I'm searching for the parents an grandparents of James F. Dicken, have a paper from MN historical society which gives the following information. James was b Oct 12 1835, to Jesse an Mary Donahue Dicken, the grandparents Jonathan and Nancy Bradket Dicken, were of English ancestry, " He is near relation of Charles Dickens, the great English novelist. Maternal Grandfather, James Donahue, was native of Ireland, his wife, Jane Cassidy was of Irish descent. The parents of James F Dickens, were natives of PA, ten children were born to them, namely. Jane, Jonathan, James F. Stephen, Anthony, Isaac, Jerome, Sylvester, Catherine, and Mary. Mary the last named child, married John Sweeny, a farmer of Ida twp, MN, Jerome Dicken is living in Alexandria, MN, Sylvester has passed sometime back.

James F Dicken, grew up in Bedford County, PA, where he attended school, later attending a seminary at Cumberland, Maryland, He worked on his fathers farm, until the fall of 1856, when he came to Douglas Co MN. In 1862 he enlisted in the MN Mounted Rangers, or Company D, 1st Calvary, and took part in Sibleys famous expeditions. On Dec. 1 1863, James F Dickens, married Sarah Darling, daughter of Andreas Darling, (whom was murdered in Phelps Co, MO, while overseeing the plantation of Myron Coloney Myron, who also wrote a book about Andreas Darling, with proceeds from the book going to the widow Darling, the book is called "Manomin") James Dickens is mentioned most frequently in the historical societys records of Douglas Co, MN, James was appointed by the Governor, to the board of comissioners, of that place, and is known as one of the areas pioneer settlers.

I need to nail down his parents an grandparents, as I'm trying to locate the first of this Dickens clan to come to America, I've seen it said that all Dickens in Bedford PA, originated from was it Amos or Moses? I keep confusing them, so I'd love to have any info that might be managed, I do have more I can share with anyone who may want it. Thank you very much for your time.
jean