Became a large wholesale merchant and contractor in Portsmouth. Heserved as mayor of Portsmouth six times between 1701 and 1738, as well asholding other minor municipal offices during a period of fifty years. In1690, John Vining's name appears in the list of Aldermen, when he was 31years old. His private residence was #22 Penny Street and his buinesspremises occupied the remainder of the north side of the street up to itsjunction with Pembroke Street (formerly Fighting Cock Lane) and possiblyextending northward to the high Street. Accumulated great wealth bycontracts for provisioning the navy. His farm was called 'Inlands' andwas in the parish of Westbourn, Sussex.
He died aged 84. His monument inscription in St. Thomas's Church navestates 'This monument is erected in memory of John VINING Esq. who diedJune 1, 1743, aged 84 years. He was six times mayor of this town. Alsoof Elizabeth, his wife, who died August 7, 1709, aged 46 years.'
[Scrapbook]