GIVENS, Allenn, Bienville, then Lincoln Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
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Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and 
Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), p. 617.  Edited by Alcée 
Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

Givens, Allen, able and efficient assessor, of Ruston, is a native son of Louisiana, and was born in
Bienville parish, Oct. 12, 1870; a son of W. A. and Mattie E. (Goff) Givens.  The ancestors of
both families lived in Alabama in the Colonial days.  The father was a planter, and moved to
Louisiana before he war, where he continued his occupation.  At the outbreak of the war he
promptly enlisted his services in the defense of the cause of the Confederacy, in the 12th
Louisiana infantry.  He served continuously for 3 years, taking part in many engagements, and
was a brave and courageous soldier.  Of the 7 children in the family, the subject of this review is
the eldest, and received the elements of his education under his mother's careful instruction, and in
a country school in the vicinity.  He later continued his studies in the high school at Simsboro,
where he remained for 2 years.  After completing his education he turned his attention to
agriculture, and farmed successfully for about 3 years.  In 1899 he moved to Ruston and became a
salesman in the general merchandise establishment of S. S. Gullatt & Bros., in which capacity he
served for 4 years, after which he took a partner and went into business, under the firm name of
Rinehart & Givens.  They made many friends, and succeeded in establishing a lucrative business,
in which Mr. Givens remained active for 5 years.  In 1909 he became associated with Cargill Co.,
general merchandise, in which business he remained 3 years.  In 1912 he was elected assessor, in
which office he has served most efficiently ever since.  He is a member and a steward of the
Methodist church.  He was married Feb. 24, 1901, to Sallie Pattison, of Claiborne parish, a
daughter of W. W. and Nannie (Gulle) Pattison.  The father, a native of Virginia, was an architect
and ship builder, but answered the higher call of duty at the outbreak of the great war between the
states, being enlisted at Hannibal Mo., and served throughout the entire struggle.  He was a direct
descendant of the celebrated John Paul Jones, of Revolutionary fame, and did credit to his
ancestry by his valiant service.  Mr. and Mrs. Givens are the parents of two children, Allen T. and
William F., both at home.