Ralph "Doc" Pesicka

Ralph Harlan "Doc" Pesicka, Rs.

In my last posting, I mentioned that Ralph Pesicka had passed away recently. I'm not sure but I think that the funeral was happening during an ice storm in Northern SD (Dupree). I believe that the electricity went out in the community. I need to find out from family just what did occur. Here is Doc's obituary from Rapid City Journal:

Funeral services for Ralph Harland "Doc" Pesick Sr., 88, Dupree, will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan 25, at the Pioneer Hall (in Dupree, SD). Visitation will be from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Kesling Funeral Home. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home. Mr. Pesicka passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 at the Mobridge Hospital. Doc was born Jan. 10, 1922 on the family homestead nine miles northwest of Dupree in Ziebach County, SD to George and L. Edna Place Pesicka. Ralph grew up on the family homestead, attending the High Point School in rural Ziebach County, finishing the eighth grade. At age 14 he left home to work as a ranch hand and herded sheep for Sofus Brams in the LaPlant and Ridgeview areas. In 1942 Doc enlisted in the Signal Corp. Reserve and took his training in Aberdeen. It was there he met the love of his life L. Lillian Weeks. The coupole married Jan. 10, 1943 in Aberdeen. They lived in Aberdeen and Minneapolis for a short time where Doc finished his Signal Corp. training. He was called to active duty and transferred to the Air Force, taking his basic training at Sheppard Field, Texas. After training, Doc was sent to Sioux Falls as a radio instructor. Lillie, Bill and Ralph, Jr. joined him there for a short time before Doc was sent to Truax Field, Wis., for more radio school, receiving an honorable discharge there on Nov. 25, 1945. After his discharge the family moved back to Aberdeen and then to North Dakota where Doc worked at a grain mill. Edna Kay and Linda Jean joined the family during this time. In the fall of 1949 Doc and Lillie moved their family to Ziebach County to make their home. Doc engaged in farming and worked for the Davis Gas Co. in Dupree. Richard Wayne was born during this time. In the mid 1950's Doc and Lillie moved into Dupree. In 1958 ran on the Republican ticket for Ziebach Co. auditor taking in office in 1959. He served in that position until 1971. Doc also served 45 years as County Civil Defense Director, 40 years as county Veteran Service Officer, as county Assessor, a deputy Clerk of Courts, a justice of the peace and was custodian at the court house for many years. Doc was a member of St. Philips Episcopal Church and a lifetime member of Post 124 of the American Legion of Dupree. Doc liked country music, dancing and playing cards, visiting with friends and spending time with his family. He leaves to celebrate his life his wife of 66 years, Lillie Pesicka of Mobridge,; two sons, Ralph Jr. (Norma) Pesicka of Timber Lake, and Richard "Dick" (Jeanne) Pesicka of Renton, Wash; three daughters, Patsy Woolery of Aberdeen, Edna Kay (Ken) Bunn of Grand Ronde, Ore., and Linda (Ole) Keehner of Rapid City; 16 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Donald "Pat" Pesicka of Dupree. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna Pesicka, son Bill Pesicka; four brothers, Mike, Lawrence, Dick and lee; three sisters, Barbara Eaton, Francis Holder and Maxine Pesicka; and great grandson Martin Ole Dethleff.

Cleaning off the Computer Desk

The children of Dorothy (Dot) Daugherty Franklin and Ben Franklin

I have this pile near the computer that needs to be organized and put in files. The top one is the Wilson - Enke Descendents book, written in 1977 by Bonnie Cavenee Runge. I've shared all of it with you and hope it can be of some use in your own searching. Bonnie did a wonderful job...remember she had no computer programs to help her out. Her daughter Verna did all the typing. And these families were large...lots of information to gather. I imagine not all families sent their information in on time. I do know that Bonnie has no desire to do this again. It was a huge undertaking. It would be interesting to get her impressions of the compiling for this book...Verna's too!I just sent Verna a note. We'll see if she takes me up on the idea of jotting a few memories down for Prairie Roots.

I also have several communications from Victor Franklin. His mother was Dorothy Daugherty Franklin, whose father was my ggrandfather George Daugherty. After George's first wife Catherine Elizabeth DeLong Daugherty died, George remarried Emma Robb Henninger. They had one daughter together, Dorothy Evlyn. Victor has been so wonderful in sharing his family information and some really wonderful photos.

Victor's family is really large and there are some interesting relationships. He's been so good about answering my questions. If there were photos that needed identification he was more than willing to help me out. His commentary on all of his brothers, sisters, and their children makes for interesting reading. I won't be publishing much of his narrative, but will keep it filed in my Daugherty file.

Also on my desk is an obituary for Ralph Harland (Doc) Pesicka. He recently passed away and I want to be sure and include the obit in the March issue of Prairie Roots. Imagine my surprise when checking Pierre Capital Times I found that the picture that was used in that publication was one I took of Doc a couple of years ago. I'm very sad for Doc's passing. When I visited him in Dupre (miles from no-where) he was living alone (his wife Lily is in ND at a facility for Alzeimers - spelling) in his small, yet comfortable and pleasant home just a couple of blocks, if that, from the courthouse where he stilled worked. He had had some medical situations but looked good to go for a few more years. Doc was an intelligent, gentle, ethical, hard-working man who lived his country.

I also have a note from Tyler Skavang in answer to Jan. 7th posting concerning Mary Ann Wilson's Children. Tyler is the son of Gary Skavang who has passed away. He also mentions that Richard Skavang died 2 years ago. I hope to continue conversation with Tyler.

Lastly is a note from Lonie Daley, whose mother and my mother are double first cousins. I needed clarification on a photo. Lonie hopes to make a trip to Stevens Point, from the Black Hills, to see her mom this winter. I'd love to visit with her again. A great individual with lots of warmth and creativity.

Well, my desk is cleared. All will go into a drawer, where I'll have to again separate them as to Prairie Roots possibilities or filing in my loseleaf notebooks. I can't leave for Florida on Tues. with a mess for Joe to look at.

