The Lanark Township, Lanark County 1861 census lists John Givens as being born 1811 in Ireland and of the Church of Scotland. The 1871 census lists him as being age 60 and a farmer.

On 13 Nov. 1839, John Givens married Elizabeth Clark (born 1818 Ireland). They had 7 children:

Andrew (1840); Jane (1847); John Wesley (17 Apr. 1848); William (1851); Joseph (1853); Thomas (1855); George Samuel (1858).