Back to the Kuykendall Genealogy IndexPart 3 of 3, containing Chapters 30 - 48
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Call Number: CS71.K98
Title: History of the Kuykendall Family Since Its Settlement in Dutch New York in 1646
Author: George Benson Kuykendall
This book contains the genealogy and history of the Kuykendall family of Dutch New York.
Bibliographic Information: Kuykendall, George Benson. The Kuykendall Family.
Kilham Stationery & Printing CO. Portland, Oregon. 1919.
Copyrighted 1919
History of
THE KUYKENDALL FAMILY
Since its Settlement in
Dutch New York
in 1646
WITH GENEALOGY
As Found in Early Dutch Church Records
State and Government Documents
TOGETHER WITH
Sketches of Colonial Times, Old Log Cabin Days,
Indian Wars, Pioneer Hardships, Social Customs, Dress and
Mode of Living of the Early Forefathers
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
-by-
GEORGE BENSON KUYKENDALL, M. D.
KILHAM STATIONERY & PRINTING CO.
PORTLAND, OREGON
1919
DEDICATED
TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER
JOHN KUYKENDALL
Whose kindness, solicitude, watchcare and guiding hand, during the tender years of childhood and youth, whose fatherly counsels during young manhood, directed my purposes and kept me from straying. The memory of his nobility of character, his unswerving rectitude of principle and purpose, his devotion to right and splendid example, have been the guiding star of my life.
As time has sped by, as the world, times and men have changed, his character and life have towered, as a great lighthouse, above the mists of the years, and illumined the voyage of my life. To him, to whom I owe the most of all I have ever been, or ever accomplished, of worth to myself or the world, I inscribe this volume,
In grateful rememberance.
CHAPTER CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
Introductory Considerations. Object of this work--General indifference to family history--Kuykendall history covers a long time and wide area--Author's recollections of the past--Usual dryness of genealogy--Connecting up events in family history with contemporary events.
CHAPTER II.
Story of Search After History and Genealogy of Kuykendall Family. More than genealogical facts given--Author's knowledge of the family history--Family traditions--Sending searching party to Virginia--Difficulty in getting data--Holland Society of New York--Findings of its genealogist. Mr. Versteeg--Mr. Nearpass and "Church Life"--Mr. Stickney and Mr. Van Sickle--Ancient Kuykendall Deed--Sale of first ancestor's home at Fort Orange, N. Y.
CHAPTER III.
Origin of the Name Kuykendall. Its meaning and derivation--The name is Dutch--Traditions in regard to name--Mr. Van Laer's suggestions--Roosevelt and Kuykendall names formed similarly--Given names in the Dutch records.
CHAPTER IV.
Changes in the Name Kuykendall and How They Came. Different forms found in the old records--How some of the descendants explain the changes--Autographic signatures of some of the early Kuykendalls--Conclusions drawn from the manner of spelling the name.
CHAPTER V.
Fort Orange New York, When Kuykendall Ancestor Came. Rensselaer's settlements--Description of Fort Orange at that time--Location of first ancestor's home--The old church, the bell and pulpit, at Fort Orange.
CHAPTER VI.
Dutch Reformed Church Records. What are they--Their value to Kuykendall family--Manner of keeping them--Minisink, Deerpark, and Walpack records.
CHAPTER VII.
Other Notes Connected With Early Kuykendalls. The first Dutch church of New York--Pre-American Kuykendall's home was in Gelderland, Holland--Marriage of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal--His children--The Tietsoort family--Marriage of Jacob Kuykendall.
CHAPTER VIII.
Children of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal. Record of their baptism, as found in New York Dutch Records. Comment on his family record--Facts concerning his children's lives--Jacob Kuykendall's family record--Jacob with surveying party on Susquchanna--Further history--Reminiscences of George Labar.
CHAPTER IX.
The Family of Jacob Kuykendall. Minisink Island and the country around--Dutch ox carts--Wolves, panthers, and wildcats--Old home of Ks charming yet--Johannes Kuykendall marries Elizabeth Brink--Old cabin of John K--Millrace and masonry--Excerpts from Journal of House of Burgesses--Old deeds and records--Family record of Johannes Kuykendall, The Four Brothers in Indiana--Around old Vincennes, Indiana.
CHAPTER X.
The Four Brothers, Continued From Last Chapter. Peter (5), eldest of Four Brothers--What we know of him and descendants--Daniel (5) of the Four Brothers--His descendants.
CHAPTER XI.
Descendants of Henry Kuykendall (5), Youngest of Four Brothers. Marriage--Settlement--Mill building and other activities--Family record--Henry's sons George, John, and activities--James Wesley, son of Henry--Biographic sketch.
CHAPTER XII.
Descendants of Jacob Kuykendall, Continued. Jacobus (3), (James), son of Jacob--His children's baptismal record--Benjamin (3), son of Jacob--His public activities--Connection with early Virginia courts--Benjamin's death--Will and mention of children's names.
CHAPTER XIII.
Nathaniel Kuykendall 1st and Descendants. Nathaniel's life in Virginia--His family record--Nathaniel's descendants--Dr. Jacob Kuykendall of Vincennes, Indiana--Other Nathaniel descendants--Some of later generations--Biographic sketches--Captain Isaac Kuykendall and descendants.
CHAPTER XIV.
Cornelius Van Kuykendaal, Family Record and Comments. Short recapitulation--Cornelius' family baptismal record--Analysis and comments thereon--Leur, son of Cornelius, marries Lena Consalisduk--The name Manuel--The Gunsaulus family--Descendants of Cornelius.
CHAPTER XV.
Mattheus and Arie Van Kuykendaal. Birth and marriage of Matthew--Arie--His connection with the Quick family--Thomas Quick, Sr.--His murder by the Indians--Baptismal record of Arie Kuykendall's children--His daughter marries Roelof Brink--The Brink family--Recapitulation and remarks.
CHAPTER XVI.
Pieter Van Kuykendaal and Descendants. The family record--Marriage to Femmetje Decker--The Decker family--Early times at the old Kuykendall home--Moses Coykendall and descendants--Samuel Decker Coykendall, capitalist and philanthropist--Other descendants of Pieter--Recent prominent Coykendalls.
CHAPTER XVII.
Pieter Kuykendal Descendants, Continued. Those who lived about Sussex, New Jersey--Others about Port Jervis, N. Y.--The Wilhelmus branch--About the Mamakating regions--Burial place of Wilhelmus Kuykendall and wife--Pieter's descendants in Cayuga county New York--Old deed for slave--Further Pieter Kuykendal family data.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Correspondence from Kuykendall Descendants. Regions where the first Kuykendalls lived--Letters from Western Virginia Kuykendall descendants--From John A. Kuykendall--From his daughters--Some Illinois and Indiana correspondence.
CHAPTER XIX.
Southwestern Kuykendalls and Correspondence. Remarks preceding letters--Kuykendalls in early Carolina history--Excerpts from North Carolina Colonial Records--Activities of N. C. Kuykendalls near Rock Hill and Yorkville, South Carolina--Letters from Texas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and other states--Correspondence of Judge W. L. Kuykendall, and son, John M.--Biographic sketches.
CHAPTER XX.
Southwestern Correspondence, Second Series. Letters from Tennessee--and Texas descendants--Kentucky and other correspondence--Early Kentucky settlers--Trials and hardships--Moses Kuykendall and descendants--Summary and comments.
CHAPTER XXI.
Descendants of Kuykendalls who Settled in Southern Indiana and Illinois. General considerations--Grouping of letters--Vienna and Carmi, Illinois, Kuykendalls--White River, Indiana, early settlers.
CHAPTER XXII.
Texas Kuykendalls--Captain Abner Kuykendall first of family in Texas--Early pioneer struggles--Excerpts from early Texas history--Death of Captain Abner Kuykendall--Judge William Kuykendall of Tilden, Texas--His narration of family history--Benjamin Straysner Kuykendall, sketches and incidents by himself and others.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Kikendalls and Kirkendalls. Most Kikendalls trace back to New Jersey--Kikendall letters from Michigan--Washington state--Kentucky--Illinois--and other states. Change of name from Kikendall to Kirkendall--Letters showing ancestry of the two branches--Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Kirkendall branch and others--West Virgina and Iowa Kirkendalls and Curkendalls and others.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Cuykendalls and Correspondence. Martynus Cuykendall--His autograph signature--Cuykendalls who settled near Owasco, New York--Letters from Cuykendalls in various parts of the country.
CHAPTER XXV.
Coykendalls and Correspondence. The spelling Coykendall a more recent form--All Coykendalls are from the Pieter Branch--Michigan and New York Coykendall correspondence--Mrs. Dr. Pott's family record--Letter of M. A. Coykendall--Family history and sketch--Letter of John F. Coykendall and other correspondence.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Some Early Pennsylvania Kuykendalls. Sketches of early Allegheny and Beaver county settlers--Henry Kuykendall in Baptist Church records--Ira, James, and Christian Neff Kuykendall.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Kuykendalls in the Revolutionary War. Scantiness of Revolutionary soldier history--Difficulty of finding data--Revolutionary War Pension records obtained by author--Names and history of Kuykendall pensioners.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Early Migrations and Settlements of the Family. No nawspapers to tell of their moves--Early settlements all near the old home--Much moving after the Revolutionary war--Moved in caravans or in boats on the rivers--Crossing the Plains--Starting on the journey--Crossing Missouri--Prairie dog country, rattlesnakes, owls and Indians--A terrible thunder storm and rain--Alkali water and thirst--Night visits of coyotes--Beautiful mirages but deceptive--An experience with service berries--Crossing Snake river at Salmon Falls--"Cussing" as an aid in wading a river--Grotesque and hard ways of travelling--Down the Columbia in a barge--Death of little girl--Oregon at last.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Genealogy of the Kuykendall Family in the Order of Generations.
CHAPTER XXX.
The Rifle, Axe and Log Cabin. The axe hewed the way for civilization--The fall hunt--Yaugh houses, or bunting houses--The pioneer log cabin--The fireplace--Furniture and equipment--Dogs of the early settlers, their helpfulness to the pioneer.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Mode of Living and Home Life of our Ancestors. Women's work--Spinning, weaving, making clothes--Men's work clearing farms--Passing of the walnut tree--How our fathers obtained their shoes--Domestic wares--Cooking--Soap making--Maple sugar making--Pastimes and social amenities--Dress--Keeping time, time pieces--How our fathers made fires and lights--Corn, its uses and ways of making meal--Hominy block--Handmills or Querns--Tub mills--Makeshifts and substitutes.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Schools, Teachers and Education in Early Times. First schools of our Dutch forefathers--School discipline--Punishments and the instruments used for this purpose--Old time school books--Rusty cups and iron combs--Goose quill pens.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Churches, Sabbath and Religious Meetings. The Early Dutch Reformed Church--Carrying guns to church--Early day singing--Sunday a day for rest and amusement--Lorenzo Dow waking people up.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Marriage Customs and the Old Time Weddings. Forms of betrothal--Weddings great events--An old time wedding--Assembling of bride's friends--Company of the bridegroom--Run for the bottle--The wedding--Wedding dinner--The dance that came afterwards--Fiddles and fiddlers.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Sickness, Medicines and Medical Treatment. Housewives were the doctors--Herbs, barks, and roots--Spring medicine--Mustard plasters--Worms, symptoms and remedies--Rheumatism and cures--Bleeding--How it was done.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Indian Warfare, Forts and Indian Atrocities. Stockade--Forts of the early settlers--Night flight to the forts--Boy fort soldiers--Life in the forts--Capture of white women and girls--Hard times and hunger--Going armed to farm work--Indian attack on early Virginia planters--When our fathers dreaded fine weather--Artifices and cruelties of Indians--A Kuykendall Enoch Arden.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Pests, Outlaws and Tories. Many small insect scourges--Malaria--Milk sickness--Its work swift and fatal--Frontier renegades--Their miserable work among Indians--Tories--Their treatment by our forefathers--Branding with a hot spade--Tarring and feathering incidents.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
The Old Mine Road and the Early Kuykendall Home. Mine road historic--Romance and mystery connected with it--Old copper mines--Tunnels--Myths and traditions--The old road connected with thrilling historic events.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Forms of Servitude, Peculiar Customs, Witches and Old Time Superstitions. "Binding children out"--The Redemptioner--Slavery and the Kuykendalls--Witches--Signs, omens and superstitions--Testing witches--Washington Irving's Legends told by our ancestors--Amulets and charms.
CHAPTER XL.
Kuykendall Descendants in the War with Germany.
CHAPTER XLI.
More Light in Obscure Places in the History of the Kirkendalls. Correspondence of W. L. Kirkendale of Detroit, Mich.--Joseph Sargent Kirkendall--His family record--George Kirkendall, Shipping Master--Mrs. Jessie Polmeteer's letter--Tombstones of David Kirkendall and wife--Letter of Mrs. Proctor, Burlington, Ontario--Mrs. Daisy William's letter--Family record of David Kirkendall--Children of Samuel Kirkendall and Euphemia Lowry--William Kirkendall and Nancy Hess' family--Joseph S. Kirkendall of Carsonville, Mich.--Data from L. R. Kirkendall, Corning, N. Y.
CHAPTER XLII.
Additional Data Received too Late to Come in at the Proper Place. Statement of Henry J. Coykendall, Syracuse, N. Y.--Miss Harriet C. Johnson--Letter from Hiram Coykendall, Detroit, Mich.--McCage Kuykendall, letter--Family of Alfred Harden Kuykendall and Sarah L. Fort--Moses and Martha Andrews Kuykendall--McCage Kuykendall's family--Family of Garland and Belle Grattis Kuykendall--Lee and Oma Garret Kuykendall's family--Thomas and Maree Smith Kuykendall--Isaac N. Kuykendall's letter--Data from, Miss Mollie Cobb--J. M. Kuykendall, Cherokee, Tex.--Matthew Johnson Kuykendall--Wylie M. Kuykendall--Leander Kuykendall's family history.
CHAPTER XLIII.
Interesting and Curious Book Accounts and Documents, in Colonial and Ante Colonial Times. Ledger account of 1756, and 1757--Tinker's bill--Funeral expenses--Old tavern licenses--Price of bed with clean sheats--Cost of damning his royal highness--Doubling up, to cut cost of sleeping--Old time survey markings--Ancient deed of Walpack Church lot--Quotations from Minisink Valley Church records.
CHAPTER XLIV.
Genealogical Notes, Kuykendall and Stark Families. Rev. J. W. Kuykendall, biography--Early traits, education, "Boy preacher" at 18--Labors in Southern Oregon--Breakdown in health--Locates in San Jose, Calif.--His death--Rev. T. L. Jones' letter--Captain Isaac Kuykendall's family--J. Stewart Kuykendall--His public activities--Edgar Davis Kuykendall--College days--Studied law--Located in Greensboro, N. C.--Civil and military record--Capt. Isaac Kuykendall's daughters.
CHAPTER XLV.
Did More Than One Kuykendall Ancestor Come Over From Europe? Early Dutch New York documents--Powers of attorney--Accounts of Carsten and Urbanus Luursen--Church baptismal records.
CHAPTER XLVI.
Attempts to Trace the European History of the Kuykendall Family. Reference to "Willy Kukenthal" at Harvard College--Kuekenthal family history, back to 16th century--Ancestry of Maternal side of Kuykendall family--Tack family--Westphael ancestors of Jacob, Cornelius and Matthew Kuykendall's wives--Why we have no better knowledge of our ancestors.
CHAPTER XLVII.
Miscellaneous Portraits and Notes. Further sketch of Dr. William Kuykendall--Public activities as physician, in hospital, school legislation--Nathaniel Kuykendall, Gainesville, Tex.--Family sketch--Judge A. B. Kirkendall--His portrait--Family of Andrew Briggs Kuykendall--Group picture--Samuel D. Coykendall--Family record--Mrs. Harriet R. Frisbie's war work activities--Mrs. Mary K. Weaver, portrait--Charles Allen Kirkendall's portrait--Mrs. Nannie Kuykendall Collins.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Autographs of Some of the Early Kuykendalls, Comments and Other Topics. Sundry notes and observations--Kirkendalls and Klingensmiths--H. J. Kirkendall's statement--Further account of Judge W. L. Kuykendall of Saratoga, Wyom.--His son, John M. Kuykendall--J. B. Kuykendall, Vienna, Ill.--Kuykendall family historical association--Its object, suggested plan--How to carry on--Conclusion.
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CHAPTER XXX.
THE RIFLE, AXE AND LOG CABIN.
The rifle and axe might well have been adopted by our forefathers as their coat of arms, heraldic emblems that signified their mission as the harbingers of civilization and the conquerors of the American continent. With these rude implements they built and defended their homes, fences, barns and with them constructed many of the utilities of every day use. When travelling, and they stopped at night to camp, the axe was the first thing in demand, to clear away a camping place or to chop wood to make camp fires. Perhaps parties had all day been out with rifles, scouring the woods along the way, keeping a lookout for game. When the emigrant had found a place to make a home, the first tool he again thought of was his axe. This homely implement was a worthy advance agent of civilization, the forerunner of architecture and structural building, and preceded the coming of beautiful homes, schools, factories, mills, prosperous cities and vast industrial enterprises. All that the axe was to our forefather's home and farm, the rifle was to his commissariat and defense. So much did they rely upon their rifles that they always kept them ready at hand and in condition for immediate use. The old time rifle and musket had a flint lock only, which with the best care possible, sometimes failed to fire, it therefore behooved them to keep their guns in the best possible condition for any emergency that might arise.
When white man and Indian met in mortal combat the gun that fired first usually settled the question. Then the failure of the white man's rifle to shoot meant that he became the victim of the Indian's gun. To know how to load a rifle quickly was a valuable accomplishment and both history and tradition relate instances where an Indian and a white man were in a fray at close range, each with an empty gun, then it was a race for life or death which could load quickest. Other times when travelling, or even at home, our forefathers were in dire straits for meat, and if by good fortune a deer or an elk came in their way, it sometimes almost meant starvation if the gun "flashed in the pan" and failed to shoot. It was even worse when the hunter was met by an enraged bear or crouching panther and his rifle failed him. Many a poor fellow when closely pressed in combat, found that he had fired his last bullet, or emptied his powder flask, and had nothing with which to reload his rifle, and he was compelled to "bite the dust" by the gun of his savage foe.
Such occurrences were common enough in the times of our early fathers.
Hunting was in those days something more than sport or mere pastime. It became by necessity a large part of the pioneer's occupation in life, in securing meat for his family. It was the custom
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of our fathers to send out hunting parties every fall. When they first went to the Hudson, the Delaware valleys, the streams were full of fish and the woods full of game, so there was an abundance for whites and Indians. The whites were more diligent and persistent hunters and killed and used more game meat.
