Background
Eviston was born to John W. Eviston, Senior and his wife in north Ireland.
Eviston was born to John W. Eviston, Senior and his wife in north Ireland.
He was the brother of John West. Eviston, Junior., Thomas Eviston, and Martin J. Eviston. The family first settled in Providence, Rhode Island before moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1842. Eviston worked as a lumber dealer, and was the chief engineer of Milwaukee"s volunteer fire department.
In 1857 he was elected railroad commissioner for Milwaukee"s Third Ward.
In 1859, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly.