I am trying to discover the parents and any siblings of James L. Dunivan. (And, for that matter, what the L. stands for...)

According to my grandfather (his grandson)'s family bible, James L.'s date of birth was 27 Aug 1833. He is listed on Civil War Muster Roll as being born in Gallatin Co., IL.

He married Mary Jane Mitchell, 2 Feb 1854 in White Co. (Their marriage license/certificate does not list any information other than bride and groom.)

They had three sons:

Uriah Dunavan, b. 5 July 1857, d. 7 Sep 1859;
John Davis Dunivan, b. 14 Feb 1860 (have no further information on this son);
James Hamilton Dunivan, b. 27 Apr 1862, White Co., IL, d. 6 Dec 1939.

James L. was listed 16 Aug 1860 in Gallatin Co., IL census as farmer, age 27, place of birth: Illinois; listed with wife Mary and son Davis, 6 months. I cannot find him in any other census.

Details of Civil War Service: Private, Company B 56th IL Infantry (White Co., IL). Listed on Muster Roll when he enlisted 6 Nov 1861 in White Co., as a 28 year old farmer; Nativity: Gallatin Co.; Residence: White Co.; mustered 27 Feb 1862. Shawneetown, IL

I ordered copies of both his service records and pension records, but there was no information there that I did not already have.

He died when the steamship General Lyon caught fire and sank off the shore of Cape Hateras on 31 Mar 1865, along with about 600 other people. He was on his way home, having been discharged from the service.

Please e-mail me if you have any information or ideas on what to try next, as I am at a dead end!

Blanche Brantley
babsss@tampabay.rr.com