As the deer, bear, wild turkeys and other game became scarce the Indians sometimes had scant living, and this brought on bad feelings toward the white settlers, and they retaliated sometimes by trespassing upon the white man's property.
Our forefathers made up hunting parties every fall, when the season's work was done up, and when all kinds of game was fat and in fine condition. In the earlier days, whites and Indians frequently went out on hunting excursions together. Hunting camps were built out in the hunting grounds where game was plentiful, to which the hunters returned every fall. In early days these hunting camps were found along the Delaware and Hudson rivers, and were called by our Dutch ancestors "yaugh houses," which meant in English, "hunting houses." There was a line of them all along the old mine road leading down from Esopus, (Kingston), to the "old copper mine," three miles above the Water Gap. There was a noted yaugh house in Orange county, New York, at Mamakating, near where Wilhelmus Kuykendall lived, before and during and after Revolutionary war time. There was a fine spring there near the old mine road, which was called the "Yaugh House Spring," two hundred years ago. The whole country around knew of the yaugh house spring, and this was a famous camping place. Many times some of the Kuykendalls camped at this old yaugh house spring during the fall hunting time. There were a number of these houses along the Shawengunk mountain, and one not far from the "old mine hole" at Pahaquarry.
The men were out hunting all day with their rifles during the hunting time, and in the evening came in with the trophies of their day's shooting. When they all got in around a blazing fire, the hunters dressed their game, with many narrations of their adventures during the day, and enlivened the occasion with stories of past exploits. When the Indians were in a hostile mood, the hunters had to be on the lookout lest they be surprised by an attack. The redskins were always more or less jealous of their hunting grounds and game.
Even after they had sold their lands they were envious of the white settlers, especially of hunting parties. These feelings sometimes prompted them to treacherously steal upon the white hunter's camp, if there happened to be only one or two of the hunters together.
The game killed by the hunters was variously disposed of. Sometimes it was taken to their homes and there taken care of. It was sometimes "jerked" in camp. That is, it was cut into strips and dried over the fire, until the outside was hardened a little and the inside was partially dried. The smoke of the fire tended to preserve it.
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The first houses of our American ancestors were in nearly all cases log cabins and made of round unhewn logs. They were generally rude, rough buildings speedily thrown up under stress of immediate need for shelter and protection from storm, wild beasts or Indians. Usually several settlers moved out in the wilderness country and located near each other. Most of the first cabins had only a single room, in which a family of several persons lived, ate and slept.
The roof of the cabin was made of split clapboards or "shakes," laid upon poles or small logs that extended the full length of the house, projecting a little beyond. The clapboards were put on loose, and were held down by poles placed over their lower ends. These poles were often weighted down with stones. Many of the early cabins had no floors except the earth levelled and packed, but some had floors of split puncheons, hewed to make them a little smoother. An opening was cut in the side of the cabin, after its walls were up, for a door, and split jambs were pinned to the sawed ends of the logs, and to one of the jambs of the door was hung with wooden hinges. The door was made of split boards or slabs, and the latch was of wood, and lifted by a buckskin "whang" or string, which was passed outside through a hole in the door.
The window was a small square hole in the wall, four or five feet from the floor, covered with a greased paper for glass. The fireplace was very large and took wood of amazing length, for wood was plenty those days and easy to procure. The fireplace itself was built of stone, if stone was convenient, otherwise it was made of logs with a heavy backing of clay on the inside.
Above the fireplace the chimney was built of either stone or sticks plastered with clay inside. It is surprising how long some of those clay chimneys lasted, but the stone chimneys were still more durable. Some of the great old fireplaces and chimneys built by our ancestors two hundred years ago, are still standing and in a good state of preservation.
The openings between the logs of the cabins were "chinked and daubed," that is, were filled with split strips of wood and then plastered with clay. Every cabin of the old time had its "loft," which was commonly floored with split clapboards laid down loosely, and was reached by a ladder usually placed by the side of the chimney. This loft, though a humble looking place, was made to do service for many uses. It was in the loft where the boys slept, and it served as a sort of storage room for all kinds of "plunder," such as popcorn, walnuts, butternuts and hickory nuts, for eating in the long winter evenings around their great fireplaces. In the loft, also, were found an assortment of herbs for use as medicine or for culinary purposes, with strings of dried "punkin" and ears of seed corn.
The fireplace was high enough so that a woman of ordinary stature could stand erect in it. A pole reached from side to side upon which pots and kettles were suspended by trammel hooks.
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Over the fireplace was a rack made of the prongs of a deer's antlers and in this dry place the pioneer's rifle was kept ready for instant use. The family wardrobe consisted of a row of pins in the logs of the wall, upon which hung the greater part of the family clothing.
The table was made of a slab or slabs of wood, hewed and smoothed down. The legs were round poles of proper length put into auger holes underneath. The height of those old fashioned tables would be the cause of amazement to the present day great-great-granddaughters of our ancestors. Those exalted pieces of kitchen furniture came well up to the chins of those sitting down by them to eat. A few stools without backs served for chairs. There was a "water bench" that held the water bucket and gourd or wooden dipper. The bedstead was built for "solid comfort," the bed rails being round poles. The bottom of it was made of split boards. The bed itself was made of straw or corn husks torn to strips. Later they had feather beds on top of the straw or husks. The bed covers were made of skins of bear, deer or elk, with whatever quilts or blankets that could be procured. The bedsteads of our forefathers were built on the same lofty proportions as their tables, and the wonder is how they ever managed to get up into them, especially the old and fleshy ones. Going to bed was like mounting a scaffold, and would these days suggest the necessity of a step ladder with which to get in bed.
The home and furniture here portrayed, represent the earliest frontier homes of our forefathers. They soon had feather beds and improved furniture, though it was still rather primitive in character. The outsides of the cabins of our ancestors often had the skins of the wild animals they had killed and tacked up on them to dry. There is a story told of a preacher travelling in the thinly settled regions of the southwest, looking for any members of his church that might be living in the vicinity. Calling at a cabin in the woods, he asked the lady of the house whether she knew of any Presbyterians around there. She said she really could not tell, but said "My husband has killed nearly every kind of varmints in the country; you might look on the cabin walls outside and see if there are any of their skins there."
Coming to a log cabin in the frontier, one was almost sure to be greeted with the baying of hounds or barking of dogs, that made the woods ring. Dogs were indispensible those days when panthers, bears and Indians were so common.
Their keen scent and alert ears and eyes quickly detected the proximity of Indians or wild beasts, and gave the alarm by their excited barking. The settler could often tell by the sound of barking whether the cause of alarm was an Indian, wild beast or something less dangerous.
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CHAPTER XXXI.
MODE OF LIVING AND HOME LIFE OF OUR ANCESTORS.
Our forefathers had none of the luxuries of life, and were glad to get even the common necessities. They had no nearby stores, where they could purchase goods. They had to make or produce for themselves whatever they used, and had to get most of their supplies in the summer and fall, to last until the next season. Whatever furniture they had in their homes, they made themselves.
Their homes were therefore places of industry. The clothing worn by the earliest of the Kuykendall fathers and neighbors, who settled in the wilds of Virginia. Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas, was, to considerable extent, made of dressed skins of deer, and other wild animals. Most of the clothing of the men and boys, however, was of home made cloth, a mixture of plain linen and wool. This was woven on home made looms, which were heavy and sometimes clumsy. The women gathered flax, hackled and spun it into threads, out of which to weave cloth. They carded and spun wool from which to make yarn for socks and stockings. In weaving they ran linen threads lengthwise of the piece, and the cross threads were wool. The linen gave the cloth strength and the wool made it warmer. This cloth was made up into "hunting shirts" and into frocks and jackets for the men and clothing for the children. It was not uncommon for the hunters and woodsmen in summer time to wear buckskin breeches, and hunting shirts of the same material. In the very early days of pioneering by our ancestors, the under-clothing for women was made of linen of their own weaving. It was not very fine but was very strong and durable and bleached out white after washing.
Sometimes the flax crop was a failure; or the Indians prevented the raising of flax, or killed their sheep, when they were reduced to great hardships and had to use whatever substitutes they could find. The thin bark of wild nettles that grew along the little creeks was used instead of flax to make a sort of linen that was not quite as good as that made of flax. For dyes for their home made jeans, linsey woolsey and their stockings, they used a decoction of green butternut and walnut shells. It is safe to say that if the belles of today had, like their great grandmothers, to make their own clothing they would go considerably differently dressed than they do.
Potatoes were not found in the gardens of our early ancestors and tomatoes were considered to be poisonous and were never eaten. They were sometimes grown as objects of curiosity or ornament, and were called "love apples" by our good old great grandparents. Canning fruits as we do today was a process entirely unknown to them. "Punkins" were dried for winter use, being first peeled and
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cut into thin strips and strung on long threads of linen. The drying process was out in the sun, often by the fireplace.
In nearly all the very early settlements the sources of food supply were distant and difficult to reach, and people had to be careful and not waste what they had, but with all their care and economy they sometimes ran short.
Nuts of various kinds were gathered in the fall. These made excellent food and helped to make the winter evenings and social gatherings pass more pleasantly.
The log smoke-house was an important adjunct to the homes of our fathers, being a sort of commissary store for bacon, lard, dried venison, ham, sausage, kraut and pickles--when they could get these things. There was always work enough to keep the whole family busy. While the women were looking after their cooking, carding, spinning, weaving cloth for the family's clothes, drying fruit or vegetables, milking the cows, making butter and cheese and doing a thousand other things that our modern housewives know nothing about, the men were out about the place at the rougher work. Cutting timber and brush, chopping the trees into lengths, rolling them together and burning them, made an immense amount of labor. This with grubbing out stumps, plowing and cultivating the land were only a part of the men's work among our forefathers.
While clearing lands, they cut and burned timber that today would be of almost inestimable value. Great, clean bodied walnut, butternut, oak and beech trees were chopped down and burned as an encumbrance. Grand old walnut trees were split into rails, made into fence posts or used to build hog pens. Great forks, gnarls of curly maple and walnut, that today would be looked upon as valuable as a gold mine, for making pianos, organs and fancy veneers were rolled into piles and turned to ashes and smoke. Our fathers had not the least idea of what their value would be some day.
In colonial times and for years afterwards our forefathers made their own shoes; and they had first to tan the leather to make them. Collecting tan bark and tanning leather was a part of the home industry. Tan bark was peeled mostly from young oak trees in the spring or early summer, allowed to dry, and then there was a job for the boys, pounding up the tan bark to make it ready for use. The hair was taken from the hides, by the use of strong ashes, before they burned lime. The tan vat was usually dug out of a log, and when made was often partly sunken in the ground to keep the "ooze" from drying up and to keep the temperature more even. When the hair was removed from the skins, they were immersed in the vat of oak ooze and allowed to tan for many months. When taken out they were partially dried and worked over to make them more pliable, and lard or tallow and lamp black were worked in to color the leather, the grease making it impervious to moisture.
The shoes worn by the family were made at home. Nearly every home contained a few tools for cobbling shoes, a hammer, awl,
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shoe knife, two or three lasts and some shoe pegs. What terrible mortification would fill the souls of some of the descendant daughters of our great-great grandmothers if they had to wear shoes like those worthy women!
After the country had been settled a little longer, cobblers came around every fall and went from house to house, stopping long enough to make shoes for a family's winter wear, and then went to another home where he did the same thing.
DOMESTIC WARES
Our forefathers made at their homes all their wooden wares, such as water buckets, churns, tubs, butter firkins and "keelers." They sometimes did cooper work that was marvelous, considering their facilities, but as a rule their home-made wooden vessels were rather heavy, crude and clumsy. When our great grandmothers happened to have nice, well made wooden wares, with alternate staves of white sap wood and red inside wood, they were as proud of them and looked upon them with as much complacency as the housewives of today would view a superb set of Haviland chinaware.
When our first ancestor landed at New Amsterdam domestic life was much the same as that of the people of Holland, three hundred years ago, modified of course by peculiar circumstances and surroundings in the new world. Today when we sit down to a company dinner, we have on the table articles of food or furnishings from every part of the civilized world. It was not so with our fathers. Even knives and forks, teacups and saucers, china and Haviland wares were not in common use. No one at that time used forks at the table. The forks used then were single tined, mere awls or bodkins to pierce and hold meats while they were cut. It was a number of years later before each individual had a cup at his side at the table, even among the wealthy. Cups with saucers came some time after that. Pewter dishes were much used, even among the better class. These were brought from Europe. Spoons were made also of horn, wood, and other materials. Glass tumblers, pitchers and goblets all came at a later date. Blacksmiths some times made spoons of copper or brass. When I was at Port Jervis, New York, where the Kuykendalls lived over two hundred years ago, Hon. W. H. Nearpass and lady showed me a lot of heirloom table settings, among which was a large spoon, or soup ladle, the bowl of which was made of copper and the handle of iron or steel, which was riveted on. It had been made there in the Delaware valley, somewhere near about, but just how long ago, Mr.
Nearpass could not tell.
There was a long period when wooden dishes were very commonly used. There were wooden plates, called "trenchers," wooden bowls and trays in which to knead bread, "noggins" and bowls. These dishes were turned on small foot lathes mostly, and were made of maple, ash and bass wood. When the pioneer women had
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enough nice, wooden plates and mugs to "set the table," they thought they had quite a satisfactory outfit. Probably there were none of our Revolutionary patriots, judges, legislators, generals or statesmen who had not often taken food from these wooden dishes, and were glad to have anything even that good.
The table knives and forks used in this country were made of iron or steel and the tines of the forks broke off easily. So great was the scarcity of dishes and utensils for kitchen and table use, that the shells of gourds were used to make dippers. Even mussel shells and hard shells of squashes were made to do duty on the dinner table. With their scant outfits and homely expedients our great grandmothers sometimes had a dilemma hard to meet; to make a satisfactory show, when there was company.
When a small boy, I frequently heard a story told that illustrated the difficulties they sometimes had when the preacher came around to visit the family. On one of these occasions, when the minister had sat down to the table and "asked the blessing," the good lady of the house began to apologize for the scantiness of her table setting, saying "The children have broken and lost nearly all the knives and forks, so that I am ashamed of the appearance of my table." About that time one of the little fellows, feeling that her remarks were something of a reflection upon him, went to the table to inspect the situation. Pulling himself up on tip-toe, and looking around he said, "Why, ma, there's old Sharp, old Butch, old Case and old Stump, and that is all the knives we ever had." He regarded his speech as a complete acquittal for himself, but it was not so good for his mother's veracity.
Our people came to America long before stoves made their advent. The box heating-stove was the invention of Benjamin Franklin in 1753, but cook stoves did not appear until several years later, and were not in general use among the people until as late as 1830, even then they were hardly ever seen in the farmer's home. When cook stoves were first introduced they were objects of as great curiosity as a circus elephant and excited much comment. When heating stoves were first put into churches or "meeting houses," some of the people who had seats some distance back said the stoves "drove the cold back and made it colder than before." They complained that it was unfair to put the new fangled contraptions into the "meeting house" and drive all the cold to the ones in the back seats. The women had more trouble to learn to manage their newly purchased stoves than their great-great-grand-daughters have today in learning to run a typewriter or an automobile.
Cooking done in old times was done upon the open fireplace, and utensils used were all made of black cast iron, with the exception of a few copper and brass kettles. Tea kettles were thick, heavy iron, and some of them lasted for generations, if not broken by accident. Pots and kettles for boiling meats and vegetables, skillets and baking ovens were all heavy to handle. Happily our
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good old granddames knew of nothing better, and in such cases ignorance is bliss. If they had known of the existence of kerosene, or electric lights they would not have been satisfied to use tallow candles. Had they known of beautiful stoves and ranges such as we have today, they would have said they would not "bake their brains out cooking on a fireplace." Had they known of many of the thousands of other modern conveniences, it would probably have made them unhappy and dissatisfied with their lot.
Bread was baked in an iron oven that had legs to hold it up from the hearth.
It had a thick heavy lid, and both lid and oven were first heated on the fire.
The dough was put in, live coals were raked out on the hearth, the oven placed over them and the lid put on, and coals were put on it. Hot coals were added on top or underneath as required. They certainly did turn out fine bread, baked in these ovens. When travelling or when time was an object, they made "johnny cake," a term corrupted from journey cake. This was often baked on a spade or shovel, or the dough was put into a bed of hot ashes, when it was called "ash cake."
Later, sheet iron camp kettles were invented, and came into general use on the frontier and in camping out. They were light, heated quickly and would not break. Every operation in the work about homes and farms was done differently in those days. In washing, our great-great-grandmothers seldom had a washboard, certainly not one of metal such as were used later. Many families took the washing down to the creek or spring. A large iron or brass kettle was used for heating water and for boiling the clothes, which, instead of being rubbed on a washboard, were pounded with a heavy bat or paddle on a stump or bench, then rubbed by hand and rinsed. They were hung out on a line, often spread on the grass or on brush to dry.
MAKING SOFT SOAP
Any person of advanced years must have seen the old fashioned "ash hopper." This contrivance was nearly always seen in the back yard of every frontier home. It is not very uncommon yet in parts of the southwest. However common it was, I am free to say it was never popular with me in my boyhood days. When soap making time came, the boys and "women folks" carried water to saturate the contents of the ash hopper to make the lye, to "cut the grease" in making soap. It may be there are some of our older people who have pleasing recollections of soft soap making days, but the writer's memory carries no fond memories connected with the making of lye soap. From the very first, including putting the ashes into the hopper, carrying water to "start the lye," setting up and firing the big old kettle, chopping and carrying wood to keep it boiling, it was all work. Then the breathing of smoke. rubbing smarting eyes, stirring the boiling lye with its floating "cracklings" and tallow, the boiling and foaming over, the scorching
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and stinking of the malodorous brew all bring to me anything but pleasant associations. How could it be pleasant when I was nearly dying to go fishing or go in swimming? But that old soft soap had a "fetching way," when it came to removing dirt and grease.
MAPLE SUGAR MAKING
With all their privations and hardships, the pioneer forefathers had their pleasant things also. Sugar, such as we now have was not in common use. There were, in many locations, hard maple trees, "sugar trees," then called, that were tapped every spring and maple sugar and syrup were made from their sap.
Sugar making time was looked forward to with pleasant anticipation by the young people. It came along in the early spring when there were clear days and frosty nights and pretty hard freezing, but the days were warmer, with sunshine that started the sap flowing. In the groves of "sugar trees" was the sugar camp, where the sugar makers camped and boiled down the sap. When "sugar weather" came around, the trees were tapped by boring auger holes in them.
