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.