Cliff Cavenee's Children, Wilson/Enke Book, 1977

We are continuing with Pearl Wilson Cavenee's children. We've mentioned, from the Wilson/Enke book, Chester, Lloyd, and Nina. That leaves Clifford, William and Hazel.

These are the children of Clifford Cavenee...

"Gerald was born December 8, 1946. He married Patty Morris on June 16, 1973. They live in Renton, Washington where he is a school teacher. He will have his degree in Psychology this fall and hopes to have a different job. They have one daughter, Amy Raye, born May 8, 1976."

"Judy was born April 29, 1948. She married Richard Luther on September 3, 1971. They live in Seattle where she will be teaching a class of 3-year olds this year. They have 2 daughters; Jennifer, born August 2, 1972 and Crystal Rae born July 18, 1975."

"Debbie Letson who is divorced and living in Seattle. She is attending Highline Junior College taking a law course. She has one daughter, Shonda Mae, born Feb. 4, 1973."

"Donna was born Nove. 21, 1955. She is single and living with her mother in Seattle. She is attending Highline Junior College and working on her registered nurse degree. She is now a licensed nurse working part time."

"Ronald was born May 28, 1957. He is also single and living with his mother. He is attending Highline Junior College to be a Certified Public Accountant."

Hazel Cavenee Marvel's children..

Roger "was born January 5, 1938 at Wessington. He received his education in the Huron Public Schools graduating from high school in 1956. He then worked at the Boeing plant in Seattle, Washington for a short while. He married Joyce Peterson August 2, 1957. They live in Huron where he works at the Armour Packing Plant. They have 3 children; Douglas born August 26, 1958, Pamela born October 25, 1961, and Jill born July 21, 1965."

Karen "was born July 6, 1941 at Wessington. They moved to Huron in 1945 where she received her education. She married Dean Stienblock on July 27, 1957. They live in Huron where they own a carsales business. They have 4 daughters; Brenda, born Jan. 26, 1958, Monica born June 8, 1961, Darcie, born July 18, 1964, and Jodie, born Oct. 1, 1967.

Barbara was born April 22, 1943 at Wessington. She received her education in the Huron Public Schools graduating from high school in 1961. She graduated from Stuart's School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls in 1962 and then worked in Huron. She married Thomas Smith on March 22, 1964. They now live in Pierre where he is area manager for Kirby Sales. They have 2 children; Michael, born May 22, 1967. Michelle, born April 8, 1968."

More of Nina Cavenee Moller's Children - Wilson/Enke Bk.

It has really helped to go through this amazing compilation of Wilson/Enke information put together by Bonnie Cavenee Runge in 1977. Nina Cavenee Moller died at a young age, 35, leaving five children. We've written about Emil, Nina, Clinton, and now here's Gilbert.

Gilbert D "was born Nov. 6, 1933 near Wessington, SD, where as a child he lived in various places in and around that area, until his family moved to a farm near Huron in 1940. In 1942 his mother (Nina) died following surgery. The following year his family moved back to a farm southeast of Wessington where his father remarried Yvonne Shephard. A few months later they moved to Brookings, SD. In the spring of 1944, another move was made to Rosebud, SD where they remained until the following winter when they moved to Geddes, SD. After two additional moves in the Geddes area, they then moved to a farm 8 miles north of Platte, SD in 1948.

In 1956, he (Gilbert)joined the Army and served with the Third Infantry in the Korean War. He was discharged in 1955 as a Sgt. (E-5). He then went to work in the family implement business until 1959. He married Ruth Helen Gerlach on March 25, 1959. Gilbert was in retailing for several years working for J.J. Newberry and Sears. In 1970, he went into the agriculture seed business which he is in at the present time. They live in Nevada, Iowa and have 3 children;

David Dale, born Jan. 11, 1958. He is majoring in engineering at Iowa State University. He was a member of the National Honor Society.
Alan Dwight, born Nov. 26, 1958. He was a member of the National Honor Society and is majoring in engineering at Iowa State University.
Cinthia Le, born July 20, 1960. She is a senior in high school and also a member of the National Honor Society."

The 5th child of Nina and Emil Moller was Gary LaVerne. "born Sept. 9, 1935 at Wessington. He married Gladys May Kayser. They live in Hot Springs, SD where he is a salesman of steel structures. They have 6 children;

Daniel Lee born September 30, 1959 at Alma Michigan
Scott Allan born July 4, 1961 at Ludington, Michigan
Penny Lynn born July 2, 1962 at New Castle, Indiana
Constance Marie born April 17, 1964 at Platte, SD
Julie Ann born August 24, 1965 at Platte, SD
Pamela Ann born October 15, 1967 at Platte, SD."

I don't know any of Gary or Gilbert's children. I need to get in touch with someone from these families. Interesting that Gilbert had twins. I need to compile the listing of twins born in this family (Wilson Family).

More Nina Cavenee Moller's Children

Nina Moller Wynia
Barb Wynia Gulk

Written in 1977 - Wilson/Enke Book

Nina Elaine Moller, "born September 19, 1929 in Wessington. They lived at Wessington, Huron, Brookings, Rosebud, Geddes, and Platte during her childhood years. She married Hugh Leon Wynia July 31, 1951. They are now (1977) living in Hot Springs where they own and operate the El Rancho Motel.They have 6 children;
Gloria Dianne born July 11, 1952. She married Jerry Cahill and lives in Bloomington, Minnesota. They have 2 children; Jeremy and Angela.
Barbara Elaine born Nov. 16, 1953. She married David Gulk and lives in Rapid City, SD.
Dorothy Ann, born December 23, 1954. She is a recent graduate of SDSU with a degree in nursing.
Steven William born January 24, 1958. He lives in Hot Springs and is employed at the telephone company.
Ronald Kevin born February 23, 1959. He is living at home and also works for the telephone compnay.
Dwight Leon born September 5, 1984. He is a 7th grader in school."