Tubes or spiles were then inserted to conduct the sap to the saptrough. The sap trough was made by cutting a small green maple log or stick of wood into lengths two feet long and splitting them through the middle, then digging out the wood on the split side with an axe and adze. These troughs were set under the drip of the spiles to catch the "sugar water." When our forefathers first began maple sugar making, they boiled the sap in any kettles or pots they might have, brass or copper being preferable. Later, they made long, shallow box-vats of sheet iron which were placed on a long, low furnace partly made of masonry, on which the vats were placed. The sugar troughs when full of sap were emptied into the vat or the kettles and a fire kept up to evaporate the water, while, from time to time, the scum was skimmed from the surface.
There was great fun in sugar making time, every stage of the process being enjoyed from the very beginning until the finished product was in cakes of sugar or vessels of maple syrup. Our good old great-grandmothers broke holes in the small ends of eggs, emptied their contents and then filled the shells with thick, granulated syrup to make Easter sugar-eggs for the children; and small cakes of sugar were moulded in receptacles of various shapes and sizes.
When a kettle of syrup was boiled down to a suitable consistency, the "sugaring off" process was gone through with to make the delicious old fashioned maple sugar. Those were "sweet times," indeed, for everybody concerned in making maple sugar. Every step of the process was watched by them with frequent libations of the fresh sap--that which had been boiled to a more syrupy consistence, and with scraping of the kettles for the sweet, sticky maple wax.
The old time way of maple sugar, as well as the old pioneer maple sugar makers have passed on, swept along by the tide of time
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and the march of modern events. Last summer I visited an old Kuykendall home in Illinois, near the Indiana line, where there settled about a hundred years ago some of our branch of the family, when the country all around was a forest. His grandson showed me around the plantation, a part of which had purposely been left almost in the original condition. Today there are magnificent beech, hard maple, oak, walnut and basswood trees standing in mighty grandeur. In one place there are still left the traces of the old sugar camp, where sugar and syrup were made about a hundred years ago. While still retaining its forest beauty there is a melancholy reminder of the people who lived there, and of the events of long gone days.
To many an old grandmother and grandfather of today, memory goes back tenderly to the old sugar camp, with its delightful associations, and they still have a fondness for the maple sugar that no "store sugar" with modern flavoring extracts, has ever been able to successfully imitate.
With a vivid memory of Indian alarms and fightings, with recollections of all their trials and hardships, scanty conveniences and comforts, there are yet found a few very old persons who, as they wend their way down the twilight of life, sigh when they think of their youthful days and happy days in the old sugar camps.
There are a few living whose recollections reach back to the days of linsey- woolsey hunting shirts, coonskin caps, with coon's tail hanging as an ornament; probably few, if any, have memories of the use of the flint lock rifle, but many can yet remember when the spinning wheel was far more common in homes than pianos and organs. Fortunately there is a tendency to forget sorrow and sad things, and to remember the pleasures and bright spots in life.
The genial, blazing fires in the great open fireplaces of our grandfathers made warmth and light for evening indoor enjoyments in their cabins. The great "back logs" and "fore-sticks" of maple, oak and hickory made hot fires that caused their homes to seem cheerful, despite their hardships.
After a long hunting expedition, tramp in the forest, or day of hard work in the rain and snow, "slashing" trees, or at other work, their immense fireplaces served a very useful and comforting purpose. By the light of the old fireplace many of our pioneer mothers, with rolls of carded wool, tramped back and forth by the side of the old spinning wheel, spinning yarn, while the hum of the spindles rang out in the darkness of the surrounding woods.
Some of the earliest pictures stamped upon my memory, in connection with the old time spinning wheels, for wool and flax, were of old Grandmother Kuykendall, or Aunt Mary, running the wheel. I can yet almost hear the ZooZ, ZooZ, ZooZ, of the spindles as they were urged around by the wheelstick. Old grandmother and Aunt Mary have laid at rest many a year.
Some of the amusements and employments of the older ones of our early fathers have been spoken of, but what of the little ones?
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Slim fare, homespun, unshapely clothes, scanty in quantity and often threadbare, Indian scares and forebodings of impending evils, could not dampen the spirits of the rollicking children of our forefathers. Except when in actual danger or suffering, the younger children were happy and care free, and seemed to enjoy life quite as well as children of these days, who play about on carpeted floors, under the illumination of electric lights. While the older people were engaged in their various useful employments of evenings, the children had their fun, popping corn by the big fireplace, eating nuts, playing blind man's buff, and many other games that have been handed down for generations. What did it matter to them if the floor was made of split puncheons and rocked about as they were walked over? What did it matter to them if they drank water from a gourd-shell dipper or took their evening meal of mush and milk from a wooden bowl and ate it with a horn spoon? The taste and nutrition were there--the rest is imagination.
In those days very few of the modern conveniences had come into existence.
People did not know of anything much better than they had, and so did not worry over wants and deficiencies.
PASTIMES AND SOCIAL AMENITIES
Play and amusements have always been necessary for the welfare of humanity, and never more than in times of hardship and distress. Young people in the times of our ancestors had no moving picture shows, phonographs, travelling shows or theaters to amuse and please them. There was a period in the very early part of the American history of the Kuykendall forefathers, when there was not even the annual circus. The children of those times never experienced the delight of watching the unloading from the cars of a circus outfit, nor saw a circus parade. Probably the sight of a railroad train would have been to them a bigger thing than any circus. These exalted heights of boyhood bliss came at a later date. The more popular pastimes of the young were dancing, foot racing, horseback riding, jumping, wrestling, shooting at a target and hatchet throwing. Our fathers had a way of turning useful labor into sport.
Many of their social gatherings were in the form of a "bee," as it was called, that would enable them to get a lot of work done under the guise of fun. At these gatherings they had competitive tests to see who could mow most hay, cut most grain or husk most corn. The idea was to see who could "beat" at any work to be done. This turned work into fun and contributed greatly to sociability and friendly feeling among the neighbors.
The neighbor women came together also at the log rollings, "slashings" and corn huskings, to aid in the preparation and serving of the dinner, and frequently had contests of their own. There was much hard work connected with the old time log rolling, slashing or harvesting bee, but it was all out in the open air, and they
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had keen appetites and strong bodies, and enjoyed to the full their homely fare.
The early settlers were nearly all good axmen, and when they got together at felling trees and clearing land, there was sure to be keen contests in chopping. Two of the best choppers were frequently pitted against each other to fell two trees of equal size. A modern baseball game between "crack" players is not watched today with more interest than were the sturdy strokes of those masters of the woods. When the cracking of the nearly severed trees presaged an early fall, the choppers bent eagerly to their work, and when the giants of the forests fell with a crash, the yells of the spectators made the woods ring. There was a hard forenoon's work at chopping, rolling and piling logs and brush. Then with faces and hands begrimed with sweat and charcoat dust, the men gathered to the cabin, at the sound of the horn or conch shell, for the noonday meal. No need of digestive tablets, or appetizers. After washing their faces and hands at the spring or "branch," they gathered around a rude table, part or all of it improvised for the occasion. Their appetites were not dampened because of pewter dishes, or wooden bowls, or by the fact that there were few forks and some of them with broken tines. While they ate, they laughed, told stories, joked each other, the cooks and waiters, and got all the pleasure possible out of their dinner. At corn huskings the company was divided up in two parties or "sides," by "choosing up." These two sides worked in competition with each other, to see which could finish its pile of corn first. It was the duty of the finder of an ear of red corn to kiss the girl next to him, which obligation was discharged promptly and willingly, to the amusement of the company, and doubtless with regrets of some that they were not the kisser or kissee. They worked, played sly pranks, and withal were not worrying about the cut, style or fit of their clothing, or whether they were of the latest fashion.
When young people got together in early pioneer days, they often practiced the imitation of the call of birds or animals for amusement, seeing which could make the best imitation. This was something they were afterwards able to turn to good account. The Indians were adepts in this practice. A hunter who could perfectly imitate a wild turkey or the bleating of a fawn, was often able to locate game by the response. Sometimes the white hunter was lured to his death by an Indian imitating the gobble of a wild turkey or the call of a deer. At other times the trained ear of the white hunter detected something crude or imperfect in the Indian's effort, whereupon he became the hunted one and lost his life--a victim of his own devices.
At nearly all gatherings of a social character in old times, there was pretty sure to be some whiskey. The host was supposed to furnish the stimulants for the occasion, the jug was brought out, and all present were supposed to take a "swig." It was seldom, however, that any became hilarious from too liberal indulgence.
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DRESS OF OUR FOREFATHERS
If we could suddenly be transported back to Albany or Kingston, New York, at the period of about 1660 or 1700, and meet our Kuykendall ancestors dressed in the style of their times, and we in the style of today, there would certainly be a mutual surprise. Such a meeting would bring together more than two hundred and fifty years of change. In that long interval the fashions of both men and women have gone through many transformations. Women's clothes, skirts, sleeves, and head dress have run the gamut of all possible changes. Hats, bonnets and other headgear of women have resembled anything from a little cabbage leaf to a poke, skyscraper or Dutch church, while dress skirts have been such as to call to mind a bean pole or a balloon or a circus tent. When our ancestors came over to this country they dressed in the attire of Hollanders. At what are now Albany and Kingston, New York, they were surrounded mostly by Hollanders who retained the dress and habits of their fathers. For a number of years they continued to wear "knee breeches" with buckles at the knees and wore large buckles on their shoes. It was the custom to shave the head and wear a wig. Men wore broad white collars covering a large part of their shoulders, and had large white cuffs on their coat sleeves. Peaked hats and the soft broad brimmed felt hats were worn about the same time. Our Kuykendalls and others who were in the Revolutionary war, when on dress parade, wore the cocked hats, worn by the militia of the time. Wooden shoes were worn by the Hollanders for some time after the first settlement, and later at Kingston.
There appeared gradually, however, a form of dress that has been regarded as characteristic of the American pioneer. While this type was peculiar to the frontiersman, it carried according to locality and environment. People were forced by circumstances to use such material for dress as they could make or obtain, and cut it out and make it up as they found most advantageous to them.
These days, fashions change with the seasons, or at the dictation of certain fashion centers, while our father's fashions were mostly dictated by necessity. The men wore trousers or "breeches," made of linsey-woolsey, jeans or dressed buckskin. In some of the mountain regions of the southwest, the younger men adopted long leggings instead of trousers. These were held up by a cord or belt. The hunting shirt was a long, lose frock coat, reaching half way down the thigh, and overlapped nearly a foot. It was girded by a belt or sash fastened behind. Held by this belt and placed under it on the right side was the hatchet or tomahawk, and on the left side in similar position was the scalping knife. The "shot pouch," for holding shots or bullets, was swung to the neck by a deerskin thong, and was pulled around to the left, below the arm, and with this was the powder horn or flask. The hunting shirt had a short circular cape, which was generally bordered with fringe. If made of buckskin
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the fringe was cut out of the same material. Sometimes it was made of some kind of bright colored cloth. Old hunters frequently made quite a display of ornamentation on their capes, by showy borders of bead work or porcupine quills. The head dress was a coonskin cap, with the tail of the coon left to hang as an ornament, while a few frontiersmen wore broad, soft rimmed, felt hats.
The general character of the footwear of our ancestors will already have been inferred from what has gone before. The articles worn, their styles and material have gone through all the changes from the shoes of our Holland ancestors to the styles and material of today. Whatever they wore was dictated more by necessity than by their tastes and preferences. An assortment of all the various forms of foot dress worn by our ancestors, since their coming to America, would make a most unique collection, worthy of any museum of antiquities in the line of dress. Moccasins made of the dressed skins of the deer or elk, coarse cowhide shoes and boots, and what were called shoe packs, in some of their various forms and modifications, would mostly represent the footwear worn by our fathers and mothers of old. The clothing of the women was very simple and consisted of but few articles, plainly made, from homemade materials and generally wholly devoid of ruffles or any kind of ornamentation.
We have read many accounts of the scanty dress of the women of our American frontier women, about the time of the Revolutionary war, and always with a twinge of pity and regret for our noble and patriotic mothers.
It is a matter of wonder how our great grandmothers and fathers found time to do all the multiplicity of things they did. With all our modern short cuts in domestic operations, our vastly improved implements and means for doing housework, with our ready made clothing and prepared articles of food, and other items, our modern women complain that they have no time for this and that. These days the men mostly buy, or have made by the tailor, the clothes they wear, as well as their shoes and stockings, and the women can get up a satisfactory meal from ready prepared foods bought at the grocery store or market. We have a thousand conveniences our fathers never knew, and yet they never seemed to be crowded with their work, and really appeared to get more out of life than we do. They could not work as rapidly as we, for they had not the appliances with which to work, and yet they accomplished wonders with instruments and agencies we would scorn to use. They did not have an eight- hour day; with them, the day's work was from sun to sun. They took a slower but regular gait, but kept at it and did not watch the clock for quitting time.
This brings to mind the fact that they had but few clocks or watches in early times of this country. When our Kuykendall fathers lived in the Delaware valley there were a few old Dutch and Swiss clocks and watches, of ancient pattern. These were found in homes here and there, but when they went to Virginia,
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the Carolinas, Tennessee or Kentucky, it was hard to pack clocks to carry safely, and they were usually left behind. There were a few old fashioned "bulls eye" watches, hand made, that had come over from Switzerland, and were occasionally found among the early settlers. These were thick, and were so nearly spherical that they were often called "turnips." A common way of asking the time was to say, "What time is it by your turnip?" This saying has come down even to the present, being occasionally heard.
Our forefathers usually estimated time by the height or position of the sun.
Common expressions were sun up, sun down, sun an hour high, daylight, dark, dusk, getting up time, bed time. These were used instead of stating the time by the clock. An early morning hour was designated by saying about "chicken crowing time" or "getting up time." For evening, "candle lighting time," or early candle lighting time, were very common expressions.
About the time of the coming of our ancestors to this country and for some years afterwards, an hour and its subdivisions were measured by the running of sand through an hour glass. The expression, "the sand has about run," was equivalent to saying the hour is about up.
HOW OUR FOREFATHERS MADE FIRE AND LIGHTS
The early methods of mankind in making fire and lights form an interesting chapter in the history of the world. They began with the friction of wood against wood, as in the case of the American Indians and other barbarous races. We enjoy the improved methods of domestic economy of today and wonder at those of our forefathers. Nothing could present in a more striking manner the inconveniences experienced by our fathers in starting fires and making lights, than a comparison of the methods they used, with those of the present time. Today, we touch a button or turn a switch, and instantly our homes are illuminated with a light, the whiteness and brilliancy of which our fathers never dreamed. We strike a fire with the convenient parlor match, which had not been seen or heard of until three generations after our people touched American soil. Our fathers started their fires with a flint and steel, a procedure so long gone out of use that very few, indeed, of their descendants would know how to undertake it, and some would have to consult a history or encyclopedia to learn the process.
A soft bar of steel was struck, in a slanting direction, against the sharp edge of a piece of flint. This would scrape off, or cut from the steel minute shavings or particles, that by friction, became white-hot and scintillated and sparkled for a fraction of a second. These sparks were allowed to fall over tinder or tow, which was ignited and burned slowly without flame. In order to
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cause it to flame it was blown gently and cautiously until it blazed up.
The process of fire making was sometimes expedited by sprinkling powder on the tow or tinder, or a wad of tow well sprinkled with gun powder was shot out of a gun and was in this way ignited and coaxed into a blaze by patient blowing.
Often, when our fathers went on journeys or were out on hunting trips, they had trouble in making fires. Traditions relate how, when moving in frontier times or otherwise on a journey, fire was carried from one camping place to another. Living coals from hard wood were carried in a little pack of ashes, about which was wrapped a damp cloth, to make a fire, when a camping place was reached. There were occasions when all the fire about the premises went out, and it was necessary to send away half a mile or a mile to get living coals to start a fire. In those days it was the invariable custom to "cover up the fire" at night before retiring, to keep it alive for fire building next morning. Whenever people went away from home to be gone over night, or for a number of hours, they covered up coals in a bed of ashes the same way. There are many elderly people living yet who can remember these things, especially those who lived in the southwest.
Friction matches were not in common use until about 1830, and in frontier places they were scarce even then and for some time afterwards.
The homes of our fathers were mostly lighted by the blaze of their fireplaces.
If more light was wanted for reading, pitch wood or pine knots were thrown on.
For a light to carry around the house, lamps were made of an old saucer or shallow dish, into which lard or tallow was placed, with a strip of cloth or candle wick. Then came tallow candles--first "tallow dips," then moulded candles. Tallow dips were made by dipping pieces of candle wick of proper length into hot tallow, then allowing them to cool, and repeating the dippings until the candle had assumed the proper size. Then came moulded candles, which were even in size and shape and better every way. Our fathers thought perfection in lights was reached when "star candles" came around. They were firm and hard and much whiter, and not so greasy were comparatively clean, and gave a whiter and better light. "Meeting houses" and schoolrooms were lighted for years by means of tallow candles placed in wooden or tin sconces. Many schoolhouses have been burned down as a result of wooden sconces taking fire.
Old people now living can testify to having had grease from candles above them, drip down upon their Sunday clothes. It was hard to remain in a worshipful attitude of mind with the sound of dripping tallow upon one's shoulder, head, or down upon his best vest. After years of use of tallow and adamantine candles, coal oil came into use. Then we boasted of the wonderful advances made since our father's time and thought our lights had about
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reached the limit of perfection. The writer has studied his school lessons many a night by the light of an open fireplace, the blaze of burning pitch wood, by the light of a tallow candle, or even a lard lamp.
CORN, ITS USES AND MODE OF PREPARATION
Corn was the most important food article used by our fathers, and it is doubtful whether they would have ever been able to retain their foothold upon the continent without its aid. It often saved them and their families from starvation. Corn would grow and thrive where wheat was subject to insect pests and was utterly unreliable, in all the eastern settlements. When our people came to this country, corn was given various names, among which were "Guinny wheat," or turkey wheat. It is a singular fact that our people fresh from Europe were at first not as successful raising corn as the Indians.
The different ways of preparing corn for food were mostly derived from the Indians, and the names they gave to different dishes they prepared from corn have, many of them, been retained by the whites; as for instance, succotash, pone, hominy, and suppawn. Before pounding corn to make meal, the Indians soaked it in hot water for ten or twelve hours, and then pounded and sifted it, and whatever failed to go through the basket sieve, was returned to the mortar and pounded again. The Indians had two forms of corn pounders, one the small mortar and hand pestle, often made of stone. To make the larger, they cut off a tree ten or twelve inches in diameter, about three feet above the ground, then hollowed out the top so as to make a basin-like cavity, to form the mortar. For a pestle they used a club or block or wood, so rounded at the end as to conform to the shape of the cavity of the mortar. Then they bent over a slim, springy sapling, so that the top would come over the cavity scooped out in the top of the stump. To this elastic top they fastened the pestle. The pestle was suspended over the mortar by the elasticity of the young sapling, and did not have to be lifted every time by the operator.
