Born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the 31st of August, 1828. He obtained his education in the district schools. When the War with Mexico began he enlisted as a drummer and a few months later became a private soldier in the Fourth Ohio Infantry and served to the close of the war. Upon returning home he began the study of law with J. R. Barcroft and an older brother at Millersburg. He was admitted to the bar in 1850 and the following year was chosen Prosecuting Attorney. Later he was admitted into partnership with J. R. Barcroft and at the beginning of the War of the Rebellion, raised a company of which he was chosen captain and entered the service in the Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the regiment and in 1863 was appointed colonel of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry. After the war he was elected postmaster of the National House of Representatives, serving two years. In May, 1868, he removed to Iowa, settling in Des Moines where he resumed the practice of law. In January, 1872, he became District Attorney of the Fifth District, serving three years. At the close of his term he entered into partnership with J. R. Barcroft in the practice of his profession. In November, 1886, he was elected judge of the Seventh Judicial District, serving until March 12, 1889, when he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court by Governor Larrabee to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge J. R. Reed. He was twice reelected, serving as Associate Judge and Chief Justice until December 31, 1901. Judge Given has always been a popular public speaker at soldiers' gatherings and has long been a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a Democrat in early life but became a Republican upon the organization of that party.