Clinton William was the 3rd child of Nina Cavenee Moller. "born September 16, 1931 at Wessington. He married Norma Jean Matteson on October 7, 1955. He served 2 years in the Army from 1955-57, specializing as a helicopter technician. He was the International Harvester dealer in Platte, SD for 15 years and since then has been with the Equitable Life Assurance Society of US and has been manager most of that time. They live near Rapid City, SD and have 3 children;
Lori Jean - "born January a7, 1957. She graduated from Platte High School and completed 1 year of college at SDSU. She is presently employed by the National Bank of South Dakota in Rapid City."
Gregory Paul "born August 25, 1958. He graduated from Platte High School and is temporarily employed by the South Dakota Highway Department and will be a sophomore at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology this fall."
Trent Aaron "born February 27, 1969. He just finished the second grade at Canyon Lake School in Rapid City."

Nina Cavenee Moller's Children - Wilson Enke Book, 1977

The Cavenee Home - Built 1909
Here are Nina Cavenee Moller's children;

Emil Franklin "Frank, born May 26, 1927 at the Cavenee farm, 11 miles north and 1/2 mile east of Wessington, SD. He attended various public schools in and around Wessington. His college consisted of 166 hours, primarily with the University of Maryland military campus. Areas of study were primarily in the fields of literature and economics. After working at several jobs as a youth, he left home at age 15, because of his father's remarriage following his mother's death. He then entered the military service as a Private. Eventually, he made a career of the service, attending Artillery Officers Candidate School in 1952, graduating as a 2nd Lt. He returned from active services in 1970 as a Major. Foreign service included combat tours in Korea and Vietnam where he served as a combat advisor to the Korea Artillery, and in Vietnam, he served as intelligence officer with the Aerial Rocket Artillery 2/20 Bn., 1st Air Cavalry Division. Since retiring from the Army in 1970, he has been involved in the insurance industry with the Equitable Life of US. In Nov, 1975, he was appointed District Manager in Sioux Falls with the Equitable company and is serving in this capacity. He married Bernice Lilly Polasek, Nov. 16, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They have 5 children. Bernice moved to Oklahoma in 1976, and they were divorced in 1977. He married Lillian Ratzlaff Anderson on Ju8ne 9, 1977."

His children are Sharon Kay, "born February 20, 1952 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. She graduated from the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts in 1973and entered the Army where she attended the Defense Information school. Following her completion of this school, she served as a reporter for the Army newspaper at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. While stationed there, she met her husband, Wesley, "Wes" Bateman who was originally from upper New York. They were married in January, 1976 and moved to Houston, Texas following their release from the service. They are both employed."

Michael David "born November 11, 1953 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at SDSU, where he met his wife, Roxanne Pillar, from Council Bluff, Iowa. They were married September 3, 1976. Roxanne is a student of Civil Engineering and both will graduate in the spring of 1978."

Diana Elaine "born october 11, 1956 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. She was married shortly after graduating from high school to Jeffrey Johnson from Huron, SD in November, 1975. They now live in Sioux Falls and have 1 child; Terry Joe."

Douglas Alan "born March 1, 1958 at Vicenza, Italy. He graduated from Lincoln High School, 1976 in Sioux Falls and has made no definite plans. He works as assistant manager for a pizza place in the Oklahoma City area where he lives with his mother."

Jeffrey Scott "born August 9, 1962, in Moorhead, Minnesota. He lives with his mother in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he attends public school."

There must be a story about Emil's stepmother. I'm hoping to find out some addresses and photos concerning this family. Emil's history sounds so interesting. It would make good reading.

More of Lloyd Cavenee's Children - Wilson/Enke 1977

Included in this photo is Joan, Marilyn, Wesley, Sharon and Art Cavenee...children of Lloyd.
Wesley is the next of Lloyd's children. Of course, Wesley is an old family name.
Wesley "was born February 26, 1936 at Wessington. He attended high school at Wessington and Huron graduating from from Wessington in 1955. He enlisted in the army for 3 years after graduation. He married Patricia Nuhring in Nove. of 1957. They live in Albuquerque, New Mexico and have 5 children. Patrick, born August 15, 1958, Tricia also born August 15, 1958. She married Derold Kelley, July 2, 1976 and they live in Albuquerque. Troy born October 10, 1060, Catherine born April 18, 1962, and Daniel born July 31, 1972."

Next comes Arthur, who spent quite a bit of time showing us the Wilson/Carrington/Cavenee land north of Wessington. We so appreciate his passion for family memories. "Arthur, born March 18, 1942 in Beadle County. He joined the U.S. Navy on May 14, 1959. After getting out of the navy on April 4, 1963, he began farming. He married Maxine Peterson and they have 2 sons; Jason Everett born March 24, 1973 and Matthew Lloyd born Autust 31, 1976."

Sharon "born September 1, 1945 at Huron, SD. She graduated from Miller High School in 1963. She married Terry Wangsness on June 30, 1963. They have 2 children. Terry Wangsness,Sr. died on March 5, 1969 in a car accident. On July 31, 1971, Sharon married David Vitters. They live in Rapid City where he works for the Black Hills Power Company.
Terry Dean Wangsness born December 29, 1963
Tammy Rae Wangsness born April 10, 1066 at Huron SD.

Nedra "born October 3, 1949 at Huron, SD. She graduated from Tulare High School in 1967 and from Aberdeen School of Commerce in 1968. She married Gordon Fliehe on July 27, 1970. They live in Logan, Iowa where he teaches and coaches. They have 2 children; Michael Merlin born August 23, 1973, and Michelle Marie born January 21, 1977."