The first and simplest way our fathers used in making meal for bread, was by the use of what was called a "hominy block." This was a large block of wood that had a cavity scooped out of one end, and then charred and scraped to make it smooth. This bowl-shaped cavity caused the grains of corn to constantly fall toward the middle after it had been struck with the rounded end of the hard wood pestle. This was a slow process and as only one person could work at a time it was tiresome. The families were large those days, and they found need of a more rapid way of making meal, and so improved on the Indian's sapling and stump mortar and pestle. This was a contrivance arranged with a larger mortar, sometimes the stump of a tree or a cross section of a good
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sized hard wood tree. This was scooped out on the end like the hominy block.
Then there was a sweep pole thirty feet or more long, tapered to be very small and elastic at the outer end. The larger end was placed under the side of the house, or stump, and there was a supporting post one-third of the way from the larger end. To the outer and small end was suspended a large, heavy pestle four to six inches in diameter and six or eight feet long. Through the pestle, at a proper height, there was put a long pin, to be used as a handle, by two persons operating the pounder. This large pestle, when it came down, crushed many grains and others rolled down toward, the center ready for the next blow.
One of these contrivances when seen from a little distance which looked something like a well sweep. In New York and New Jersey they were usually called samp mills. They made a thumping sound that was frequently heard for a mile or more if the air and wind were right. Some of our early Kuykendalls settled on Long Island, New York, and they and their neighbors used these samp mills. There was a saying among the boatmen on the sound, that they could tell where they were, by the sound of the samp mills pounding corn. Where there were large families, the corn pounding had to be kept in operation almost constantly to keep them in bread.
When corn was still somewhat a little soft, and not quite fit to be made into meal by pounding or grinding, a soft meal was made by grating it on a grater.
This grater was made by taking a sheet of iron or tin of the proper size, and punching it full of holes, on a block of wood. The opposite side of the sheet was left rough, with sharp elevated circular rims. This perforated sheet was then bent into an arch and nailed to a board, so that when it was done, it looked like a huge nutmeg grater. About that same period meal was often ground in a small hand mill that had two small circular burrs. The lower stone was stationary and the upper revolved above it. Around both was fitted a thin rim that stood a little off from the upper stone so that it would turn easily. A spout was arranged to carry away the meal as fast as ground, or it was allowed to fall into a receptacle below. There were contrivances for turning the upper stone in grinding. In the outer edge of the upper stone there was a hole into which was inserted the lower end of a staff or spindle, the upper end of which was inserted in a hole in a board that was fastened to the joists of the room.
There were other contrivances similar in general principles. The operator took hold of the lower end of the spindle and rotated the top stone rapidly. The corn was fed to the mill through the same hole that received the spindle. This form of hand mill was called a quern. In the simplest form it was almost identical with the handmills used by the orientals during Bible times and perhaps for thousands of years before. So far as I have been able to learn, about the same methods were used by our own forefathers and other settlers on the frontiers of the colonies of New York,
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New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia and further west and south.
All methods of grinding meal or flour, such as by use of the hominy block, coffee mill, sweep pestle mortar, and the little hand mills were very slow and tedious, and suitable only for emergencies of short duration. Advantage was soon taken of the power afforded by the small brooks, creeks and rivers to run little corn mills and lumber mills. While this chapter was in preparation, a letter was written to Mr. Horace Kephart, author of a very interesting book on "Our Southern Highlanders." In answer, he wrote from Bryson City, North Carolina:
"I have read with much pleasure your letter forwarded to me from New York. The photo you sent me of the Kentucky mountaineer's quern is very interesting. I have never seen a quern in this country, but they are to be found in European museums. In our mountains they used a mortar and pestle sometimes in plain form, but generally with a beam attached by which the pestle was worked, either by hand or by water flowing into and spilling out of a box on the end of the beam (pounding mill). Such contrivances are still used by the Cherokee Indians in this country."
The picture of quern or hand mill shown on page 450 was made from a photograph sent me by the Filson Club, of Louisville, Kentucky, whose courtesy was much appreciated.
As before stated, our fathers began early building mills for grinding corn and sawing lumber, all of which at first were small and very simple and primitive in construction. The first corn mills were usually called "tub mills." These days when we hear a flouring mill spoken of we think of a large building, several stories high, built of stone or brick, or even of steel, with extensive machinery for cleaning and rolling, crushing or grinding wheat for making various cereal foods. The grist mill of the olden times was a small affair. There was a set of two stones, the one which revolved being fastened directly to the shaft of the water wheel that drove it, and it could only go as fast as the water wheel. When the water ran low the mill went slow, and not unfrequently stopped; then the miller had to wait, to "catch a head," that is, until the water filled in above the dam. The distance people went to these little old mills seems amazing to us. Some were known to go as far as sixty miles, with a sack of shelled corn, behind them on their horse's back. When arrived at the mill, the "customer" had to wait his turn, and if the water was low, or the burrs dull, the waiting process was frequently a long and tedious one. Many times the miller was jibed and "guyed" about his mill's poky slowness. Corn meal and even the flour ground by the first mills of the country was not bolted by the mill, but was taken to the pioneer's home and sifted through a home made sieve. One of those sieves would be a curiosity these days, for it was made by stretching a piece of wet hairless deerskin (rawhide) over a wooden rim, and when it was dry, small holes were burned through it with a knitting needle or other hot point. Our ancestors had truly to earn their
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bread by the sweat of their brows. Such a thing as flour, ground, bolted and sacked in quarter barrel sacks and kept on sale at grocery stores was unknown.
SUBSTITUTES AND MAKESHIFTS
We learn by actual experience only, how many things we can do without, or for which we can find a substitute. Our earliest pioneers could not have glass for their windows and so used greased paper. They wrote with pens made of geese or swan quills. They often could not get a thing so common with us as brass pins to fasten their clothes. If a man "busted his gallus button off," he cheerfully fastened the suspender with a thorn or wooden peg, and went about his business. A gourd made a good dipper, seed receptacle or button box.
Little boys in the days of old had no hobby horses, but they rode stick horses bravely to mimic battles, and with wooden guns and swords slew thousands of Indians, and later became great scouts and warriors. The great grandmothers of the present generation had not the beautiful modern dolls, but they loved and nestled little soiled rag babies and played keeping house with broken bits of dishes, and grew up to be the kindest, noblest and best mothers in the world.
When our forefathers could not have steel hay forks they used the fork of a hickory or ash bush; the teeth of their harrows were made of wood, and they sometimes "brushed in" their grain or grass seed, with the bushy top of a tree. If they had no nails, and they usually did not have them, they fastened things together with rawhide whangs, tough hickory or hazel withs, and they stayed fastened. When the new baby came to the cabin they did not rush off to the furniture store and buy a baby wagon or fancy cradle, but cut off a section of a hollow log and made a log cradle. Hickory bark was frequently made to duty to make tugs for plow harness, and twisted corn "shucks" were used in making horse collars.
Many of the great-great-grandmothers of the present generation did not know how to use tea or coffee, particularly those who lived on the extreme frontier. Some of them had heard that these articles were used in "high toned" families, or on especial occasions, and to be up to date and in style, a little tea was kept for such times. In numerous instances the good old ladies did not know, after the tea was bought, how to use it. Many very amusing accounts are given in old diaries and newspapers, about the funny things that happened while they were learning its preparation. In some instances tea was cooked, in the expectation of making it tender like cabbage or greens, and attempts were made to eat it, thus after it had been buttered and salted. Tea was sold in drug stores, or apothecary shops, then called. Coffee, in the times of our old great-great-grandmothers was never sold otherwise than in the green, unroasted state. Instances are on record where they
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boiled coffee grains for hours, to make them soft and tender, that they might be eaten like peas or beans.
No one ever found a substitute for common salt. Abundant and cheap salt is found everywhere among us today, but it was not so with our forefathers, in New York, New Jersey, and particularly out in Pennsylvania, Virgina, Tennessee and Kentucky. With the early settlers, salt was a luxury as well as a necessity. When, for a short time, salt is cut off from our food, the salt hunger becomes imperative and nothing but salt will appease it. At points near the coast, our early fathers got their salt from the coast towns, to which it was shipped mostly from Liverpool. There are many elderly people who remember that their fathers and mothers used to always call for Liverpool salt, when they bought salt at the country store. We, the great-great-grandchildren of our forefathers have more and better things to eat, better and nicer clothing to wear every day of the year, better and more convenient appliances for all uses in our homes and domestic life, than were ever dreamed of by our ancestors.
After our people went to Virginia (now West Virginia), they in common with their neighbors, packed their salt out from Baltimore, Hagerstown and even from as far as Philadelphia. Further west in Tennessee, Kentucky and other states, salt was made at salt springs, where rude "saltworks" were established. Earlier, the people went to the salt springs, camped and boiled down the spring water in their kettles. No one who has done without salt, until the real salt hunger was felt, can form an idea of the avidity with which fresh meats were eaten when well salted, after a salt famine.
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CHAPTER XXXII
SCHOOLS, IN THE TIME OF OUR FATHERS
Perhaps modern advancement is nowhere shown to better advantage than in a comparison of the old school methods with those of recent days. When our first ancestor landed at New York there were but a few hundred inhabitants and no regular schools. In November, 1647, shortly after his arrival, Peter Stuyvesant, who had just assumed the office of Director General of the settlements, at New Amsterdam, wrote back to Holland asking what arrangements he should make for a school. He reported that there were no schools there at that time, saying. "The youth are running wild, and for lack of a proper place, no school had been kept three months." In 1649, some of the enemies of Stuyvesant sent a complaint to Amsterdam, saying, "There ought to be a public school, with at least two good teachers, so that the youth in so wild a country, where there are so many dissolute people, may first of all, be well indoctrinated not only in reading and writing, but also in the knowledge and fear of the Lord." It seems that by this time a school had been started, but had not been regularly kept. In those days, more attention was given to teaching morals, manners and religion, than in more recent times. Besides reading, writing and arithmetic, pupils were taught the ten commandments, the creed, catechism, the Lord's prayer, respect for old age and for those in authority.
Whatever may have been good or admirable in many ways, about the teachings and intentions of our forefathers, we cannot but feel sorry for their children because of many serious educational short-comings in their school training.
Their schoolhouses were but little better than barns or stables, and were constructed without the least reference to comfort, health or convenience of either pupils or teachers. They were always badly lighted, and in winter were cold and uncomfortable. School hours were long, and the regime was tyrannical.
In the early Dutch New York schools, the pupils sat in rows around the room, with hats, bonnets or caps on, except in time of prayer, or while reciting. In the first schools of the American colonies, the daily sessions began at six o'clock in the morning and lasted until six in the evening, in the summer, and in winter continued as long, only that they began an hour later and continued that much later in the evening. They frequently lit tallow candles for to finish the day's school work. Getting an education in those days was a serious business.
The early schools of our Dutch forefathers were mostly taught by men. These teachers had various duties besides teaching the children in school. The old teaching contracts show that they were expected to read in the church, the morning scripture lesson, lead
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the choir, keep the church registers, and to act as sexton at the burial of the parishioners. There are still some of those contracts in existence in New York. Corporeal punishment was in those days thought to be absolutely necessary to success in school discipline, and the rod was used with an unsparing hand. If a teacher were these days, to inflict such punishments as were then common and thought to be right and proper, he would be mobbed or thrown into prison. A necessary part of the teacher's equipment was a good bundle of birch or hickory rods, a dunce's block, a fool's cap or dunce's cap, and a "plak." The plack preceded the ferrule or ruler, with which pupil's hands were slapped at a later day. It consisted of a circular piece of board about four to five inches in diameter, with a handle attached. I have seen several old cuts representing an old Dutch New York school in session, showing the austere old teaching sitting, cap on, with the plak in hand, like the sceptre of a king. This instrument of school government was often made so as to be a real instrument of torture, having numerous fine, sharp metallic points sticking out over its surface, so as to inflict agonizing pain and even draw blood. Causing a pupil to stand, long periods, holding a heavy weight, or in strained positions was common practice, as a punishment. It seemed to be the idea in those days to hammer ideas into the heads of the pupils, without any regard to their feelings. The notion prevailed that young poeple had to be repressed, restrained and held down, or the devil in them was liable to break out any time. Getting an education was a "bitter pill," with many a youngster.
School books in those early times were dull, dry, hard and unattractive, with no pleasing, helpful illustrations. No attempt seems to have been made to adapt them to the capacity or understanding of pupils. It never seems to have occurred to authors of school books to make them attractive, easier and more pleasant. Books for children's study seem to have been made for persons who were already sages and philosophers. Among other customs was that of "watering the school" by having a water bucket passed around among the pupils, all drink, one after another, from an old rusty dipper or a gourd. The daintiest young lady in the school took the cup or dipper from an urchin who had just had his dirty lips or his thumb and fingers over its rim and this was thought to be all right. All drank in blissful ignorance of disease germs that doctors tell us cling to such old receptacles. In the early schools of the American colonies there was kept in the entry of the building a coarse comb, made of iron, with a wooden handle, for common use. When we think of the condition of some of the pupil's scalps, it is enough to give one "the creeps" to think of the millions of microbes that were scattered over the craniums of innocent pupils.
In the earlier schools of this country, pupils were permitted to "study aloud," that is to drone their lessons over in a monotonous tone, without accent or expression, each one going on regardless of
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any of the others. The noise and confusion made a veritable bedlam. How such a practice came into use would probably be hard to explain.
Steel pens were not known those days and a part of the teacher's equipment consisted in an assortment of goose quills and a "pen knife." Ink was made at home of copperas and nut galls. It was durable when properly made, and as goose quills would not rust, no fault was found with its corroding properties.
A well made goose quill pen wrote very smoothly and in the hands of a good penman, made beautiful specimens of writing. The teacher was expected to make the pens for the pupils and keep them sharpened and in order. The writer can well remember using goose quill pens in his first efforts at chirography, and of his father making pens for home writing, also of the teacher making and fixing and mending and sharpening pens for pupils in school.
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CHAPTER XXXIII
CHURCHES, SABBATH AND RELIGIOUS MEETINGS
Only a short time before the coming of our ancestors to America their people had been engaged in war against Philip II, King of Spain, battling for religious and political freedom. Being Protestants and adherents of the Reformed church, they were, by faith and tradition, against all forms of tryanny and oppression. On their arrival on the American shore they naturally associated themselves with people of the same faith as their fathers. When they lived at Fort Orange (Albany, New York), their neighbors were mostly Hollanders with a few Huguenots, who had fled from the old country to escape persecution. When they had become settled at Kingston, the records show that they were active in the religious and educational movements of the communities where they lived. At Deerpark, Machackemeck, Minisink and Walpack they were members of the Reformed church, and we find their names signed to petitions asking for the organizing of new churches, and to subscriptions to help pay for the erection of churches and the support of their pastors. They often made great sacrifices to educate their children. Quite an extensive correspondence and investigation leads me to believe this has been the case all along.
During the residence of the family in the Hudson and Delaware valleys, as long as the church kept up its organization, many, if not most of the Kuykendalls, were loyal members and supporters.
Before the migration of that part of the family which went to Virginia, between 1742 and later, the Presbyterian church had begun to increase in numbers and influence in the old home regions. Their pastors used the English language in preaching and other religious services, while the Reformed church dominies still adhered to the Dutch language. The younger ones of our people, who had learned the English in childhood, preferred the English preaching.
When our people arrived in Virginia, the country there was so new and unsettled that there were no regularly organized churches, and the settlers were mostly of Scotch-Irish descent who had been raised under Presbyterian influences. The first church organizations there were mostly Presbyterian, and so many of the Kuykendalls joined in with the people of that church. Its teachings and church polity is almost the same as those of the Reformed church, and so the transition was easy. At the present time, there are few, if any, of our people who are members of the Reformed church of their fathers.
There were times in the history of the family, both when they lived in New York and in New Jersey and regions further west, when it was impossible for the settlers to hold public religious
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services, because of the Indians. While at worship the savages crept upon them, or while the families were away from home at church, they robbed their houses or stole or destroyed their farm stock. Even the courts sometimes had to adjourn because of the Indians. These conditions led to the almost universal practice of the old pioneers carrying rifles wherever they went.
Even the minister carried his gun to the preaching place, and while preaching leaned it against the table. They had no pulpits that early. The members of the congregation sat upon backless wooden benches, or even on logs, with their rifles by their sides. What an appearance such an audience must have made, with their grotesque dress of homespun clothes, their coonskin caps or slouched woolen hats, and wearing moccasins, shoe packs or cowhide shoes, and some of the women even barefooted! They had no such thing as an organ in their churches those days in the frontier preaching places, no choir, and no hymn books except a few of the ancient "psalm books." The hymns were "lined out," that is, the preacher read aloud two lines, and then the congregation sang them, and then other lines were read. If the hymn was one familiar to those present, the minister said "please sing without lining." Much of the traveling about was done with poky ox wagons, and their church music was in slow, ox- wagon time. What their singing lacked in speed, the preaching made up in endurance, for the old time sermon on foreordination, predestination, hell and damnation lasted from one and a half to three hours.
To have introduced the rag time music often heard in churches these days, would have been considered sacrilege and a scandal, and the perpetrators of such an unholy innovation would have been put out of the "meeting house." Some of those old notions, more or less modified, clung to many congregations for years. Many of our older people have heard the church organ denounced as the "wooden brother," and objected to on account of its use being "worshipping the Lord with machinery."
At first in the west, people of different church predilections came together in a union meeting, without much thought of differences in church doctrine.
Sunday was not observed as a day of worship in the west as it had been back in the east. They abstained from labor generally, but the day was mostly given up to visiting among their neighbors, going fishing, hunting or getting together somewhere in the neighborhood for horse racing, wrestling, foot racing or for a shooting match. After the country began to be settled up, home made stills began to appear in the gulches and along the small streams, and whisky was made from rye and corn. The stills were cheap contraptions, which were easily constructed with a few feet of coiled lead pipe, a large kettle and a vat or cauldron, the cost of the whole outfit being very small. These were very common in the mountainous regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas and Georgia. In the early ancestral home regions
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in the Delaware valley a great deal of hard cider was drunk, and the Indian's fondness for it was amazing. Charges of rum and whisky were found frequently in the ledgers of the old taverns. A majority of the people drank more or less, for whisky was cheap. Nearly every family kept a jug of brandy or whisky about the house, and it was considered one of the highest marks of hospitality to bring out the jug or decanter, when a friend called. It was considered nothing against a man's religious character to take his dram of whisky whenever he felt so disposed.
