The nationality of
Edith M. Craven was Makahu Oglala Lakota Sioux. Edith was born at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pass Creek, Bennett Co., South Dakota, USA, in 1889. I was born on top of Sheep Mountain in 1890, under the care of Dewey Beard and his wife. My father, Gus Craven, was called to Pine Ridge by General John J. Pershing, the commander of the American forces during the Wounded Knee Massacre. He was ordered to the task of scouting during this war. After the war was over my father and mother were given the task of establishing the Wanblee School. My mother, Jessie Craven, was the teacher; my father was the "Boss Farmer.".
1 She was the daughter of
Cornelius Augustus (?) Craven and
Jesse McGaa.
3,4,7 Another source states that her was also listed with a birthdate in 1891.
3,7 She was listed as "daughter" and residing in the home of
Jesse McGaa on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls taken on July 1, 1892 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Medicine Root District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.
3 She was listed as "daughter" and residing in the home of
Jesse McGaa on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls taken on June 30, 1894 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Medicine Root District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.
4 She was listed as "daughter" and residing in the home of
Jesse McGaa on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls taken on June 30, 1895 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Medicine Root District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.
7 She was listed as "daughter" and residing in the home of an unknown person on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls taken in 1896 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, USA.
6 She was listed as "daughter" and residing in the home of an unknown person on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls taken on June 30, 1904 at
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Pass Creek District, Shannon Co., South Dakota, USA.
5 She married
Harry Stephens Knight circa 1914. Edith graduated at
Spearfish, Lawrence Co., South Dakota, USA, in June, 1914. Institution: State Normal School. In June of 1914, I graduated from the State Normal School, advanced course, at Spearfish, South Dakota. On the day of graduation Doctor F .L. Cook, president of the Spearfish School, asked me if I would go to Chicago and take their official examination at the Metropolitan Business College there; and if I was given a diploma of this school; then he would offer me a teaching job in the business department of the Spearfish School. At the end of 1914, I had obtained the diploma and in 1915, taught in South Dakota. I then decided to go to the University of Wisconsin for further study.
In the fall of 1916, I enrolled at Madison and lived in the Tri-Delt House. Just before the Christmas Holiday, however, I received a wire from my father in Kadoka, saying, "Come'home at once. Your mother is very ill and not expected to live." I moved home as I knew I could not return to my studies. Mother recovered from her illness in about two months. Among the many things that occupied my time at home was reading books. I came upon a new book just off the press called, When a Man Is a Man by Harold Bell Wright.
The book delighted me and the reason was that I understood it completely. It was about ranching, cattle, horses, cowboys, and had much, much character analysis. The description of the location and the people enticed me so much that I felt a trip to Arizona was just what I needed. Prescott, Arizona was then my destination. I had lived a glorious ranching life since the date of my birth and had to see Arizona for myself.
I went to Kadoka to one of the banks there and asked if I could look at their bank directory book. I choose the name of a bank in Prescott, which I thought was the best, and hurried home to write to them and send them my credentials and picture. Within seven days I had a wire from the President of the Prescott bank offering me a job as his personal secretary. I wired him that I would be enroute the next day and that I would again wire from Denver. The reason for the delay was that I had no factual data as to when I would arrive. Train schedules were not always accurate then.
Also, I learned that I had to layover in Denver from about 6 a.m. to about 8 p.m. I was happy for this delay because it gave me an opportunity to go back to the Loretta Heights Academy where I had spent a couple of years during high school days. I could then visit with my English teacher, Sister Dolorine. Naturally she asked me my destination and when I told her Prescott, Arizona, she said she would write her brother in Prescott, who was judge of the Superior Court there, and give him my address and ask him to contact me.
In about ten days after my arrival a messenger came to the bank with a letter addressed to me. It was from Judge Morrison, who gave me a very gracious invitation to come to his home and spend the weekend with his family. This I did and found them to be wonderful people. Time went on and many things happened - until finally July 4, 1916, approached. This was the day of the famous Prescott Rodeo. I had read every word of their advertising and had already made up my mind to attend. About a week before the opening date I received another message from Judge Morrison inviting me to join him and his family at the rodeo at their private ringside seats. I was thrilled, of course. The show was excellent - riders, calf ropers, bronc riders. The third and last day was unforgettable!
d
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2 
(M)
(F)