David Givens, son of David Givens and Mary ________, was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pennsylvania January 03, 1841.

Before serving in the Civil War, he worked as a boatman on one of his uncle's barges on the Susquehanna River Canal.

David was a Sergeant in the Civil War. He served from 20 June 1861 to 20 July 1865 in Battery "E", Forty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (First Pennsylvania Light Artillery). All of the 290 men who served with Battery "E" were recruited from York County, Pennsylvania.

The following is taken from the official muster rolls records now in the National Archives:
He first joined for duty and was enrolled on 20 June 1861 at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania for a period of three years as a Private. He was appointed a Corporal from Private effective 01 March 1862 (Regimental Order # 34, 17 March 1862). On 04 October 1862 he was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. Under date of 01 May 1864 the War Department decided that the period of service of the regiments of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps should be reckoned from their respective dates of muster into the state service (Pbe-203-1864).

The following is taken from his Discharge:
Sergeant of Captain Henry Y. Waldey's Battery Company "E" First Regiment of Pennsylvania Light Artillery Reserve Volunteers (Forty-Third Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment) who was reenrolled on the First day of January 1864 to serve 3 yrs. or during the war, is hereby discharged from the service of the U.S. this 20th day of July 1865. No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist. Said Sergeant David Givens was born in York Co. in the state of Pennsylvania, is 21 yrs. of age 5 ft. 10 1/2 in. high, fair complexion, grey eyes, brown hair, and by occupation when enrolled a Boatman. Given at Philadelphia this 20th day of July, 1865.
Eugene Wells
Captain 12th U.S. Infantry
Commanding the Regiment

He married Sarah Ann Ziegler in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, May 13, 1866. Sarah was born in Lower Windsor Twp, York Co, Pa February 13, 1843. Sarah was the daughter of Michael Ziegler and Margaret _______. Sarah died April 20, 1921 in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, at 78 years of age. Her body was interred in Fairview Cemetery, Wrightsville, York Co, Pa.

David Givens and Sarah Ann Ziegler had the following eight children:
[1] William Henry was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, June 24, 1866. He died April 13, 1897 from pneumonia, contracted while bivouacked in a tent, while in training, at an army camp during the Spanish American War, at 30 years of age.
[2] Margaret Blanche was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, October 8, 1868. Margaret died after February 24, 1946 in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa.
[3] Charles was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa January 24, 1871. Charles died August 1962 in Thomasville, York Co, Pa, at 91 years of age.
[4] Mary Ella was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, January 19, 1877. Mary died January 19, 1935 in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, at 58 years of age.
[5] Elizabeth was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa January 19, 1877. Elizabeth died January 1899 in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, at 21 years of age.
[6] Walter was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa 1880. Walter died before February 21, 1898.
[7] Ralph Sr. was born September 24, 1881. Ralph died February 21, 1946 in York, York Co, Pa, at 65 years of age.
[8] John H. was born in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa June 26, 1884. John died after February 24, 1946 in Columbia, Lancaster Co, Pa.

David died from Colon Cancer on January 7, 1908 in Wrightsville, York Co, Pa, at 67 years of age. His body was interred in Fairview Cemetery, Wrightsville, York Co, Pa.

Cause of Death: Colon Cancer
Occupation: Boatman
Politics: Republican
Membership: GAR
Eye Color: Grey
Hair Color: Brown
Handedness (L/R): R

Last Updated 15 July 1999