About a hundred years ago now, there traveled in the Southwest an eccentric preacher named Lorenzo Dow. He was of rather superior education for the times, and had considerable natural eloquence, but was quite eccentric. He had wonderful zeal and was very industrious. He was from the eastern states, and traveled and preached all over the southwest. He labored in Kentucky and Tennessee where a number of the Kuykendalls lived. His natural eloquence, magnetic personality and oddity of dress and manner attracted great crowds wherever he preached. He held camp meetings and preached much out under trees.
I have heard my father and other of grandfather's people relate anecdotes they had heard concerning him. He was strong on preaching about hell fire and the judgment day, and believed in "stirring people up." One time down in Kentucky, he announced that he was going to preach on the "Judgment Day." Before preaching time he called up a young darkey and said to him, "Rastus, I want you to climb up into the thick top of that tree there, where the people cannot see you, and when I am preaching, and you hear me say 'Blow, Gabriel, blow,' take this horn and blow two or three times as loud as you can." Rastus said "All right, Massa Dow, I'll do dat berry ting." So a great crowd was assembled and all listened with bated breath to the thrilling eloquence of the preacher as he pictured the judgment day and the sinner's doom, which was liable to come suddenly, at any moment. The audience was spell-bound and in a state of high emotional tension, when he cried out, "The people deserve thy judgment, O Lord, blow, Gabriel, blow." The darkey up the tree gave a tremendous blast.
The effect was electrical, the people shrieked with terror, some fell to the ground paralyzed with fear and sense of guilt, and there were prayers and cries for mercy, and confession of meanness.
After the excitement was over the minister told them he had taken the means he did to show them now unprepared they were and how they would feel if the judgment were really to suddenly come.
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CHAPTER XXXIV
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS, OLD TIME WEDDINGS
Among all people, marriages and weddings have always held a commanding interest in social life. With our forefathers, marriage was looked upon as a matter of very serious import and was regarded almost as a religious ceremony.
Even a promise of marriage, actual or implied, was considered almost as binding as the marriage vow. In early times there were many different forms of betrothal, which was frequently in the presence of witnesses, and generally with the exchange of rings or of some other pledge or token. In some instances, a coin was broken in two and each of the plighting parties retained half as a pledge. In other instances one of the arms of each party was slightly scratched, so as to allow a drop or two of blood to flow, and the blood of each was allowed to mingle with that of the other as a symbol of their union, and the union of the blood of the two families. There were instances where they signed the marriage pact with a pen dipped in the blood of the two. These different ceremonies showed that it was expected that a marriage would "stick." There was not one divorce then to where there are a hundred today.
Among the customs brought over to New York (then New Amsterdam) from Holland, was that of young women beginning to spin and weave linen for their wedding trousseau, long before the wedding or even before an engagement. It was considered a shiftless and almost shameful matter for a girl to not have for her future husband a bridal present, consisting of a lace collar and cuffs, and an outfit of linen for herself to begin housekeeping with. This custom was, however, soon lost sight of in the new world.
In the remote frontiers, there were few social events, and the settlers embraced the opportunity of a wedding to have a big time. In the matter of dress, furniture and outward settings they had little to foster pride or envy, but they had the essentials, the bride and groom, the bridesmaids, the wedding ceremony, the dinner and the many little social amenities that made the occasion a great affair for the neighborhood. Above all they had the abounding health and animal spirits, and an open hearted hospitality that went far to supply all other deficiencies.
The mating and home making instinct was strong, early marriages were the rule, and large families were generally considered desirable. There were no great differences of wealth and social position to cause heart burnings and mar their social pleasures.
Let us in imagination go back a hundred and forty years and picture an old fashioned pioneer wedding. It is about noon. We approach the place where the ceremony is to take place. The cabin is already about filled, and outside in the yard, sitting or
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standing are groups of all ages. Hitched to the rail fence, or out by the log- barn are horses tied. The riding outfits range from a pioneer saddle to a sheepskin fastened on by a rope. The vehicles standing about are common farm wagons, and perhaps an ox cart. The dress of the groups about show all the variegations of frontiersmen's clothes, among which are seen the hunting shirt, the short waumus, butter nut dyed pants, perhaps buckskin breeches with fringe up and down the legs. Some have on belts to which are attached a hunting knife in a scabbard. Our society belles would blush to their ears, or go into a fit, at sight of the dress of the young men and women who were their great-great-grandfathers or mothers. Foot dressings were coarse brogan shoes, or high top boots--heavy home-made affairs. Women's shoes were of the same heavy, home-made patterns, and stockings were of common home-made woolen yarn, butter-nut dyed.
It was the custom for the friends of the bridegroom to assemble at the home of his father, and then all go together to the home of the bride. The practical joker was usually on hand, and it was not unusual to find a rope or grapevine stretched across the path, that sent some one or more sprawling on the ground.
This was looked upon as great sport, and resulting hurts short of a broken leg or neck were considered a part of the game, and nothing thought of them.
Whisky was found at all weddings and most of the guests took their "dram."
When the bridegroom's party had arrived within a short distance of the bride's home, two of the young men were selected to "run for the bottle," which was a black bottle full of whisky. It was decorated with a white ribbon about its neck, and called "Black Betty." At the bride's home were assembled her friends, awaiting the party of the groom. The two riders in the race for the bottle were ready for the run, and when the word was given they were off, and went dashing over rocks, roots, and gulleys, whipping and spurring as if the issue were life or death, and utterly regardless of danger. At the bride's home, they found the other party out waiting and watching the issue. One of them held up "Black Betty" in full view of the riders, ready for the grasp of the winner. The victor seized the bottle with a resounding whoop and dismounted. He passed the bottle around, first to the prospective bride and then to other ladies, the gentlemen coming in due order. Even the dignity of the preacher did not suffer by taking a swig. If he had killed a bear or two and was good with a rifle his reputation was made.
The wedding took place before dinner, and the ceremony was performed by the minister; or if they had none, by a justice of the peace. At the dinner there was no standing on ceremonies. There was no criticism of the style or settings for the occasion. There was an abundance of substantial food, consisting almost exclusively of such things as were produced on farm or in their gardens, with
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chicken, turkey, venison, corn bread, and cider in abundance. These articles were all put on the table at once and not doled out in courses, and often there had to be a second table set. They had no place cards or printed wedding announcements. The invitations were verbal and often were given to a good part of the neighborhood.
Sometimes a neighbor failed to get an invitation and took it as a personal affront. There were cases where the offended party proceeded to show his indignation or spite by shaving off the manes, tails and fetlocks of the horses belonging to the bridal parties. This sometimes started a family feud that lasted for years.
The wedding was always followed by a dance, which began as soon as all were ready, and was kept up until next morning. The dresses of the women were made to clothe their persons, and not to expose as much as decency would permit.
The dancing shoes were anything from moccasins to stogy boots. They usually had one or two fiddlers (they had no violins or violinists those days, just plain fiddles and fiddlers). The tunes played were such as had been used for generations. The figures of the modern dance were unknown. The light by which they tripped off their jigs, waltzes, polkas and quadrilles, was the blaze of pitch wood in their big open fireplaces.
The bride was not expected to remain up all night, but along about midnight, a party of young ladies took her quietly off to bed, which was usually upstairs.
They saw her safely in bed and then left her, and soon a bevy of young men headed by the groomsman, took the groom and saw him to bed. Going upstairs, in those days was often climbing a ladder set by the side of the chimney, in the corner of the room. At the dinner and in the evening, toasts were drunk to the success and happiness of the bride and groom, with wishes that they might be blessed with wealth, and that all their troubles might be little ones, emphasizing the last two words to clear up any ambiguity.
The dancing went on until day light, when the guests returned home for a much needed rest. About a week later, there was what was called an "infare," when a similar round was gone through, including the run for the bottle, the dinner and dance.
After the country became more densely settled, and churches and good schools had been established, these old customs were gradually modified. With the coming of schools and colleges the ways and manners of the people became more polite and refined; with better houses, better clothing and more home comforts they began to want to have better social environments and influences, and to be more in line with modern progress. Modern times have not improved upon the old fashioned pioneer hospitality, whatever advances have been made otherwise.
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CHAPTER XXXV
SICKNESS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT
The quack, advertising doctor and patent medicine almanacs were not cutting much figure in the world when our ancestors came to this country. There were two physicians at Fort Orange (Albany, N. Y.) during the time our family lived there, but exact knowledge of medicine was about where it had been for five hundred years. It was not the custom of our early ancestors to employ physicians, except in very serious cases. There were no drug stores then.
Places where medicines were componded were called apothecary shops. Physicians were few in the country. The pioneer settlers depended mostly on their own resources. It had long been the custom for the housewives of the families to look after all ordinary cases of sickness and accidents. The women gathered various herbs, barks, roots and leaves, to be used for family medicines. These were kept where they could be gotten at as occasion required. The use of home- made "bitters" was very general. These were made by putting bitter barks and roots in whisky. It was a very prevalent idea that in the spring season, people needed a "medicine," to thin and purify the blood. The bark of sassafras was much used to make a tea for this purpose. Sarsaparilla and burdock were used for the same purpose. Sweating was produced by drinking hot spearmint tea, aided by hot foot baths. The mustard plaster was in those days at the height of its glory, and was used good and strong, so that amid its burning the patient forgot his other miseries. There are many people living who can remember of drinking boneset tea, and of being covered with mustard plasters that burned like living coals.
A vigorous emetic was given at the beginning of "bilious fevers" or a "bilious spell." The usual emetic was ipecac or boneset tea. When a person had retched and strained until he could see stars, he broke out into a profuse sweat and was as limp as a rag, and for the time being, felt much relieved. This prompt, vigorous treatment no doubt cut short many attacks that otherwise would have resulted in more prolonged sickness. While this treatment, at the time, seemed rather hard, the results often appeared to justify the means.
Many years ago there sprung up what was called the Thompsonian system of medication. Its author taught that all minerals were poisonous and only roots and herbs should be used in medicine. This apostle of roots and "yarbs," sold his medicines put up in packages, each medicine known by a number. With the medicines were sent pamphlets telling of their wonderful virtues and how to use them. I well remember two of them, "Number Six" and "Composition." Number six was a liquid form of hades, and composition
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was the dry form, or so it seemed to me, when I had to take it for sore throat and colds. It was a combination of cayenne pepper, ginger and other hot stuffs, and was reputed to be good for almost anything from a sore toe to cramp colic or Asiatic cholera. Its proprietor advised its use externally, internally, and almost eternally. Long before Thompson, however, our good old grandmothers knew the virtues of many herbs, barks and seeds for medicine.
Two or three generations ago, it was generally thought, especially by the old ladies, that nearly all children were infested by worms. There were certain signs they said that infalliby indicated their presence. If a child had a variable appetite, was sick at the stomach and "got white around the mouth and 'gritted' his teeth in his sleep"--these were sure signs of worms, and demanded the prompt use of "worm medicine." Many a poor little fellow was doped with turpentine or wormseed tea, to drive out or kill worms, when its trouble was indigestion caused by eating unwholesome food. Croup was a much dreaded ailment among children, and really seems to have been more severe and dangerous than it is today. Hot onion poultices, lobelia, or hive syrup were the more common remedies. Burns were treated with poultices of scraped potatoes or carrots, or were dredged with flour, or common baking soda, in later times. Two generations ago no one knew anything about disease germs or of antiseptics. In the healing of all kinds of wounds, burns and cuts, it was thought that the formation of pus was necessary. Such a thing as the healing of an open wound, without pus formation was never expected.
There was a chronic form of rheumatism that was very prevalent in the times of our pioneer forefathers, that caused more or less lameness and stiffening of the joints, with pain and aching, particularly of nights. They were much exposed to changes of weather, out in snow, rain and freezing winds, and often had to remain out with wet clothes on for long periods of time. We hear a great deal about old people being so active in former times, and of men of seventy-five to eighty-five, as "straight as an arrow and as spry as a cat," but they are more frequent in good stories than they were in reality. Old men, crippled and lame from rheumatism, were very common and those "spry as a cat" men were few, when they had passed sixty years.
To mention all the medicines they used for rheumatism would be to run the gamut of almost everything known by them. Cupping, blistering, scarifying and counter irritation with pungent, burning liniments were among the most common external remedies. Among the plants and roots they used were the ordinary poke root, jimson weed, black cohosh, and a few others. These were usually put into whiskey and formed a kind of bitters. Since it was impossible, situated as they were, to remove the cause of their ailment, the relief they obtained was mostly of a temporary character.
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There was more or less superstition connected with the ideas of people concerning medicines those days, and this led to their believing in the virtue of such things as carrying a "buckeye" or a potato in the pocket for rheumatism, or the blood of a black cat for erysipelas, or the virtue of a rattlesnake's rattle worn in the crown of the hat, for rheumatism. Among the Pennsylvania Dutch the belief in such things was more common than anywhere in the country.
The great-great grandparents of the present generation of adults lived mostly in open houses that admitted air freely, yet when any of the family had a fever or serious sickness, there was a great dread lest air should touch the person and he should "take cold." Cold water was never given to a fever patient, they first dropped a live coal or hot burnt crust of bread into it, "to take off the chill." When water was given, the patient was admonished to take a very little only, for fear of its being injurious to him. Many a person in those days almost burned up with fever and in an agony of thirst who was not permitted to gratify his longing for water.
"Taking cold" was the scape goat for the failings, neglect and ignorance of nurses and doctors and was made to account for all relapses and unfavorable turns in sickness. If the patient died, his death was very often attributed to his having taken cold. Even when an open wound became infected, and profuse suppuration set in, it was generally said the person had taken cold in it.
Bleeding was thought to be a great remedy for many acute illnesses, particularly for pleurisy and lung fever; they did not have pneumonia those days, or did not call it so. The old time doctor carried his lancet with him every time he made a visit to a patient, and often used it. When he decided to bleed, the patient's arm was bared to well above the elbow, a bandage was placed tightly around it. The patient was told to grasp a broomstick, that was placed upright by the bedside. When the veins of the arm stood out well the lancet was plunged in, and a basin or bowl was brought to catch the blood.
When the patient showed signs of faintness or became weak, the flow of blood was stopped. There were no anaesthetics those days, and if a man had a leg broken or limb out of joint, or a surgical operation was needed, the unfortunate one "gritted his teeth" and bore it. Surgical operations were few, and appendicitis had not yet been "invented." People lived in happy ignorance of the existence of microbes or of having, inside of them, such a dangerous thing as an appendix to their internal organs. They went on fearlessly eating grape seeds and skins, and even swallowing choke cherry stones, while we tremble in dread of an appendicitis operation, should we happen to let a grape seed slip down accidentally.
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CHAPTER XXXVI.
INDIAN WARFARE, FORTS AND INDIAN ATROCITIES.
To protect themselves as much as possible from the Indians, every neighborhood had its fort, and in sections where people were much scattered, nearly every settler had his home surrounded with a high stockade. This was made by setting round logs into the earth, on end and touching each other. Portholes were left where they would be most convenient to shoot from. The larger forts consisted of several cabins, to which the families of the neighborhood fled in time of Indian outbreaks, and remained as long as necessary. The walls of the houses, which stood in a row on one or two sides of the enclosure, formed part of the fort walls. They were arranged to suit the convenience or necessities of those who were to occupy and defend them. They were frequently built so that the roofs were highest on the outside, slanting backward and inward. On the corners of the more pretentious forts there were blockhouses. These projected two or more feet outside of the fort on two sides, and were sometimes built two stories high, or so as to have an upper room, the upper story projecting over the lower. This enabled the settlers to guard the outside of the fort against attempts of the Indians to chop or burn it, or climb over.
The forts were built so as to enclose a spring or well, so that if besieged, they could not be shut off from water. Folding gates or doors, made of thick timbers were hung on strong wooden hinges, and were provided with strong barricades.
In the states of Kentucky and Tennessee the tendency was to group the houses of the settlers close together, and erect a stockade around them. These were sometimes called "stations." In times of sudden uprisings of the Indians there was a hurried scrambling in the neighborhood to get to these places of safety.
Hostilities "broke out" usually in the summer and as a result the farming and gardening operations of the settlers suffered great neglect. While the owners could not look after the gardens, the chipmunks, groundhogs and crows gave them their destructive attention. Fences were knocked down and gardens destroyed, so that often there was little or nothing to show for all the settler's worry and labor.
On the coming of spring and good weather, our fathers had to look out for an attack any time. When it was learned that Indians had been seen in the neighborhood, messengers were sent with all speed to alarm the settlers. If it was night time, they rapped at the door, window, or on the log walls where the beds of the sleepers were supposed to be, and in a low tone announced "Indians!" One time telling was all that was required. There was a speedy getting out of bed and dressing. The head of the family looked after the rifle and ammunition and gathered such weapons
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of defense as were in the house, the mother looked after the children, getting them ready for flight, packing up a few clothes, bedding and whatever they could carry. All their preparations had to be made in total darkness, for lights would have made them conspicuous marks for any prowling Indians to shoot at. Very small children and babies could not understand the reason for their sudden and rude awakening at such an unseemly hour, and it was sometimes difficult to keep them quiet. The outcries of a baby too often betrayed it and its mother to death. It was a terrible thing to be awakened in the after part of the night, by the fearful whoop and horrible yellings of the savages, and to look out and see the light of burning stacks of grain or hay, or their stables, and to hear the crack of rifles and the pounding at the door of the cabin, by blood thirsty fiends.
If the settlers could have time to get together into one of the better constructed forts, and to collect their bedding, supplies and ammunition, they felt comparatively safe and were cheerful and took their hardships uncomplainingly.
Finding themselves so much exposed to Indian attacks in the earlier home in the valleys of the Hudson and Delaware, our forefathers began at quite an early date to build stone houses for their better protection. These were much more difficult to capture, and could hardly be destroyed by fire, and were a perfect protection against the arrows and rifles of the Indians.
In the colonial times and earlier settlements of our fathers, the natives of the country outnumbered the whites by far, and they were often put to great straits to defend themselves. Even the women, at times, had to take the rifle and act the part of men and soldiers. In the Revolutionary war times, boys of from twelve to fourteen years of age served as "fort soldiers." The old men and boys could stand at the port holes and shoot at the enemy almost as effectively as the most sturdy riflemen. In those days, all male persons carried guns nearly everywhere they went. As soon as they were large enough to handle guns, boys practiced shooting squirrels and birds, and at targets, and at a very early age became fine marksmen. It sometimes became necessary for every man who could possibly be spared, to be out acting as ranger and scout.
At such times the boy "fort soldiers" became a valuable auxiliary in defense of the homes, women and children. It seems wonderful that such young lads could be so daring and cool as history shows in times of imminent peril.
LIFE IN THE FRONTIER STOCKADE FORTS.
There were times where our forefathers lived, when all business was suspended on account of Indian alarms and massacres in the neighborhood. During such times, women were afraid to be left alone, and the men dreaded to leave their families, yet they were often compelled to get out and act as guards in the neighborhood.
