Son of Joseph Dunn Caven and Margaret Lurena Coop Caven of Cucharas. Brother of Ira Caven of Osborne, Kansas and Emma Ethel Shipman-Craven Coop of Portis, Kansas and Laura Mattie Caven Hellman of Cawker City, Kansas. Moved to Smith County, Kansas when 8 years old. Homesteaded in Colorado in spring 1916 until entering service in September 1917. Went to France in August 1918 assigned to Company H, 110th Infantry, 28th Division. Wounded September 26, 1918 in Meuse-Argonne offensive after which he lived 11 days.