Lloyd Cavenee's Children - 1977 Wilson/Enke Book

Marilyn Cavenee Meehan

Lloyd was Pearl Wilson's son. His first child was Bonnie, the author of the Wilson/Enke book. "Bonnie was born May 20, 1930, in Beadle County. She graduated from Wessington High School in 1948. She married Lawrence Runge on Dec. 15, 1948. They farm north of Wessington." They have two children:
Verna "was born Nov. 26, 1949. She graduated from Wessington High School in 1968. She graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education. She received her Master's Degree in Business Education in 1975. She is teaching at Lincoln Senior High School in Sioux Falls, SD. She married Rick Yarnall on August 9, 1975. He is an attorney in Sioux Falls." Note: Remember that this book was written (and typed by Verna) in 1977.
Larry "was born October 3, 1960. He will be a senior in high school and is still undecided about what he will do after he is out of school. His only interests so far are basketball, baseball and farming."

Lloyd's second child was Marilyn. Note: I've met Bonnie, Verna, Marilyn, and Art so far and have really enjoyed their company very much. "Marilyn was born March 5, 1933, Hand County. She graduated from Wessington High School in 1951. She married Byron Meehan June 17, 1951 and have 4 living children; Terry, Cindy, Tom, and Paula. Michael Eugene, their first born lived only a few hours. They live in Miller where he works for Chipman Implement, and she is a bookkeeper for Wilbur's Feed and Seed.
Terry born Jan. 11, 1955. She graduated from Miller High School in 1973 and from St. John's School of Nursing in 1976 as an RN. She married Dale Engelmann in June, 1976. She is employed at the Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND and her husband is going to Minot State College. They plan to move to Aberdeen later this summer. Cindy born Dec. 10, 1957. She graduated from Miller High School in 1976 and is a student at Northern State College in Aberdeen. Tom born Dec 21, 1961. He will be a freshman in Miller High School this fall. Paula born September 30, 1967. She will be in the fifth grade this fall."

Lloyd's next child was Joan..."born October 26, 1934 in Beadle County. She graduated from Wessington High School in 1952 and attended summer school to begin teaching in a rural school at the age of 17. She married Darrel Dean February 8, 1953 and had 2 children; Vickie and Debbie. Debbie was born February 3, 1958 and died during hernia surgery on March 23, 1959 at the age of 13 months. Joan began teaching again in 1963. She attended summer school at Northern State College over a period of 20 years and in January of 1972 she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Ed. She taught at Redfield State Hospital and School, Greenleaf, HOlden, St. Lawrence, Highmore, Emery, Mobridge, Harrold, Ridgeview, Wagner and Wood. She was divorced in 1972." Her daughter, "Vickie born June 26, 1956. She attended High school in Bloomfield, Nebraska and is still living there. She has been employed for several years at M-Tron Electronics in Yankton, SD."

More of Pearl Wilson Cavenee's Children - 1977

Frank Cavenee is on the right, probably his brother on the left.

Nina "was born August 4, 1907, on her parents farm in Beadle County. She grew up on this farm except for three years when the family lived in Forsyth, Montana. She went to rural schools, and to a teachers college in Aberdeen for one year. She married Emil Moller in 1927. They had five children; Emil Frankliln (Frank), Nina Elaine, Clinton, Gilbert and Gary. They lived on farms north of Wessington and at Ashton, Frankfort and Phillip, all towns in South Dakota. Then they moved back to Wessington for a short time. They then moved to a farm one mile west of Huron, where she was living at the time of her death in June, 1942. She died following surgery, at the age of 35.

Clifford "was born April 1, 1909, north of Wessington. He lived there until he wasa young man except for three years they lived in Forsyth. He went to rural Tipton School. He took specialized training at the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. He spent five years in the army before and during World War II. He was stationed at several camps around the country and he was in New Guinia during the the war."

He married Milda Pawlski in 1946. They had five children; Gerald, Judy, Debra, Donna and Ronald. They also raised Milda's boy Dick from her first marriage. They lived aat Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Pueblo, Colorado, before he was transferred to Seattle, Washington, in 1953. He was employed by Boeing plant several years, and retired from there at 65 years of age. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. They had joined the Riverton Park Methodist Church in 1964 and were active members. Cliff contributed many hours of his time in voluntary work. He will be rememberd for his friendliness and good nature."

William "was born May 2, 1912, on his parents' farm north of Wessington. He lived there until he grew up, except for three years that the family lived by Forsyth. He went through the eight grade at the Tipton School near his home. He married Betty Tennant in 1943. They lived in Aberdeen SD. He worked as a truck driver, a job he loved. He was killed in a car accident near Aberdeen, where another man was killed also and another seriously injured. He was killed in October, 1945, at the age of 33 years."

Hazel "was born February 6, 1919, on her parents' farm in Beadle County. She lived there until 1932 when they moved to Wessington. She was educated in a rural school and Wessington High School. She married Eddie (Pat) Marvel on March 6, 1937. They have three children; Roger, Karen, and Barbara. They moved to Huron in 1845, where he worked at Armours until his retirement in 1975. Since his retirement they have been speding their summers in Vancouver, Washington and the rest of the year at their home in Huron."

There are some wonderful pictures included in this portion of the Wilson/Enke book. Frank and Pearl Cavenee's wedding picture, with a good looking couple, Frank Cavenee and probably his brother next to him, sporting rifles, both slim and handsome. A family picture of Frank and Pearl with Cliff, Lloyd and beautiful Nina. A picture in front of a sod house that Pearl & Frank lived in Montana. It looks like a substantial building. Nina, Bill and Cliff are with her. Then there is a lovely picture of Nina, one of Cliff in the service, and one of Nina and Bill all dressed up.

Pearl Cavenee's Children - Wilson/Enke Book, 1977

Above is the monument of Chester Cavenee at Wessington Cemetery, Wessington, SD.

Pearl is the youngest of William White Wilson and Lydia Enke Wilson. Continuing to use the Wilson/Enke book here is the information concerning Pearl Wilson Cavenee's children (1977).

Chester - "was born March 26, 1905, on his parents' farm in Beadle County. He died at the age of ten weeks."