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In these disquieting times, most of the families remained "forted up" with great inconvenience, and often much overcrowding. It was very irksome to be kept within the stockades when the weather was fine and warm; when foliage and flowers were out everywhere on the outside, and the creeks were full of fish and woods full of game.
There were numerous instances when girls and women ventured outside the forts a short distance, in search of berries, wild plums or such plants as the settlers had learned were good to eat as "greens." On a number of such instances while they were thus engaged, the Indians crept up and seized the girls or women and took them captive and hurried off with them into the forest. As may be easily imagined, there was great excitement, and their friends were in a frenzy of grief and fear of what might happen to the captives. The men became desperate and were ready to wade through fire and blood to rescue the captured women. It was then that all their alertness, caution and cunning were required, for it was an extremely hazardous and delicate thing to try to retake captives. If the Indians were overtaken and were about to lose their prisoners, they invariably tomahawked or shot them.
On this account the greatest skill and judgment was needed in such an undertaking.
Despite their unfavorable situation, where there were a number of families in the fort, the young people were pretty sure to have dances and other amusements and recreations to afford relaxation and relief. When shut up and besieged for long periods they were sometimes reduced to sore straits for food and even clothing. Thrilling stories have come down to us of the extremities in which our forefathers were placed, and the means to which they had to resort to procure food to prevent starvation, and to secure clothing. When the days were short and cold, and the ground deeply covered with snow, the redskins usually did not trouble our people much. It was always when the settlers needed most to be out putting in gardens and crops, that Indians were most troublesome. It was almost impossible to plant or to take care of what had been planted. They had to go armed to all their work, whatever it might be, even when they went out around their stables or cow pens. The men often stood guard while the women milked the cows, and carried their rifles when they went out in the fields to plow, and often strapped them across the plow handles. There were several instances where our Kuykendall people were shot down and scalped in the fields where they were working, near their homes.
During prolonged hostilities when men of a neighborhood had to do work upon their farms, they went out in parties of several persons, well armed, and worked one farm at a time. They divided their party into guards and workers, and some kept watch while others worked. Going out this way in squads, they could do work about farms and gardens that it would have been very unsafe to
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attempt alone. Even while working in companies, they were sometimes surprised and attacked. In Virginia where my great-grandfather lived they had many such experiences. One instance happened about June, 1756, near the site of Petersburg, West Virginia. A company of nine men went out one day, to assist a man named Job Welton to cut his father's hay and get up his cattle. The Kuykendalls had then been living on the South Branch of the Potomac, near there, for over ten years. This company went out armed with their rifles, as was the custom. They first gathered up the cattle and proceeded to mow the hay, but did not get it all cut before night, and the question arose whether they should stay out over night in the field or return to the fort, a mile and a half distant. In all their travels about the place they had not discovered any signs of the presence of Indians. Most of them thought it would be safe to sleep out in the field. The weather was warm and fine, and it was a bright moonshine night. Mr. Welton thought it would be better and safer to go back to the fort, but the others thought there would be no danger in remaining. So they decided they would go to a large spreading elm near by in the field and sleep there among the winnows of fresh cut hay. There was bright moonlight, and they cheerfully retired, and were soon sound asleep. Later in the night they were suddenly awakened by the sharp crack of rifles near by. They sprang up and found that Mr. Welton's brother Jonathan, who had been sleeping by his side, was shot through the heart and instantly killed. In the excitement and confusion they all started to run, and Welton forgot to take his gun, and having nothing with which to defend himself, kept along with a man named Delay. The Indians were hot in pursuit of Delay, and about to catch him, when he suddenly turned around and shot down the redskin who was pressing him.
About that time another Indian who was near by, hurled a tomahawk at Welton, striking him in the back, cutting off two ribs. Thinking he had been shot and fatally wounded, he fell to the ground. Delay was still running, almost tired out, with an Indian after him, who was gaining on him. While Welton was lying there wounded he heard the Indian calling upon Delay, telling him to stop. He was so near exhausted that he was ready to surrender, if the Indian would promise not to kill him. He was promised that he should be spared, and so gave himself up and was taken back to the elm tree where they had camped. Here the Indians held a parley, but instead of sparing those who had been captured, they scalped every one of them, including Delay, and left them brutally mutilated. They all died within a few days. Mr. Welton, who had been struck in the back with a tomahawk, was months in recovering. There was a Mr. Kuykendall in the party, who escaped without a scratch or injury of any kind. He was an elderly man who felt that to attempt to run would only make sure his capture, so he remained quiet concealed as well as possible in the deep shadow cast by the old elm tree. In their hurry and
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excitement the Indians missed him, and after they had left, he crawled out and went to the fort.
WHEN OUR FOREFATHERS DREADED FINE WEATHER
It is not common for people to dread warm, nice weather, but there were times when our forefathers really dreaded its coming. It has been before said that in cold, snowy, freezing weather the Indians remained at their homes. Our forefathers in such times felt comparatively safe. If they had been compelled for some time to keep their families in the forts, they now felt it safe to return home and resume their occupations. Perhaps their cabins never seemed so pleasant to them, nor looked so well, as after they had been cooped up for a long time in one of the forts of the neighborhood and then were permitted to get home again. Storms and snow really looked beautiful to them and they felt light-hearted and happy, knowing they were pretty safe. They went at their fall work with cheerfulness and good will, gathering in their corn, fodder, hay and garden stuff and doing up all their outdoor work preparatory for winter. The women looked after their wool carding, spinning, weaving cloth and making clothing for the family. If amid all this cheerful activity the weather turned warm and the snow began to melt and go off and the ground became bare, there was a damper cast upon all their work and pleasures. If the weather continued warm, their forebodings changed to alarm, for they knew the Indians might come upon them. If the savages made an attack at such times, they would be pretty sure to secure a big lot of booty. To the whites it would mean the loss of their winter supplies, with some of the family killed and their homes destroyed. When the Indians were peaceable and the settlers could be out and around, they did their fall work earlier.
ARTIFICES AND CRUELTIES OF THE INDIANS.
When in pioneer days the Kuykendalls lived in the timbered portions of the country east and middle west, they turned out their cows to feed among the thick forest trees and brush. They could not be seen more than a few yards at most, on account of the density of the foliage, and to enable them to find the cows they put bells upon them, so that their ringing would direct those hunting them to the animals. In the evening some one went out into the woods to bring them in to be milked and penned up for the night. There were numerous instances when a treacherous Indian, sometimes more than one, skulked out into the woods where the cows were grazing, and removed the bell, and then went to a spot favorable for their purpose, and tinkled it so as to sound as nearly as possible as it would if on the cow. Their design was to lure the party out hunting the cows to a place where he or she could be shot
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or pounced upon, and captured. In this way many a boy or girl was either killed or carried off by the Indians, never to be seen again.
Sometimes instead of inexperienced boys and girls, veteran riflemen happened to be after the cattle, and then if an Indian overdid the bell jingling business, the advantage was then on the side of the white man, who moved noiselessly, until he caught sight of the wily actor, who forfeited his life on the spot. It is a fact that the pioneers generally followed the example of the Indians, and when they shot one they took his scalp, if they could. The redskins were adepts in the practice of all sorts of decoys, the imitation of birds and animals, and in following the tracks of animals and detecting signs of game. Their familiarity with wild animal life and habits, their keen observation and faculties in this line, inherited for generations, were so acute that the whites could seldom equal them. When, however, it came to accurate shooting the Indian could seldom hold his own with the practiced white rifleman.
It was a favorite scheme of the savages to attempt to lure the white hunter within rifle shot, by imitating the bleat of a fawn or the gobbling of a wild turkey. Some of them were so adept in these imitations that they were able to completely deceive the most experienced at times, and many a man went out hunting to procure food for his family, who never returned, having been lured to his death. Some of these were afterwad found, shot, tomhawked, scalped, stripped and left, were partly or wholly devoured by wolves or panthers, leaving a few bones to tell the grim story of their fate.
The great "hoot owls" so frequent in the heavily timbered region of the middle west, were objects of interest and curiosity to our fathers. They killed and stuffed many of them for ornament, and as trophies of the hunt, also to prevent their night visits to their chicken roosts. At best they were not welcome either for their company or their lonely hoo-hoo-ing. The Indians imitated the hoot of the owl as a signal to each other, when they were up to some kind of "devilment" upon the settlers at night, such as prowling about to steal stock or gathering around a cabin to attack and slaughter its occupants.
An Indian out in the woods in one direction, would give the owl sign, and another would respond. Perhaps half a dozen or more would thus make their presence and whereabouts known to each other. In this way they were enabled to act in concert in carrying out their devilish designs. The whites learned the tricks of their wily foes and also practiced the imitation of birds and wild animals so as to be able to cope with the redskin's kind of telephone system.
Knowing these treacherous artifices of their foes, our forefathers were sometimes terribly frightened by the responsive hootings of two or three owls in the timber about their cabins. The doleful hooting of these great timber owls at night, in the dark, solemn woods was never very cheerful, but when there was reason to think it came from bloodthirsty savages, bent on murder and pillage, the sound carried more than usual
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horror. After the whites had learned the tricks of their treacherous foes, they were put on their guard, and often, when the Indians thought they were "playing it smart," they were beaten at their own game.
CAPTURE OF WHITES BY THE INDIANS.
In the various wars and Indian outbreaks during the settlement of the country, there were a considerable number of the Kuykendalls and their neighbors who were taken captive. Some were forced to "run the gauntlet" or were slowly tortured and died a lingering death of the most horrible and revolting character. Some few escaped after being taken, and suffered almost incredible hardships in getting back to the settlements, while others were held for life.
Some were never heard of after their capture and no one knew what became of them. A large proportion of all white captives suffered death by the most unspeakable tortures, but some were held for ransom. In most cases of torture, the victim was tied to a post or tree, with his hands bound behind him, and was stripped naked. A rope was fastened to him, long enough to permit his circling around the post once or twice, when he would be wound up close to it, and have to turn back the other way. Being thus stripped, tied and painted black all over, so as to make the heat felt more intensely, a fire was built around him, just far enough away so that he would be slowly roasted to death.
The beastly wretches threw coals of fire and hot ashes upon his naked skin, and shot the surface of his whole body full of burned powder, which produced the most agonizing pain. Charred, red, burning ends of faggots were held against the victim, or his body was pierced with sharp slivers of wood with burning points. Every inhuman device that incarnate devils could think of, was used to make the sufferer's agony as great as possible. Groans or outcries, or any expression of suffering only excited jeers and laughter, and caused renewed refinements in cruelty. At last the poor victim sank down exhausted and could rise no more. Then some of the fiends would go and cut off the sufferer's scalp; this was followed by another exhibition of fiendishness, when some old squaw would take a lot of hot coals and ashes and apply them to the raw, bare, bleeding head from which the scalp had been taken. In many instances the victim was subjected to the most inhuman mutilations, his body being cut to bits by inches, fingers being taken off joint by joint. The Indian women were as cruel as the men, and took their little Indian babies or children, and held them near to the person of the suffering victim, and taught them to hack or strike him. When the tribes were at war with each other, it was common, among some of them, for the women, after a battle, to go to the wounded and fallen foes on the battlefield, and with a large stone, battle axe or sling shot, weighing anywhere from two or three to seven or eight pounds, and crush their skulls. A groove was cut
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around the battle axes or sling shots, and in this groove was placed a tough withe, which was twisted so as to make a handle with which it was yielded. I saw and secured several of these implements of cruelty that had been washed out of an Indian burying ground on the farm once owned by my great-great- grandfather, in the days of the early settlement of the valley of the South Branch of the Potomac, in West Virginia.
Some of the white women after they were captured, were forced to have their faces deeply and permanently stained with some kind of pigment, so as to make them look as much as possible like Indian women, perhaps with the view of destroying the incentive for returning home to their friends. It is a curious fact that in a good many instances, where young children were held by the Indians for a short time, it was hard to prevail upon them to return home and stay there. In a number of instances after they had been brought home they attempted to get away and go back to the Indians, and had to be brought home more than once, before they could be induced to stay with their friends and relatives.
Few have an idea of the number of white men, women and children captured during the early settlement of the country. The aggregate runs into many thousands. Just before the birth of my grandfather, in 1785, there was a tremendous rush of emigration to Kentucky from Virginia, both down the Ohio, and over "Boone's Trace," or the Wilderness Road. In the years 1783 and 1784 alone, the Indians held about four hundred captives taken from the whites.
After the defeat of the redskins in the battle at the Miamee towns in Ohio, by George Rogers Clark, about two hundred captives were brought in and restored to their friends. In those battles there were some of the Kuykendalls, but so far as the writer knows, no captives. There is given in Chapter XXVI an account of the capture of two little Kuykendall boys in Texas, and the murder of their teacher in the schoolhouse where they were assembled in school. The writer knows of several instances of the massacre of our people by the Indians, both in the Delaware valley, in Virginia, and other regions further west.
While searching the records of Hampshire county, West Virginia, some time back, I found pasted on the inside of one of the record books for deeds, an article that had been clipped from a local paper, published in 1898, giving a narration of the capture of a young Kuykendall, by the Indians, one hundred and fifty years before. It appeared that some one while searching the same deed book had found therein recorded an instrument of such a peculiarly interesting character, that it had lead to an investigation of the circumstances that caused it to be placed on record. The story much condensed was as follows:
In the year 1759 a young planter named Kuykendall came "from beyond the Ridge" and took up land in Hampshire county, Virginia. He built his home near one of the forts of that region,
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for protection in case of an uprising of the Indians, who had been, for some little time, not giving any trouble. They settled down and began housekeeping.
Shortly afterwards the powerful Chief Pontiac of the Michigan and Illinois Indians began attacking the forts of the whites along the Canadian border, and was also inciting other tribes to take up arms against the British and other white settlers. The French and English at that time were very jealous of each other, and the French were doing their utmost to stir the Indians up against the British, their object being to capture the British forts and towns along the frontier, for their own government. They supplied Pontiac with arms and food supplies, and he sent emissaries out among the other tribes to arouse them to make war with the British. One of the plotters sent out by Pontiac went down into Ohio, crossed the Ohio river and went on into Virginia, now West Virginia, to the Monongahela river. There was there a remnant of the Delaware and Catawba tribes that had been living there peaceably with the whites for some time. These emissaries succeeded in their mission and started back to their allies under Pontiac in the lake regions. On their way back they met, in Harrison county, West Virginia, a party of four young white settlers, of the South Branch Valley, among whom was the Jacob Kuykendall, mentioned above. They were returning from a trip over into Ohio, on the Big Sandusky river. They had gone over there to purchase a lot of furs, which they intended to take down the Potomac, to sell at Alexandria, Virginia. They had also been looking over Ohio lands, with the view of finding places upon which they could locate persons seeking a home, hoping in this way to add to the profits of their trip. They had no idea of danger from Indians, as everything was quiet when they left home, and they had not heard of the recent uprising. They camped at the present site of Clarksburg, West Virginia. That same day the emissaries of Pontiac, on their way back from the Indian camps on the Monnogahela, arrived in the same vicinity. The young campers had their suppers and were sitting about their campfire talking, entirely unsuspicious of trouble, when all at once the warriors from Pontiac made a sudden attack, in which two of the campers were killed, at the first onslaught, and the other two were captured and taken away into the northwestern regions of Canada. One of those captured was young Kuykendall, who having very light hair and blue eyes, the Indians regarded him with much curiosity, and after a while as a sort of mascot.
For the most part they treated him fairly well, except that, at first, they made him carry a part of their luggage. They hurried on with their captives and their rich booty of furs, and finally reached the shore of Lake Erie, about where the town of Sandusky now is, then travelling on until they fell in with the main force of Pontiac. During the years that young Kuykendall was with the Indians, he was closely watched to prevent his escape. Years later.
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however, there came a time when the people with whom he was, went back down into the Ohio region, and there he resolved to escape if possible. He took one of the Indian's canoes and stole out in the night, and, travelling through the darkness, paddled his boat down stream. When daylight came he fastened the canoe in a cove in the river bank, and slept through the day, then travelled again at night. He came out into the Ohio river, and at the proper point abandoned his canoe and made his way over to his old home in what is now West Virginia, where he expected to meet his wife that he left years before. He was horrified to learn the real situation. His young bride had waited long in hope of tidings from him, that never came; his friends gave him up for dead. All supposed he had been killed, probably tortured to death by his captors. The affair faded out of mind of the public, and some time later the fair young widow was wooed and wed by another man, and now on his return home, he found her the mother of two or three children who called the other man father.
This all came as a dreadful blow to him. His feelings were indescribable. At first, he thought he would bring suit against her for bigamy. It appeared to him that everybody had forgotten and betrayed him. Then he thought the matter over more calmly and realized that he could not blame his wife for what she had done, and that to break up her family could bring happiness to no one. and only grief and misery. It was hard to give up the girl he had loved, who was now a mother, with little children clinging to her. His feelings were a whirlwind of anger, love, pity, jealousy and anguish, but he resolved to quit forever his home and friends, and go back to the wilds where he had lived in captivity. But before going, he would see once more the girl he had loved and wed, then he would disappear from native home and civilization. His decision was made. After an interview and a bitter farewell, he went to an attorney and had drawn up a relinquishment and divorce from his wife and placed it on record, and there it stands today, as it was written about a hundred and thirty-five years ago. I copied it and here present it to my readers.
"To whom these presents may come or concern:
Whereas my wife Barbara, formerly Barbara Decker, hath some time left me, and hath intermarried with James Calvin, I do hereby certify that I do freely acquit the said James and Barbara from all trouble or damage by means of their intermarriage, and consent that they may dwell and cohabit together, as man and wife, without any interruption from me.
Given under my hand and seal, this 19th day of Feb'y, 1773.
Jacob Kuykendall. Test. Sam Dew
James Sullivan.
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At a court held for Hampshire county Aug. 10, 1773, this instrument of writing from Jacob Kuykendall, James Calvin and Barbara his wife was proved by the oaths of Ja's Sullivan one of his witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.
Gabriel Jones, Clerk Court."
This is as far as the court record goes, but the article from the newspaper, found in the deed book mentioned at the beginning of this narrative, goes on, purporting to give something of the subsequent history of Jacob. This may have been a tradition told in the valley; however it may be, it adds to the romance of the story. It says that Jacob tramped back through the wilderness and rejoined his Indian captors, who were so delighted with his voluntary return, that they made a feast and gave a dance in honor of the occasion, and made him a chief of one of the tribes. Two years afterward, Chief Pontiac was killed by the treachery of a Kaskaskia Indian, who was bribed to do the act by a barrel of whisky. On the death of Pontiac the white Virginian became a chief of one of the Pontiac tribes and married Pontiac's daughter, and was given the name Wah-ke-kan, "Chief of the Faithful." As a survivor of the family we see the great Simon Pokagon, one of the most intellectual Indians ever born on the American continent. He has spent a large part of his life in fruitless endeavors to secure pay from the government for the land on which the city of Chicago now stands. He is pleading for his race in the country in powerful and eloquent articles."
