My Genealogy Hound

Hon. Nathaniel F. Givens, present judge of the probate court, and a member of the firm of Givens & Meryhew, is a native of Kentucky, born October 10, 1810. His early life was passed on the farm, and while still quite young he adopted the profession of law, being admitted to the bar in 1836, at Morganfield, Union Co., Ky. In 1838 he immigrated to St. Louis, Mo., and lived there and in Jefferson County for about three years. In the fall of 1839 he moved to Clark County, and has since made it his home. He settled here during the late unpleasantness between Missouri and Iowa, and only one lawyer besides himself, and about 400 voters in the county. He has been eminently successful in his profession, and is meritoriously styled the father of law in Northern Missouri. In 1845 he led to the altar Miss Harriet E. Scott, a native of Kentucky, born about 1823, and the daughter of James Scott, also a native of Kentucky. This marriage resulted in the birth of five children, three now living. Mrs. Givens was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1869. In 1852 Mr. Givens was elected to the State Legislature, and again in 1875 and 1877. He was elected to the first convention that was held in Missouri after the war. In November, 1886, he was elected to his present high and responsible position. In 1876 he engaged in partnership with Charles W. Meryhew, forming one of the best law firms in Northern Missouri. He is a Democrat. His parents, Samuel and Anna (Harris) Givens, were natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively. The father came to Kentucky when quite young, and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1830. His wife had died about ten years previous to this. Of their family of ten children—six sons and four daughters—three are now living. He was in the war of 1812, as was also his brother-in-law, Hezekiah Harris.