade throughout the province. One of his sons, Fred W. Givan, is a member of the well known Moncton grocery firm of Robertson & Givan, and another, E. W. Givan, conducts a flourishing steam laundry in Moncton, which has agencies in Bathurst, Campbellton, Oxford, Amherst, Sackville, Dorchester, Shediac and other places.
Ald. Givan’s ability and popularity are indicated by his long record as a member of the council. A view of his fine residence is elsewhere shown.”

from the Moncton Times, October 9, 1893:
“Death of Mr. William Givan
The community heard with general regret on Saturday of the death of Mr. William Givan. Mr. Givan, who has been in rather poor health for the past year or two, was taken very ill on sunday last. Dr. Dunlap being called it very soon became apparent that his illness must have a fatal termination. He lingered in a speechless and semi-unconscious condition until Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock when death came to his relief. The cause of death was embolism of the left middle cerebral artery, produced by disease of the mitral valves of the heart. The deceased was 54 years of age and leaves two sons, Mr. Fred Givan, of the firm of Robertson & Givan and Mr. Ernest Givan, who carries on a laundry business. The late Mr. Givan was one of the best citizens of Moncton. Quiet and unostentatious in his manner he was a warm friend and universally respected by all classes of citizens. The deceased has been quite prominent in civic affairs having occupied a seat at the Council Board for several years. He was interested quite largely in shipping, and for many years carried on the manufacture of airated waters, et., on an extensive scale. Mrs. Givan died about two years ago. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. Mr. E. Givan who was away on a trip to the World’s Fair when his father was taken ill, is expected home this evening.”

This obituary says he was 54 which would put his year of birth at 1839 but 3 other sources are all consistent with year of birth as 1841.3,6 He in fact died 2 days before his 52nd birthday.

from The Daily Sun, St. John, October 10, 1893:
Moncton, Oct. 9 - William GIVAN's funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon under masonic auspices.

from The Daily Sun, St. John, October 11, 1893:
The funeral of Wm GIVAN took place from his residence, King St. to the Rural Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The services at the house and grave were conducted by Rev. J.M. Robinson. The pall bearers were J.L. HARRIS, Geo. M. JARVIS, I.W. BINNEY, Geo. B. WILLETT, R.A. BORDEN and J.W. WHITE.