There is no proof at hand, but it is my impression that Jacob Kuykendall afterwards went back to the white settlements where his relatives lived. His wife, Barbara Decker, appears to have been baptized October 31, 1743, at Walpack, N. J., and therefore was probably between sixteen and seventeen when she married. The family after going from New Jersey to Virginia lived not far from Romney, Hampshire county.
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CHAPTER XXXVII.
PESTS, OUTLAWS AND TORIES.
When our fathers came to America they found the country under the dominion of savages, wild animals, birds and insects which had held sway for unknown ages.
With the destruction of the long established equilibrium between these natural forces, by clearing the forests and the introduction of civilization, there followed numerous pests and scourges, that added to the hardships of our forefathers. There were swarms of gnats, mosquitoes, and various other insects; pests, of grasshoppers, army worms, crickets, weevil and other minute forms of animal life. These things at times became actual calamities. The mosquitoes were not only personal annoyances and the cause of great present discomfort, but they brought the worst scourge experienced by our fathers. The wars and depredations of the Indians, as bad as they were, never produced a tithe of the suffering caused by malaria.
This subject has been alluded to previously in other connection, and will have no extended notice here. In many parts of the Mississippi valley, malaria was a dreadful scourge, and often, during the late summer and the fall months a large part of the population was down and helpless with some of its various manifestations. Many had their vitality sapped and health broken by repeated attacks of malaria, and their constitutions were injured for life. A prolonged attack of malarial fever took the snap out of the best of them, and they often dragged along for months, "more dead than alive."
At least two or three generations suffered from this cause. Our fathers never had the correct idea of the cause of malaria, and so did not know how to protect themselves against it. They knew mosquitoes were a great annoyance, but never dreamed that besides their buzzing and biting, they inoculated them with a deadly poison.
There was a peculiarly fatal sickness among the early settlers along the Wabash, in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio rivers of the west, where our forefathers lived. It was known as "milk sickness." It prevailed mostly among cattle, and was supposed to be communicated to man through the milk of infected cows. The disease came on suddenly, with great nausea, vomiting and purging, prostration and trembling. It was characterized by great weakness and nervous agitation, and was extremely fatal. It was the dread of people where it prevailed, all the more so because no one knew its cause or how to cure it.
It was known that certain localities were more favorable to it, but why, or what sort of vegetation, soil, mineral or other substance might be favorable to its production, no one could tell. It came on suddenly and produced terrible symptoms and often ran a fatal course in spite of all that could be done. It
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baffled the skill of the best physicians. It killed cattle as well as people.
The inhabitants had to learn by experience where their cows acquired the disease and then keep them away from that particular locality. Every one of the older ones of our people who lived in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois or Ohio, have heard of this peculiar and strange disease.
Renegades and outlaws were for years a menace to the peace and safety of the settlers on the frontiers. The period when these scourges prevailed began several years before the Revolutionary war and lasted for some years afterwards. These rough characters were escaped convicts and criminals from eastern colonies and from Europe. The establishment of law and order in the older communities made it harder for them to ply their criminal practices, and they sought refuge on the borders. They have gone into history as "border ruffians." In the frontier, if they committed crimes, and that was their main business, they could easily slip away among the Indians. They were "hand in glove" with the Indians in many of the foulest massacres perpetrated on the borders, and were really more to blame than the savages themselves.
These scalawags sold or gave whisky to the Indians and in several recorded instances, got whole families or camps of them helplessly intoxicated, and then fell upon them and slaughtered them indiscriminately--men, women and children. Enraged at these brutalities the surrounding tribes and families made reprisal upon the first whites they could get at, who in mose cases were peaceable settlers, and had never harmed the Indians. There was for years an organized band of criminals and horse thieves extending from the eastern settlements, as far west as where Louisville, Kentucky, now is. These fellows not only stirred up the Indians into acts of hostility, but stole and ran off the cattle, and more particularly the horses, of the law-abiding citizens, and were a continual source of annoyance and trouble. The people were compelled to organize citizens' courts for the protection of their homes and property. They had no law libraries nor pettifogging lawyers to befuddle and confuse juries, but they had much practical "horse sense" about the management of horse thieves. They had a code of their own with few sentimentalities in regard to penalties, and generally "put it to them good and strong." The penalty for stealing a horse was the same as that for murdering a man, and in both cases the culprit was treated to a "rope necktie" and the limb of a tree. In those days it was no uncommon thing to find one of those frontier toughs hanging to a tree, with placards and warnings to others of the gang in the community.
When the enquiry was made into the matter there was not a soul in the neighborhood that knew a thing about the affair. During the Revolutionary war, these outlaws worked in with the British and their sympathizers, the Tories of those times. Our forefathers had a just grudge against them all. These conditions were found wherever our Kuykendall
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forefathers lived, in fact, almost everywhere in the country. If there was any difference, our people disliked the Tories more than they did any of the others, for they acted as spies and informants, sneaking around in the different neighborhoods, prying into all the movements of home troops and scouts, and then reporting everything to the nearest British headquarters or officers. The wrongs and indignities suffered on account of the Tories brought down upon them severe punishments. These punishments were various, ranging from whipping to branding, tarring and feathering, hanging or shooting.
There was a Tory uprising in Hampshire county, Virginia, near where my great grandfather's people lived, in the summer of 1781. Cornwallis entered Virginia that year with his army, and a lot of settlers up on Lost River, a tributary of the South Branch of the Potomac, were led to believe the British were going to win. A Scotchman named Claypool was at the head of the insurrection, and was ably seconded by an old German who had a brewery in that neighborhood.
These Tories would get together at the brewery and drink to the health of King George and the damnation of the Continental Congress. They refused to pay taxes or to furnish any soldiers for the militia. It came to such a pass that General Morgan had to send four hundred militia over there, under Colonel Van Meter.
The presence of troops overawed the insurgents and they capitulated. Some of the troops went ahead of the officers, and on the way they picked up some Tories, built a fire and heated a spade and branded a fellow named Payne, on that part of his anatomy covered with the seat of his pants, playfully telling him they were making a Mason of him. They had another man with a rope around his neck and were just ready to hang him, when Colonel Smith came up and stopped the proceedings. The soldiers camped at the old German's place, drank his beer and pastured their horses on his fields, fed on his chickens and geese, milk and garden stuff, until he became a good American patriot, externally at least, since he, Claypool and the rest signed a pledge to obey the laws.
"Tarring and feathering" and "riding on a rail" were common punishments meted out to the Tories and was popular and generally approved. There were certain variations and refinements that were sometimes added to make the ceremony more humiliating, and to add to the gratification of the beholders. The design was to make the performance as spectacular as possible, so that it would act as a deterrent to British sympathizers.
It might be interesting to the reader to mention an instance of the tarring and feathering of a Tory in the Kuykendall communities. Down in the old Minisink village, where Jacob and Matthew Kuykendall and others of the family lived in 1731, there lived in the Revolutionary war time a family of Westbrooks. The
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old gentleman, then well along in years, had been prominent in the neighborhood. His son, Joseph, was rather a notorious Tory, having gone off with the British soldiers. This incensed the loyal neighbors and they were on the lookout for Joe. When he was on his way home from the army he called at the residence of Andrew Bevier, some distance up the country, and made inquiries, as if he were a perfect stranger in the country. He overplayed the stranger and excited the suspicion of the people where he stopped. After he had started on his way to Minisink, some of the men decided to follow him.
Among the crowd was a very strong Whig veteran named Chambers, of the family of Captain Chambers, who lived near old Mr. Westbrook. The pursuers came up to the old Westbrook house and looking in through the window saw Joe and the old gentleman in conversation. Joe was probably telling of his army exploits.
Jacobus Chambers, who had been in the Revolutionary army, went up to the door and rapped, when Joe sneaked off into an adjoining room. Chambers asked the old man where his son, Joe, was. The old man said, "I don't know, I haven't seen him since the war." Chambers said, "If you will give me a candle I will show you where he is." Westbrook said he had no candle, and Chambers proceeded to light one he had brought along, and opened the door where Joe went in, whereupon the old man called out in Dutch, "Loop, jongen, loop!" "Run, boy, run." Joe was about to climb through the window, when he saw the crowd on the outside waiting to nab him, and said, "Yes, dad, but the yard is full of them, too." He was arrested and an investigation was held over him. Some were in favor of hanging and others thought a coat of tar and feathers would suit his case. They compromised upon the tar and feathering process, which was a relief, for Joe was expecting something worse.
He was stripped and tar applied to his person, and as the Tories about there had been accustomed to painting up as Indians and putting on feathers, they thought they would feather him up in good style. After a liberal feathering, they put a hog yoke on him, and a bell upon his neck to which was fastened a rope, which was taken charge of by a man on horseback, and he was led away amid the jeers of the bystanders. They finally released him, when he hired a negro to clean the tar and feathers from him. He was again arrested later and sent to Kingston.
There was a family of Van Vliets, some of whom lived not far from Port Jervis, New York. This was an old and honorable family, some of whose ancestors had lived in the Rochester precinct, near Kingston. But one was a noted British sympathizer. He was arrested at Minisink and sent up the country toward headquarters, being passed along to the captains of the posts stationed along the way, upon the old mine road. When he was received by Captain Kortrecht at Rochester (near Kingston), the Captain thought that in passing him to the next station there should be
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some ceremony befitting the occasion. The culprit was given the regulation coat of tar and feathers, then was "yoked and belled." A few soldiers were detailed to take him in military style, led by a fife and drum. A rope was attached to the pig yoke, with a bell, and a negro was given the rope to lead the Tory along. The drummer and fifer played the rogue's march, while the soldiers marched in the rear, prodding him up occasionally with their bayonets. The negro gave the rope a jerk now and then, ringing the bell to chime in with the martial music. The bitterness against Tories those days reminds us of the feeling against German sympathizers during the war just past. It is not much wonder that our forefathers had such a detestation of Tories. In 1781 the British, Tories and Indians made a raid on the settlements where our Kuykendall people lived, invaded and burned their homes while the people were away attending a funeral.
In time, the feeling against the British sympathizers faded out, but it took many years. Most of our people who lived in Revolutionary war times or were in the service, had striking experiences with the Tories, and those who applied for pensions, mentioned some of their experiences in their application papers.
In time of almost any scourge, sickness or prolonged Indian hostilities, it was the women, the young mothers, who had to endure the most intense and real suffering. It was far easier for the men to get out and actually meet dangers or troubles of any kind--to face their enemies in actual combat--than for the mothers to stay alone in their cabin homes and suffer the suspense, dread and mental anguish that has no counterpart in physical pain. The one takes a physical bravery, while the other requires a sublime, spiritual soul courage.
I admire the courage of my forefathers, but I take off my hat in reverence to our ancestral mothers. In early days when mothers had to stay alone over night, sometimes for several days or weeks, it was dreadfully lonesome. What gloomy vigils were those of a young mother when she sat up hour after hour at night, in the darkness and silence of her cabin in the sombre woods. What dreadful forebodings, what loneliness, what oppressive, overpowering suspense must have filled her heart. How her nerves and feelings were kept in the highest tension, listening at every sound. As she watched over her sleeping babies the horrible thought would come, "What if the Indians should suddenly come and murder my little ones and take me captive!" In imagination she could almost hear their terrible whoops and yells and the crack of their rifles, or the crunching of the brush under their stealthy tread. When the faithful dog suddenly started up with a ringing bark, her heart almost leaped to her throat, and she thought her time was come. Sometimes as she lay in bed thinking, and filled with the most fearful forebodings, suddenly she heard the scream of a panther out in the darkness. What wonder if her heart stood still and her blood seemed to freeze in her veins, being paralyzed
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with fear. If one could fight, strike, shoot or do anything in self defense to work off the nervous tension, such an experience might be less torturing. Who but a mother could stand such a nerve racking, and what would impel her to endure it but her love and devotion to her little ones? This is a real picture of what thousands have endured, with no exaggeration.
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CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE OLD MINE ROAD AND EARLY KUYKENDALL HOME.
Both the old mine road and the early home of our forefathers have been alluded to frequently before in this work. Heretofore our people have known so little about the early American home of their ancestors that I believe they will be interested in a further consideration of the subject. The intimate connection of our forefathers with the old mine road and the country adjacent, where there were so many of their homes, make it proper here to give further facts connected therewith.
Along the old mine road, and in the country through which it passes, there took place some of the most thrilling and interesting events connected with not only the history of our own family, but with the ancestors of thousands of people in the United States. The early Dutch settlement of that part of the Hudson and Delaware valleys, through which the old mine road runs, and the origin and early history of that road have been historical puzzles for generations. There has been since time immemorial an ancient road of one hundred and four miles in length, running from the mouth of Rondout creek near Kingston, New York, over the country, a little west of south, through the Mamakating country and on to the Delaware, near Port Jervis. From this place it followed on down the Delaware, on the Jersey side, to within three miles of the Pennsylvania Water Gap. At its termination, at Pahaquarry Mountain, there remains yet what has been known for generations as the "old mine hole." During more than two hundred years the questions have been asked, "Who built the old mine road?" "When was this ancient highway made and how came it to be constructed?" "Was it built by people who came in and made it and worked the ancient mines hereabout, and then went away and left no record of their operations?" A mystery has always enshrouded the subject, and no one has ever solved the riddle connected with it. There evidently was a time when there was great activity in mining, tunnelling and digging in and around the old mines.
Where did these people come from, what was the object of such great excavating and road building? Brush and trees have grown up around the old tunnel mouths, the earth has caved off and crumbled around, nearly obscuring them from view, and today all is as silent as the primeval woods. There is another tunnel or mine hole near the old mine road at Ellenville, New York. This tunnel runs back into the hill, in a straight line, five hundred feet. It is four feet wide, six feet high, and rises about seven feet in the five hundred feet of its length. Tradition says that long before the coming of the white man to this country, the Indians worked in a crude, primitive way, copper and lead mines in this region. It is not supposed the native
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Indians of the country dug the tunnels at Ellenville and Paha-quarry. Local traditions tell of much ore having been taken from the tunnels and hauled to Kingston, then called Esopus. In hauling this ore, high all wooden wheeled ox carts were used. The first settlement of the country by the ancestors of the people now living there, is enshrouded in mystery. It is generally supposed that the makers of the old mine road, and operators of the mines left no descendants in the country. It is thought that the inhabitants now there, have come from later settlers, or if not, there would have been more distinct traditions to account for the operations.
When our fathers went into the Minisink country, about the year 1700, the old mine road and the mine holes were even then ancient. None of the public records of the counties in which these mines and the old road exist give any clue to the unravelling of the mystery connected with them. Little is known of the settlement by the Dutch, of that part of the Delaware valley known as the Minisink region, or Minisink. It must have taken place in a very quiet manner; it certainly was unknown to any of the government authorities at Philadelphia until after 1729. Learning that the Dutch had been buying land directly from the Indians, the authorities sent up a party to investigate. It was found that even then, the country all the way up the Delaware, from the Water Gap, for forty miles, on both sides of the river, was settled by Dutch people, who had farms there. That part of the country was known as the "Minisink Flats." Orchards were found there which contained trees larger than any seen about Philadelphia. The old men of sixty years of age living there said their fathers had been born there, and their grandfathers had been the first settlers, so far as they knew. In regard to the old mine holes and the old mine road, they could only give traditional stories and speculations, and said these old tunnels and mine holes had been there since time immemorial. Who built the road or operated the mines, they could not tell. From all this it will be seen that the country where our forefathers lived has had a remarkable history, with which there is enough myth and mystery to make it intensely interesting.
It was over the old mine road that our forefathers travelled hundreds of times, and while they lived right there in the midst of these things, two hundred years nearer the time of the construction of the road and working the mines, they seemed to have no more real knowledge of those early events than we of today. The country all along the old mine road has been a land of legend and story, even among the Indians who lived there for ages before the coming of the whites. Only a short distance from the northern end of the road was the scene of the redoubtable Rip Van Winkle's sleep of twenty years. Around the firesides of our forefathers they were told, in Dutch, the story of the "Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow," the "Marvellous Story of Hans Schwartz" and many other tales, long before Washington Irving rendered them into
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classic English. It was along the old mine road that the first Dutch Reformed churches were built, where our Kuykendall ancestors and their neighbors attended church and where their children were baptized. It was up and down this old road the old dominies travelled and visited among the people and preached between Kingston and the old church near the copper mine. There are connected with this section of the country many interesting legends. Down near the Water Gap, the wise and noble spirited Indian Chief Tammanend lived; here his ancestors dwelt, hunted and fished for unknown generations. From his name we have Tammany Hall and Tammany Chief in politics. Along the old mine road was erected a line of stone forts, that were used in time of the French and Indian wars and in Revolutionary times. Some of the old buildings remain yet standing, almost within stone's throw of the residence of some of our people of those times, and some of them on lands once owned by our fathers.
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CHAPTER XXXIX.
FORMS OF SERVITUDE, PECULIAR CUSTOMS, WITCHES AND
OLD TIME SUPERSTITIONS.
There were peculiar forms of servitude in olden times that are unknown to us today. Among these was the custom of "binding out" children of almost any age below twenty-one years, both boys and girls. There were various reasons why parents bound out their children. Some families were larger than the parents could comfortably support, while in other families there were no children.
Sometimes a boy or girl was refractory, disobedient and unmanageable, and the binding out was used as a sort of reformatory measure. The young people were bound out for any term, usually until they were of the age of twenty-one. The youth bound to a man, virtually became a child of the person to whom he was bound, and was bound to give his service to him. In case the person bound out refused to stay with the man to whom he was bound, or do his bidding, the man could sue the parents or guardian of the child for redress. This curious old custom remained in common usage until within very recent years, and many persons living can distinctly remember cases of bound out children. The luck of a bound out child was often hard.
There was another form of servitude that existed in the early colonial times, during the first settlement of the country. There were many people in Europe who were very anxious to come to America, because of its boundless opportunities, but who had not the money to pay their "passage." The shippers of the times devised a way to obviate the difficulty. The person wanting to come to this country virtually mortgaged himself or his services for a certain stipulated time to pay his way over. These contracts were written so that they were binding when transferred from the original purchaser to another person.
The party who thus sold his time was called a "Redemptioner." There were some of the settlers of the Delaware valley, where our forefathers lived, who came to the country as redemptioners. The ship masters sold these contracts to plantation owners in this country, or to other employers of labor, and there were agents who dealt in these contracts for a commission. Some of those who came to the country as redemptioners and settled in the colonies became prosperous and wealthy, and left descendants who have been honorable and useful citizens.
