Alexander S. Diven

Alexander Samuel Diven (February 10, 1809 – June 11, 1896) was an American politician from New York and an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Biography

Born in Catharine, New York, Diven attended the common schools and the academies in Penn Yan and Ovid, New York, and then studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1831, and commenced practice in Elmira. He was member of the New York State Senate (27th D.) in 1858 and 1859.

Diven was elected as a Republican to the 37th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. Diven entered the Army on August 13, 1862, as lieutenant colonel of the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to colonel on October 21, 1862. He was granted leave of absence from the Army for ninety days to take his seat in Congress. He was honorably discharged as colonel May 11, 1863, and later brevetted brigadier general of Volunteers April 30, 1864. He engaged in railroad building and operation from 1865 to 1875, and was prominently identified with the Erie Railroad.

General Diven was married, in 1835, to Miss Amanda Beers, of Elmira, and had four sons and four daughters. He died in Elmira, New York, June 11, 1896 and was buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery (Elmira, New York). Diven Elementary School in the Elmira City School District is named in honor of his son, George.

Sources

• Alexander S. Diven at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

External links

• Alexander S. Diven at Find a Grave

Preceded by John E. Paterson	New York State Senate 20thDistrict 1858–1859	Succeeded by Samuel H. Hammond
United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Alfred Wells	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 27th congressional district 1861–1863	Succeeded by Robert B. Van Valkenburgh

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