Lloyd - " was born April 11, 1906, on his parents' farm in Beadle County. In his early childhood he and his parents moved to Forsyth, Montana, for three years, then they moved back to South Dakota where he spent the rest of his life. His father died when Lloyd was 14 years old, so being the oldest child he took on the responsibilities of helping his mother care for the four younger ones. The youngest, Hazel was only 17 months old. He married Mabel McNeely on August 31, 1929. He was the father of eight children; Bonnie, Leslie (who died a few hours after birth), Marilyn, Joan, Wesley, Arthur, Sharon and Nedra. He bought the home farm from his mother, the first quarter in February 1941, and the eighty in 1947. He bought another eighty in 1968 from Pearl Gravett. Besides farming he did a variety of other work. He worked on the Turtle Creek Dam in 1934, a form of WPA. He worked for many neighbors including Hans Berstad, Charles Larson and Herman Schultz. He worked for a construction company that was making a bridge. He worked for the Railroad Roundhouse in Huron in 1942. He learned the electrician trade from books and from his brother Cliff. He wired many, many homes and farm buildings, and some new homes in Beadle, Hand, Spink, and Sully Counties.

His main interest was reading when time permitted. In later years he bought two sets of encylopedias and read them. He played the violin and mouth organ by ear. He liked to travel, also enjoyed the State Fair and the old time threshing bees. He died of cancer July 8, 1974, at the age of 68 years. He had surgery in Rochester in February but it was too far advanced to help. He is remembered by his family for his honesty. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He always had time to play with them and as they grew older, he always showed a great interest in their work and accomplishments. His wife, Mabel lives in Huron. She was born May 5, 1911"

I really would like to know more about Lloyd. I've met his children, Bonnie, Arthur and Marilyn and I get the understanding that he was an impressive father that shared his interest in history and family. The above mention of honesty is a trigger in my mind of someone I might have respected, had I met him. I think I'll send a "hello" to his granddaughter Verna, who lives in Sioux Falls.

More Mary Ann Wilson Brachvogel's Chldren, Wilson/Enke Book

I'll be finishing Mary Ann Wilson's children today. There is only one child left...Pearl Brachvogel Gravett. This is a much more familiar family to me.

I've met the first of these children...Norma. Remember this information was written in 1977. "Norma was born July 27, 1928 in Hand County; married to Dick Skavang. They live in Sturgis, SD where he operates the Standard Staion. They have three children; Pam, married to Glen Garvin. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have a son, Nathan.
Gary is married and in business with his father.
Robert graduated from high school this year. His main interest is skiing."

Charlotte (who I've been in touch with via mail), "born November 29, 1929, in Hyde County; married to Forest Paulson, an accountant at Northwest Public Service in Huron, SD. They have four children; Rodney, who plans to go to college in Brookings next year, Clinton, who will be a junior in high school. Jeffrey, who will be a nineth grader, and Scott, who will be fourth grader."

Bill "was born December 4, 1931, in Hyde County. He and his family live in Midland, Texas, where he is a mechanic for Continental Airlines. He has two daughters; Marci Lynn, daughter by his first wife. She is 13 years old and lives with her dad. Tammy, daughter by present wife. She is two years old."

Stanley "was born September 27, 1934, in Hyde County. He is married to Virginia Fogelson. He is pastor of the Wesleyan Church in Billings, Montana. They have six children; Celeste, married to Anthony Clark. They live in Kansas, where both are college students.
Bernice married to Robert Emmick. They live in Billings. They have a son, Robert.
Tina, a junior in high school
Virginia Pearl, a sophomore in high school.
Shelley, a seventh grader.
Todd Stanley, a first grader."

Shirley "was born August 21, 1936, in Hyde County; married to Don Paulson. He works for Boeing Airlines in Augburn, Washington. They have five children; Julie, in college, Sheryl, junior in high school, Kimberley, seventh grader, Timothy, third grader, Nicholle, three years old."

Chancey, "born October 25, 1942, in Spink County. He was married to Nancy Timpton. They have three sons. They are divorced and she has the boys. She remarried and he adopted the children so their last name has changed. Chancey remarried and has six step-childlren. Chancey is a fireman and lives in Boise, Idaho. Kevin, Curtis, Chad."

I'm hoping to re-open communication with Norma and Charlotte. I don't believe that either has an E-Mail address. I do send Prairie Roots to both of them. I'd love the addresses of the rest of Pearl's children.

Mary Ann Wilson Brachvogel's family - Wilson/EnkeBook

Mabel Brachvogel McNeely was Mary Ann and Henry Brachvogel's fifth child. Here are Mable's children.

Betty Jean "was born Nov. 27, 1925; married to Robert Jackson on June 11, 1947. They live in Rapid City, South Dakota (1977). Children: Robert Russel, born April 1, 1948, Roger Allan, born January 2, 1951, and Christine Mary, born January 6, 1964.

Eileen Joy, born February 2, 1928. She married Glenn Frederick Hoellein on June 9, 1948. They farm by Athol. Children: Lyle Glenn, born May 24, 1950, Gary Lee, born June 19, 1954, married to Lynn Magstad on October 9, 1976.

Francis LeRoy, born July 8, 1929; married to Dorothy Frances Galvin on May 12, 1955. They farm by Atol. Children: Janet Ann, born April 2, 1956, Allen Francis, born May 9, 1957. Russel Ray, born February 26, 1963.

Marion Opal, born February 25, 1931; married to Gerald Lee Jackson on May 9, 1948. They live in Alaska. Children: David Allen, born March 6, 1952; married, Linda Kay, born August 25, 1954; married to John Woods, Barbara Sue, born March 21, 1957, Carol Ann, born July 19, 1961.

Donna Rae, born June 4, 1936; married to Daryl Keith Hogg on October 20, 1954. They farm by Miranda (SD). Children: Connie Jean, born October 15, 1955, Steven Daryl, born March 25, 1958; married to Cheryl Albee on July 10, 1976, Larry Michael, born June 25, 1960, Douglas Paul, born August 30, 1962.

