James Diven (bef. 1741 - abt. 1818)

Born before 1741 in Tyrone, Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Husband of Margaret Nancy (Waddell) Diven — married 1764 in Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Descendants

Died about 19 May 1818 after about age 77 in Tyrone, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, USA

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Biography

James Diven served with 12th Pennsylvania_Regiment,_Continental_Army during the American Revolution.

It is frequently seen that James Diven was born in Tyrone, Northern Ireland however there is currently no documentation to substantiate this and an immigration document dated 1808 frequently cited cannot possibly be his given earlier records of him in Pennsylvania including Revolutionary War service records.

It is far more likely he is of Tyrone Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (see citations below). It is frequently seen that he was born 1741 but this lacks documentation. His first land patent is in 1755 (see below) which indicates he is born some years before 1741 unless this record is in regard to a father also named James Diven. Various mentions of him state that he is of Scotch-Irish descent though this statement is never expounded upon. He is never seen referred to as an immigrant.

The "History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata Valleys"^[1] contains several references to James and places him in local historical context:

Landisburg Borough, Perry County: Lot 20 was bought by James Diven upon which he built a dwelling-house, now owned by Chas. Kell. His tannery was on lots 7, 8, 9, 10. They were purchased by J Scroggs and John Bigler and sold to James Diven Jr [son] who died in 1816.^[1]

Landisburgh Borough, a further entry states he also owned Lot 21 in 1812.^[1]

Perry County (Cumberland at the time). James Diven warranted 195 acres 1 Mar 1755. He built a tannery. He died in 1818. Joseph and John were his sons and executors. In 1830 the property was sold to Daniel Spotts. The old mansion farm on the death of James Diven was left to his wife who died in 1832.^[1]

Assessment of 1767: James Diven 100 acres, Tyrone Twp^[1]

The History and Directory of Yates County^[2] provides evidence he is the father of Margaret Diven, "He [Samuel Ross] married at Landisburg, PA, Margaret, daughter of James DIVEN, and cousin of William DIVEN of Reading."

Military Service. Corporal, 12th Pennsylvania Regiment. Enlisted 12 Nov 1776.^[3]

James is recorded in Pennsylvania tax records of 1785^[4], 1786^[5] and 1789^[6]; and in Census records of 1790^[7], 1800^[8], and 1810^[9].

Death and Will

James will is dated 19 May 1818 and lists his place of residence as Tyrone, Cumberland.^[10] Probate date was 11 Jun 1818. To wife Margaret one third of personal estate, one third of rents and profits; son William 400 pounds from sale of real estate; daughter Margaret wife of Samuel Ross 200 pounds; son John 200 pounds; daughter Ann 250 pounds and choice of horse and saddle; son Joseph the tannery and house he lives in; daughter Mary wife of John Baxtor 100 pounds; these are followed by small bequests to son in law Samuel Ross and numerous grandchildren.

It should be noted that the spelling of the surname in the will is Devin.

Wife

James' wife is seen as Margaret Waddell and a marriage date of 1769. Following James' death the US Census records of 1820 and 1830 show Margaret Diven as head of household. Historical records show a William Waddell as a contemporary of or slightly older than James but William's relationship to a Margaret Waddell is unknown. Nowhere is the middle name "Nancy" seen except in undocumented family histories.

Children

Joseph^[1][10]

John^[1][10]

James Diven Jr (d 1816)^[1][10]

Margaret^[2][10]

William^[10]

Ann^[10]

Mary^[10] married John Baxtor

Additional children seen but without primary or secondary evidence include: Alexander.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Ellis & Hungerford, History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania ..., Everets, Peck & Richards, Philadelphia, 1886, Vol 2
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Cleveland, Stafford, The History & Directory of Yates Count, NY, New York, 1873 Vol II
3. ↑ Rev War Rolls, Roll Box 84, PA
4. ↑ Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission; Records of the Office of the Comptroller General, RG-4; Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762-1794; Microfilm Roll: 325
5. ↑ Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission; Records of the Office of the Comptroller General, RG-4; Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762-1794; Microfilm Roll: 326
6. ↑ Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission; Records of the Office of the Comptroller General, RG-4; Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762-1794; Microfilm Roll: 326
7. ↑ Year: 1790; Census Place: Hopewell, Newton, Tyborn, and Westpensboro, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Series: M637; Roll: 8; Page: 37; Image: 554; Family History Library Film: 0568148
8. ↑ Year: 1800; Census Place: Tyrone, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Series: M32; Roll: 38; Page: 74; Image: 45; Family History Library Film: 363341
9. ↑ Year: 1810; Census Place: Tyrone, Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Roll: 48; Page: 109; Image: 00117; Family History Library Film: 0193674
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7} Wills, 1750-1908; Admin Books, 1750-1906; Author: Cumberland County (Pennsylvania). Register of Wills; Probate Place: Cumberland, Pennsylvania