Leslie Wayne, born August 19, 1938; married to Judith Kay Ferguson on September 21, 1960. They live in Minneapolis. Children: Kevin Michael, born July 11, 1962, Dana Lynn, born August 30, 1963, Susan Lorelle, born June 9, 1969, Molly Marie, born September 24, 1974.

Mary Lee, born April 13, 1943; married to Gerald William Stevens. They live in Minneapolis. Children: Paul David, born April 16, 1965, Paula Dee, born March 12, 1967."

I'd like to put in Albert Brachvogel next, the 6th child of Mary Ann and Henry. I really don't have much information on his family.

His children include "Maureen, born February 8, 1948, Francis, born May 6, 1949, Therese, born August 22, 1953." I wonder who he married and why so little information on Albert's family.

Walter Brachvogel's Children - Wilson/Enke Book

We are still on Mary Ann Wilson's branch of the family. Walter was Mary Ann's and Henry Brachvogel's third child. Here are Walter's children and grandchildren. Again, unfamiliar names to me.

Walter LaVerne "born February 18, 1932. He married Onilee June Robsahm. They were married June 1, 1950. Walter manages a lumber yard in Lennox, South Dakota, where they live (1977). They have three children;
Marsha Lee, born Nov. 9, 1950. She married Donald Kuecker on October 10, 1970. They live in Sioux Falls. They have a daughter, Sara June, born June 18, 1974.
Vickie Lynn, born February 13, 1954. She was married September 20, 1974 to John Severin. They live in Omaha.
Lori Jo, born August 12, 1956. She is a student at a college in Kearne, Nebraska, where she is majoring in Criminal Law and Justice."

The next son of Mary Ann and Harry was Frank Brachvogel. Here are his children.

Donald Franklin "born February 25, 1930; married to Dorothy McTyre on December 1, 1950. They have one daughter. They were divorced and he is now married to Gladys Morris. They have no children. They live in Florida. Donna Kay, born October 14, 1951."

Benton Elroy "was born March 4, 1931; married to Lillian Ostrum on September 8, 1953. They have no children but they raised her five children by a previous marriage. They live in Washington where he is in the real estate business."

Arlene Joyce "was born October 22, 1937; married to Raymond Dale Withrow. Raymond was born May 15, 1932. They were married June 28, 1958. They live in Everett, Washington, and have three children; Patricia Mary, born July 14, 1959, Catherine Rae, born October 4, 1960, Thomas Raymond, born June 27, 1962."

I'll stop here and continue with Mabel Brachvogel McNeely on the next posting.

Wilson/Enke Book - Harry Brachvogel's children

It's really important that I continue to go through the Wilson/Enke Family book, published in 1977 by Bonnie Cavenee Runge. The work and organization of undertaking this massive project is something I have utmost respect for.

Mary Ann Wilson's oldest child was Harry Brachvogel. These are his children. I am unfamiliar with most of these names...hence, I really need to go through this.

William Martin "was born June 2, 1920. He married Neoma Gardner. They live in Colorado Springs (1977) Colorado. He works for the post office, sorting mail. They have two children; Michael William and Sue Ellen."

Mary Elizabeth" was born Nov. 26, 1923. She married Clyde Lyndell Drake on February 14, 1942. They live in Fairbanks, Indiana. He is retired because of medical lung problems, from Pfizers Pharmaceutical plant in Terre Haute and also retired from farming. They have three children; Mary Jane, born Sept. 29, 1945; married June 15, 1968 to Donald Lee Curry. They have two children; Kimberly Michelle, born June 6, 1973. Brett Christopher, born March 6, 1975. Karen Lynn was born May 31, 1949; married December 21, 1974, to Larry Ray Schott. They have one child; Michell Lynn, born June 19, 1976. John Lyndell born March 14, 1951; married February 12, 1977 to Brenda Louise Pierson. "

The next child of Harry is Irmalee Rose "was born June 6, 1925; married Nov. 2, 1946 to Robert John Trottier, Sr. He was born August 17, 1923. They live in North Adams, Mass. He is retired because of medical heart problems from Hunters Texttile Plant. She works for the unemployment office. They have two children: Robert John, Jr., born Sept. 9, 1947. Married to Susan Lillith Nelson. She was born July 13, 1948. They have one child; Matthew Stephen, born Feb. 25, 1974. Deborah Ann, born December 6, 1949. Married to Louie St. Jacques. He was born August 23, 1947. They have one child; Carrie Elizabeth, born April 28, 1974."

Neva Pauline"was born September 18, 1927. Married to Harold Armistice Stewart. They were married August 29, 1958. They live in Richardson, Texas. He is a warehouse manager of Rawlings Sporting Goods in Dallas and she is a supervisor at Geo-map Company. They have twin daughters; Sandy Jean, born August 19, 1960 and Cynthia Jane, born August 19, 1960."

Patricia Louise "born July 14, 1930. Married May 29, 1958 to Royal Odell Hughes. They live in Richardson Texas. He is a PBX installer for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. They have two children; Brian Michael, born Nov. 16, 1959. He will be a senior this fall. Traci Lee, born may 25, 1962. She will be a sophomore."

Carol Jean "was born March 6, 1934; married July 14, 1956, to James Harrison Whitman. He was born May 2, 1931. They live in Waynesboro, Virginia. Jim is are construction supervisor for American Sterilizer Company. They have four children; Jeffrey Lou, born September 26, 1951, Terri Lee, born April 18, 1957, Douglas James, born July 3, 1965, & Becky Jean, born Nov. 10, 1967."

More Mary Ann Wilson Brachvogel's Children - Wilson Enke Book

Above is Mary Ann Wilson Brachvogel

We've mentioned Harry, William, & Walter...children of Mary Ann Wilson and Henry Brachvogel.

Next is Frank "was born November 29, 1900, in Omaha, Nebraska. He moved to Beadle County when very young to a farm north of Wessington. He attended rural schools. He married Hazel McNeely March 29, 1929. They had 3 children; Donald, Benton and Joyce. He was engaged in farming most of his life, several years with his brother Albert. He left the farm in 1950 and moved to St. Lawrence, later moving to Miller where he was employed in carpenter work. He died March 30, 1957, in Miller at the age of 56. His wife, Hazel Marie was born March 26, 1906. She is in good health (1977) and living in Everett, Washington."

Mabel Brachvogel McNeely "was born July 17, 1903 in Beadle County. She lived with her parents on a farm north of Wessington where she attended rural school. She married Cecil McNeely on January 28, 1925, in Aberdeen. They lived in the Orient, Miller, Ree Heights, Tulare, Athol, and Redfield areas. They had seven living children; Betty Jean, Eileen, Francis, Marion, Donna Rae, Leslie and Mary Lee. One son, Arthur Wilbur born on January, 1933, died in infancy. Mabel was a member of the Rebecca Lodge and the VFW Auxiliary of Redfield and the Congregational Church of Athol. She died October 31, 1972 at the age of 68 in Redfield. Her husband Cecil was born April 24, 1899, and died November 18, 1975." Note: I'm wondering if these three McNeely marriages are siblings?

Albert Brachvogel was "born April 30, 1905, in Beadle County, South Dakota. He attended rural school and was later engaged in farming with his brother Frank. He entered the service in 1942, servicing in the Mediterranean waters as airplane mchanic. He married Helen lamb, June 9, 1945, in Chicago. They had three children; Maureen, Frank and Therese. He was employed by Kleinert Products until about 1971 and then employed by the school system. He died Nov. 10, 1973 in Chicago. His wife Helen is still living in Chicago."

Pearl Brachvogel Gravett " was born July 20, 1907 in Beadle County. She attended rural school at the Brady School (which was later where the Tipton School was located.) She attended one year at Wessington High School and two years and one summer of school in Aberdeen. On her 20th birthday she married Trubert Gravett in Miller. They had six living children; Norma, Charlotte, Bill, Stanley, Shirley and Chancey. One daughter Lucille, born October 16, 1933, in Hyde County, died a few hours after birth. Pearl is living in Huron, SD where she is active in church work and Senior Citizens activities."

Mary Wilson Brachvogel's Children - Wilson/Enke Book

Continuation of Wilson/Enke book published in 1977. The following names are often unfamiliar to me. Mary Ann was the fourth child of William White Wilson and Lydia Enke Wilson. Here are her children.

Harry Brachvogel "was born June 24, 1891, in Beadle County. He attended rural schools. When a young man, he moved to Forsyth, Monatana, and filed on a homestead. He married Zola Martin on Marcy 15, 1919. The later moved back to South Dakota to Spink County. He farmed south of Tulare for many years. They were the parents of 6 children; William, Mary Elizabeth, Irmalee, Neva, Patricia, and Jean. They moved to Redfield in later years where he worked in the Redfield State School. He passed away in Redfield on January 29, 1958. His wife Zola is living in Sullivan, Indiana. She lives in a government housing project. She crochets and embroiders, but her eyes are failing as she has slow moving cataracts. She does her own cooking and laundry. Her interests are watching TV and reading."

William Brachvogel - "(Taken from the Times Enterprise) He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, Dec. 14, 1892. He moved to the Wessington locality when nine years of age and resided there until the spring of 1918 when he went to Montana. In July of the same year he joined the army and was sent to Camp Lewis, Washington, and on August 15 as a member of the 308th Infantry, 77th Division, he went overseas. He was killed in action, as a member of the same unit in the Great Argonne Offensive, on the 8th day of October, 1918. His brother Walter also was in the service at the same time. Later his body was brought, Minnesota, and given full honors of a military funeral, in charge of the John G. Watson Post of the American Legion. He was buried in the Wessington cemetery."

Walter Brachvogel "was born in Omaha, Nebraska, December 2, 1894. He moved with his parents at an early age to a farm in Beadle County, north of Wessington, South Dakota, where he attended rural schools. In 1917 he moved to Montana near Forsyth where he filed on a homestead. In July, 1918 he entered the service, serving in France. He was wounded and served seven months in army hospitals. He received an honorable discharge in June, 1919, and returned to Montana. He later moved back to SD where he farmed in Buffalo Township, Spink County. He married Vernice McNeely on April 15, 1925. They had one son, Walter. In 1957 they sold their farm and moved to Redfield where he worked for Spink County Implement until 1966. He passed away January 11, 1969 at the age of 74. He was active in the American Legion at Wessington, the VFW of Redfield, and the WWI of Redfield. He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously on March 30, 1970. His wife Vernic Claudia was born May 22, 1904. She was a school teacher before her marriage. She is in good health and still living in Redfield. She is an active member of Senior Citizens and keeps busy making craft items."

I'll continue with the rest of the siblings in the next posting.

Laura Carrington Daugherty's children - Carol Jean

We are at the point of Carol Jean - Laura and Frank Daugherty's daughter, as written in Wilson-Enke book - 1977. I don't believe I've ever met her. She no longer is living.

Carol Jean Daugherty "born on March 9, 1933. She attended the Wessington (SD) schools and graduated from Wessington High School in 1951. She worked for a public relations firm and did secretarial work for various firms. She has worked extensively for the Diabetes Foundation in Minneapolis serving as their publicity chairman and in fund-raising capacities. She is now working full time on their behalf. Her wide-ranging interests include gardening, landscaping, interior decorating, sewing, and reading. On August 3, 1956 she was united in marriage to Donald I Johnson, a building contractor and consultant of Minneapolis. To this marriage he brought one daughter, Lynn Marie, born August 8, 1949. To this union 2 children were born; Alyson Kay on May 21, 1958 and Teresa Gay on Nov. 17, 1959 in Minneapolis."

The last child of Frankie and Laura was Marjorie Ann Daugherty "was born May 11, 1935. She graduated from the Wessington High School, Class of 1953. Upon graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, Minn. to work and live with a sister. In 1955-56, she attended business school. Most of her work experience was in the field of advertising and radio and television. In 1959 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Webb Oswald of Minneapolis, Minnesota. To this union 2 children were born; Paul David Oswald on April 16. He attended Minneapolis schools and Rochester, Michigan schools. His interests are in the areas of math, science and English. Mark Donald Oswald on August 14, 1965. He attended Minneapolis schools and Rochester, Michigan schools. He is mainly interested in people and mechanical things."

Laura Carrington Daugherty and Daughters

Wilson-Enke Book - Virginia Daugherty's Family

I'd like to continue sharing information found in the Wilson-Enke Family book, written by Bonnie Cavenee Runge in 1977.

Virginia May (Daugherty) "born May 11, 1931. She attended the Wessington schools and was graduated from Wessington High School in 1949. She was employed at Habicht in Huron and later Lane Bryant in Minneapolis. Her interest in fashion resulted in a course at Estelle Compton School of Modeling. She worked as a secretary and receptionist for Anthony Lane Studios, a commercial photography studio. In 1954 she was united in marriage to Clifford Perzynski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. To this union 8 children were born. Her main interest was that of her family. When the children were small, she was involved in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. In later years her interests revolved in the area of the arts. A long-time member of the Stevens Point Art League, she has painted and exhibited her art works in the surrounding areas. Her husband is a graduate of Marquette University and and a representative for Hunt-Wesson.

Laurie Ann born on December 12, 1954. She attended Stevens Point schools and is creative and domestic. Among her achievements are knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She enjoys Wisconsin cross-country skiing, skating and swimming. She was united in marriage to Mark Shudarek of Stevens Point and to this union 3 children were born: Jennifer, Jill, Jacob

Lonie Jayne on July 9, 1956. She attended Stevens Point schools and was active in Orchessis, a modern dance group. Artistic in nature, her outlets have been dance, creative stitcher, knitting, and crocheting. Her love of the outdoors includes water-skiing, cross country skiing, camping - summer and winter, swimming, back-packing and hiking. She is now a resident of her mother's home state, South Dakota.

Lisa Rhea on June 26, 1958. She attended Stevens Point schools. She is an artistic and creative person and has worked in modern dance, art, and photography. She has exhibited her art and photography rather extensively. Competitive in spirit, she has collected a few awards in her artistic endeavors. She will be entering the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse the fall of 1977 to major in art, minoring on photography. Her interests include hiking, bicycling, and rafting in Northern Wisconsin.

Daniel Thomas on January 9, 1960. He attended Stevens Point schools. He is a junior and a member of Future Farmers of America. He enjoys fur trapping and fishing. He is creative in printing, woods, and metals and has helped a neighbor build small barns for his horses. He is active in football and baseball.

Julie Karin on November 27, 1961. She attended Stevens Point schools and is a sophomore. She is active in sports and cheerleading at St. Stanislaus Parochial Schools and was selected as a Pom Pom girl in the cheerleading squad. She enjoys the arts as well as dance. Swimming, skating, and skiing are her enjoyments.

Robert Lyndon on July 10, 1963. He attended Stevens POint schools and is a freshman at P.J. Jacobs Junior High High. He is an avid fisherman and swimmer and enjoys camping and all the outdoors. He is a Stevens Point Journal newsboy.

Patrick Clifford on May 5, 1965. He attended Stevens Point schools and is a seventh grader at St. Stanislaus School. He enjoys swimming and hiking in the woods, camping and fishing.

Aimee Louise on July 31, 1966. A sixth grader at St. Stanislaus School, she is an enthusiastic student. She is artistic in nature and loves swimming, camping, and bicycling. She has special rapport with her animal friends, the neighbor's horses, and other assorted homeless creatures."

A Year with Prairie Roots Blog Site

It's been exactly a year since I started the Daugherty Carrington Prairie Roots Blogsite. In the year 2009 I entered 144 posts. Some months were well represented, while others could have been better. That is the nature of a blog. Writing is something that needs to have deliberate time and effort given to it. Ideas are always there but not always the energy nor incentive to follow through. I believe that is a rather human characteristic and am not totally bothered by it.

I just changed the look of the blog. Changes are good. As mentioned before, the purpose of this site isn't necessarily to gather a huge readership. I have an excuse to go through my many notes again and reconnect with contributors. Writing down these thoughts is very helpful. Writing down names and dates reinforces their places in the history of Mother's family. I am pleased to say that in several instances people googled the name of their ancestors and found my blog. We now have a source for communicating with each other.

I get very few comments right on the site from readers. Not sure how to correct this...something to learn this new year. Most comments are sent to me when clicking on the white letter icon at the end of my message.

This year has been hard for all of us, with Dad's passing Nov. 2, 2008. We've been getting Mom's (Helen Irene Daugherty Hostvet) house ready for selling, which has not yet transpired, due to the economic situation up north. Mom lives here in New Richmond, WI and her family has been in constant touch. Finding out family history has been very important to her. This week her cousin Ernie Meyer (Elda Carrington's son) unexpectantly called her on the phone. They talked for an hour making her day a delight. Similar situations have been happening since I began the quarterly newsletter, Prairie Roots nearly four years ago and this blogsite 12 months ago.

My thanks to all of you that have communicated in some way with our family. We are interconnected whether it be in the present or generations past. You've helped me learn a lot about the history of our nation and the attitudes of these families that have made America their homes for many generations.

I'm hoping for a contination of letters and messages from readers. I'd like to have a better understanding of how to find out official information. Re-enlisting in Ancestry.com should help me with that. Though I have a nice collection of family photos, I'd like to add to it. I need to continue to catch up in organization of materials. I need to make more phone calls. Somehow E-Mailing seems much easier than actually dialing those phone numbers.

Joe, I, Nate and Betsy (and our cat, Oliver) wish all of you a wonderful New Year. We all have resolutions that we would like to attempt, but perhaps any growth in pursuing interest and concerns that are important to us is the ideal goal. Judy Hostvet/Paulson