Many of the Kuykendalls have been slave owners, in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the Carolinas in colonial times, while many others in nearly all the southern states owned slaves at the time of the Civil War.
So far as I have been able to discover, the black people owned by our people were treated with more kindness and consideration in the sections of Virginia
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where they lived than slaves were treated in some other parts of the country.
Some were treated, in many respects, as if members of the family, but the colored people were never permitted to go to the same table as the whites, nor to assume a social equality with them; but from all I have been able to learn, our fathers treated their negroes kindly, so much so that the black people had a filial regard for them.
In early pioneer times, in most of the settlements the negroes were very much afraid of the Indians, during times when the redskins were on the war path.
The Indians, however, held the negroes in contempt as being far below them, ridiculed them, calling them opprobrious names that would be unprintable. They seldom killed a negro, unless he was making resistance or using some kind of weapon of defense. If the negro had a gun and was shooting, or was using a knife or tomahawk, he was shown less mercy even than was shown the whites. The Indians preferred to take the negroes captive and make slaves of them, as they saw the whites do. It is a fact not generally known that there were many Indian chiefs, in colonial times and later, who owned a number of negroes. At the oubreak of the Civil War a good many of our people were slave holders, and as a result of the war, lost all their slaves. They had been brought up to believe slavery was right and that slaves were as much property as horses and cattle. Looking at the matter in this light, many of them went into the Confederate army and fought for what they thought was their right. There were some instances where families were divided in sentiment, and where brother was against brother in the fighting.
In numerous instances the black people showed remarkable fidelity to their old masters through all the trouble and distress of war times. Many remained loyal and true to their masters through the whole war, and some even entered the Confederate army, and bore all the dangers of a conflict that held out the prospect of perpetual slavery for them. Many of the slaves had such an affection for their former masters and their families, that after the war closed, and they knew they could have their freedom, they asked to be permitted to still stay with the families they had served. There were old negro women who had taken care of the children of their masters and loved the young folks as if they were their own, and would have risked their own lives freely for them. Such instances were numerous. It was a grief to be torn away from the old master's family. There was a very pathetic side to some of these cases. While slavery was wrong in principle, and injurious to the people where it existed, there were quite a number of the slaves who lingered fondly in memory over the days of their old home life with their masters. Our northern people never quite understood conditions in the south, and the southern people did not understand the people of the north. Had each understood the other, probably there would never have been any civil war, and some other settlement of the slavery question would have been made.
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Nearly three hundred years ago when our Kuykendall ancestor came to this country, the most enlightened nations of the earth were honeycombed with superstition, and the belief in witches, and the occult powers upon the destiny of mankind. The beggar, the king upon the throne, the peasant and the philosopher all were more or less affected by a belief in these things. People in their business engagements, in trade, travel and social affairs, were more or less governed by a belief in invisible powers that were supposed to affect the lives of men and women for good or evil. There was a general belief in "good luck" or "bad luck," and if luck was against a man it was about useless to fight against it. He was "out of luck," and that settled his destiny. We are not yet far enough out of the woods of superstition to have much of which to boast, in regard to our superior intellectual cuiture and mental freedom.
What was true of the immedate regions in which our own people lived in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia, was equally true of all the American colonies, Massachusetts, and even Boston, were not a whit better in this respect than the Dutchest of the old Knickerbockers or the Pennsylvania Dutch.
The early colonists were from every part of the known earth, from every race and nation, and these brought with them beliefs and superstitions of nearly all mankind, including some of the heathen nations. When the negroes were brought from Africa they came with age old tribal beliefs and folklore stories. Some of these have survived and have been told among the black people of the south, myths that formed the substance of the charming stories of "Bre'r Rabbit and Uncle Remus," told by Joel Chandler Harris. Washington Irving gathered up many of the myths and legends that were rife among the Knickerbocker settlements, where the Kuykendall ancestors lived, and they formed the basis of many of his classical legends. The scene of the story of Rip Van Winkle, his wonderful sleep, and of the gnomes or sprites of old Henry Hudson's ship crew, was in sight of the ancient home of our fathers on the Hudson river. The legend of "Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman," and the "Marvellous Story of Hans Schwartz," was told in the Dutch language, around the firesides of the Kuykendalls and their neighbors, long before they were given to the world in the elegant English of Washington Irving. These stories had a local coloring that gave them an interest that caused to be remembered longer in the immediate regions where the events were alleged to have taken place, than elsewhere. The belief in ghosts and witches and their sinister influence, and in signs and omens, was very much the same everywhere in the times of our forefathers. Among those notions was the belief that certain persons could cast a spell over men, women and children, and even cattle, horses, dogs, chickens or other domestic animals. Persons under this spell were said to be "bewitched." The power to exercise
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this peculiar spell was supposed to belong more often to women than to men. A very ugly, old wrinkled woman, or a very beautiful young woman of great personal charm or magnetic influence, were the two kinds of women most liable to be suspected of being witches the two classes of women most liable to be suspected of being witches was often charged with causing sickness among horses, cattle, dogs or other animals. It was seriously believed that witches could change men or women into cats, dogs, horses, or into almost any kind of living being.
A horse that remained poor and thin, and did not thrive or grow fat, despite good care and feeding, was often said to be "witch ridden," that is, it was ridden by witches at night, and in the morning was left worn out and exhausted. On the other hand, persons in poor health and who slept badly and arose in the morning tired and feeling "worn out," were often pronounced "witch ridden." Some witch had had in the night transformed the person into a horse, and had ridden him hard on spookish ramblings in the night, and of course, a person under such circumstances would feel pretty badly used up. The mysterious witch power could cause persons to do all kinds of foolish and hurtful things. Even inanimate objects could be affected. Guns were frequently bewitched so that they would not shoot, or if they shot they missed their aim, no matter how well directed. An ordinary lead bullet, however, could not affect a witch or kill a bewitched animal, but a silver bullet was fatal against all the powers of the witch. Hunters often carried, in those days, a bullet or two of silver or made partly of silver, for any emergency that might arise.
A bewitched churn would not make butter; bewitched calves and colts became lousy and diseased, and witches caused cows to give bloody or lumpy milk.
Against these malevolent and occult powers various charms and remedies were directed, all of them absurd and ridiculous, and some of them cruel and vicious. There were various tests and ordeals used to determine whether certain suspected persons were really witches or not. A sure way to discover whether a person was a witch and responsible for some particular devilment, was to take a living black hen or rooster, and plunge it into a pot of boiling water, and then whoever passed along, while the fowl was squawking, was the culprit. It seemed like an easy test, so far as the ones making it was concerned, but was rather hard on the chicken.
In early colonial times nearly all classes of people believed in signs and omens. Charms, amulets and relics of various kinds were used to ward off "bad luck" or misfortunes. Until very lately there were sent out by patent medicine makers, almanacs that had on the front pages the signs of the zodiac, circled around the figure of a man with a flap of his abdomen turned out, so as to show the different organs therein, with lines centering at the parts which the signs were supposed to govern or control. This almanac was
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much consulted to see whether the "sign was right" for marking calves and pigs, weaning colts or babies, or for making soap, killing hogs or beeves, or for laying the foundation of a "worm fence." If potatoes were planted in the light of the moon, they all went to top, if hogs or beeves were killed in the dark of the moon, the meat would shrink up almost to nothing, when fried. All this is absurd enough, but in the time of our forefathers everybody believed this nonsense. How many persons are there yet who will not begin an important undertaking or start a journey on Friday or on the thirteenth day of the month? How many people there are who will turn around so as to avoid seeing the moon over the left shoulder and thus possibly bringing bad luck upon themselves.
There used to be certain communities where there were houses said to be haunted by the ghosts of persons who had died there some time previously. This was especially the case if the person had died in some peculiar or tragical manner. About such houses there were alleged to be heard strange noises at night, voices, mutterings, moanings, apparitions of ghosts walking around, then suddenly vanishing. Many a house with such a repute was abandoned and no one would live in it, or if any one risked it, there were nightly visits from spooks or ghosts so that few would dare to continue to occupy it. Sometimes a certain room was haunted and other parts of the house all right.
Newspapers were few in those days, and the editors were about as superstitious as the people. There was not much to read, and at night people sat about their fires, during the long winter evenings, and told stories of ghosts, spirits and haunted houses, witches and their doings, until receptive and sensitive children were almost paralyzed with fear, lest a spook should pop up through the floor or appear walking through the solid walls. Such evening entertainments were the surest means of fostering superstitions. In the home of my father such things were not tolerated.
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much consulted to see whether the "sign was right" for marking calves and pigs, weaning colts or babies, or for making soap, killing hogs or beeves, or for laying the foundation of a "worm fence." If potatoes were planted in the light of the moon, they all went to top, if hogs or beeves were killed in the dark of the moon, the meat would shrink up almost to nothing, when fried. All this is absurd enough, but in the time of our forefathers everybody believed this nonsense. How many persons are there yet who will not begin an important undertaking or start a journey on Friday or on the thirteenth day of the month? How many people there are who will turn around so as to avoid seeing the moon over the left shoulder and thus possibly bringing bad luck upon themselves.
There used to be certain communities where there were houses said to be haunted by the ghosts of persons who had died there some time previously. This was especially the case if the person had died in some peculiar or tragical manner. About such houses there were alleged to be heard strange noises at night, voices, mutterings, moanings, apparitions of ghosts walking around, then suddenly vanishing. Many a house with such a repute was abandoned and no one would live in it, or if any one risked it, there were nightly visits from spooks or ghosts so that few would dare to continue to occupy it. Sometimes a certain room was haunted and other parts of the house all right.
Newspapers were few in those days, and the editors were about as superstitious as the people. There was not much to read, and at night people sat about their fires, during the long winter evenings, and told stories of ghosts, spirits and haunted houses, witches and their doings, until receptive and sensitive children were almost paralyzed with fear, lest a spook should pop up through the floor or appear walking through the solid walls. Such evening entertainments were the surest means of fostering superstitions. In the home of my father such things were not tolerated.
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CHAPTER XL.
KUYKENDALL DESCENDANTS IN THE WAR WITH GERMANY
As a family we claim no special honors for services rendered for the country in the time of its peril, in the late war. No family or party has a monopoly upon patriotism and loyalty to the nation. It is enough to share honors with those other gallant men of America, who fought in the trenches, or in other ways did service for humanity. Our young men who went to war to fight on the battle field, or in the trenches, our young women who went to serve as nurses and helpers in the hospitals, in the Young Men's Christian Association, in the Salvation Army, or in any other field of helpfulness, have only the same claim for honor, loyalty and service, as the young men and women of other families.
The cause was so great that it reached out and touched humanity, throughout all the earth, and the interests of the human race, for all time to come, so that there was glory and honor enough in achievement, for each and every one who had a part in the great contest to have his or her share.
All Americans speak with pride and gratification of "our boys," who offered their services and their lives for the country. To us, and our family, the term "our boys" has an especial force and meaning, because they were not only our boys of America, but are of our own blood and kindred. As such, we feel a special interest in everything they did, from the time of their call to service to the close of the war, and until they are safe at home again. Alas!
Some of them will never return; many of their bodies lie under the soil of France, while others were lost in the sea. Loved sons whose return was fondly awaited, will never come back. Heavy the burden weighs upon the hearts of many of our people, because of the sacrifice of their sons to the Moloch of a heartless, cruel autocracy and military despotism. Many of our Kuykendall fathers and mothers are filled with anguish, as they look upon the empty chairs of their sons, who, with proud step, marched away from home and crossed the ocean, never to return again. But they have the consolation of knowing that their sons gave their lives for the holiest cause and noblest principles, for which a war was ever waged. Millions of human beings yet unborn, will hold their deeds and sacrifices in sacred memory, and will thank God that America produced young men who had the stamina to face machine guns, shrapnel, poison gas and death in all its horrid forms, to defend the imperiled liberties of the world.
A few days ago, in Portland, Oregon, I was watching a parade of returned Pacific Coast soldier boys, through the streets of that city. How grandly the boys stepped, with heads erect, with conscious
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pride and vigor. How the multitudes cheered themselves hoarse; how the bands played and made the streets resound with the strains of martial and other music! The sights and sounds were inspiring and exhilarating; but as I stood there and saw the radiant faces of friends and relatives of the home coming soldier boys, and saw the tears of joy and happiness on the faces of mothers and fathers, I thought, what a different impression this scene must make upon those fathers and mothers whose boys are missed from the ranks, and who have not, and never will return. The very same scenes that now bring joy and exultation to the mothers of those who returned, send the barbed iron of anguish to the souls of mothers whose sons were killed in war, and whose bodies were buried in a foreign land, thousands of miles across the ocean.
It is too early for fathers and mothers to experience much consolation from the thought of the grand and glorious sacrifice made by their sons, in dying across the sea for world freedom. But when their heart wounds are partly healed by time, there will come into their spirits a quiet, deep, chastened, almost holy consolation, in the thought that their sons, in dying for the freedom and welfare of humanity, were following in the footsteps of Christ who died to save the world. Then, the thought of the heroism, grandeur and nobility of their sacrifice, the high purposes of their sons, will act as a balm to soothe and heal their heart wounds and bereavement. Then, in their estimation and memories, their sons will hold a higher, nobler and holier place than they ever could have held, if they had died at home.
Our sons and daughters have lived in the grandest age ever known to the world, in the midst of events of the most far reaching influence upon the destinies of the human race, an age, when to be living, and to witness the thrilling struggles of humanity upward, is something that the sages and philosophers of past ages would have rejoiced to see. The world has never beheld the scene before, of two and a half millions of strong, vigorous and intelligent young men, fresh from their paternal firesides, leaving home, mother, sister, sweetheart and business, to cross thousands of miles of ocean, to go into the trenches and fight in the most bitterly waged war of history, and all for the rights and liberties of down-trodden people, who to them were foreigners and strangers. To have done all this, with no thought of spoils of war or indemnities, no grasping of territory, no encroachment upon the rights of others, is the grandest exhibition ever made by any nation or people upon earth. There is no parallel to it in all the annals of the past. The glorious achievements of our boys have placed our country upon an exalted pedestal of moral grandeur never occupied by any other nation of the world, and have given us a power and moral prestige never enjoyed by any other people. It is certainly something of which to be proud, to know that "our boys" helped in the consummation of this grand achievement. Without the soldier boys, without their
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patriotism and their great sacrifices, it could never have been accomplished.
I am glad to put upon record the names and services of our young men in the recent great war. It is a matter of regret that the names of all cannot be presented, and that each one who had a part in the conflict cannot be placed on record in this history. I know it would be highly gratifying, and a source of pride and a comfort to all our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, to have a complete and permanent record made. There are many whom it was not possible to reach in time, which is a source of great regret to me.
Many of the reports that reached me were written with a pencil, and were frequently dim and difficult to read. Some of our boys were more skilled in throwing grenades at the boches than in "slinging ink," telling of their rank and deeds. It is quite likely there may be found some errors in the records as printed, but the very best was done that was possible under the circumstances.
What is here presented will mostly be found correct, and will, in all cases, give the facts as fully as they were furnished me.
It had not been thought possible to print in this volume any account of our soldier boys in the recent war. When the greater part of the book had already been written, and was ready for printing, and even after a large part of it had already been put into type, the great war between Germany and the Allies was still in progress. Troops were still being drilled and sent to the front, and the prospect was for an indefinite continuance of the conflict. The desirability of embracing in this history a record of the Kuykendall descendants in the country's service was evident, but it was not thought that it would be possible to secure the necessary data. Then there came the sudden cessation of hostilities and the declaration of an armistice. There was also an unavoidable delay in the printing, and it was decided to make an effort to collect whatever data could be found.
Part of the soldiers were yet in Europe, some in the army of occupation, others in hospitals, and many in European or American camps, yet in training.
All were in a more or less uncertain state, with things upset and in confusion, on account of the sudden turn taken in the war. Besides all this, there was a close censorship over all communications, with long delays in correspondence between soldiers and their home people. Many of our people had not heard from their sons for many months. This made the prospect of securing information in reference to the soldier boys rather dubious, with no very bright prospect of success. In the face of all these difficulties, and not being wholly confident of success, an attempt has been made to get all the names possible, hoping that this might pave the way for some one to complete the work in the future.
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As has been intimated, the great difficulty has been to get into touch with the boys, or with such of their friends as could give an account of their enlistment and subsequent movements and services. After many years of correspondence, many Kuykendall descendants are yet being found, of whom nothing had been known previously, and doubtless there are still many more who have not been reached. Nearly all the records that have been received were sent by friends of the boys, who were not familiar with military terms and abbreviations, or of the designations of rank and services of the young soldiers, or their exact office or relation to the service. In some instances records have not been complete, and it has been impossible to get them as they should be.
It has been the aim to so designate each soldier and give such particulars as to leave no doubt of his identity, and as far as possible, to make it clear as to what family or branch he belonged. The thought has been kept in view, that some time, a more full and complete record would be gotten together, not only of those whose names are found herein, but those others whom it has been impossible to reach. It is hoped that this beginning may be an aid in getting a more complete one.
It would have been a very desirable addition to this volume, to have a full and complete record of each and every Kuykendall descendant soldier, with a narration of incidents that occurred during his service in a foreign land.
Some wrote home thrilling letters describing battle scenes, incidents of travel on ships, fights at sea and other experiences. If these with pictures of the boys were printed, how proudly the mothers, fathers and friends would read the records and look upon the features of their soldier boys. My correspondence and researches have given me a lesson in regard to the value of the smallest recorded item, fact or incident relating to the past history of any family. Often the smallest incident or fact mentioned in a deed, will, letter or other paper has explained something that had cost hours or even weeks or months of fruitless labor trying to discover, and made all clear where before it was involved in obscurity and doubt. Sometimes something I had regarded as utterly valueless and destroyed, has later been discovered to have been of a value I could not at the time foresee. In future years, when the descendants of the boys who fought in the last great war shall be looking for something to show them, where and how they did service for their country, things that they wrote, relics they secured and preserved will have a value we can now hardly appreciate. The value of a thing, intrinsic or sentimental, often depends entirely upon the circumstances and associations connected with it. If a party of people were walking along the beach and were to see among the drift the waves had cast upon the strand, an old wet and sand covered cap, or other article of clothing or an old paper, these articles would be kicked aside as unworthy of even a touch, but if by chance some mother recognized the cap
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or paper as belonging to her own son that had been lost at sea on some vessel sunken by a German submarine, what a profound change would come over her feelings; how she would bedew the articles with tears and treasure them as sacred memorials of her lost son. Often a paper, letter or other relic from an ancestor becomes of the greatest value not only from a sentimental point of view, but genealogically and historically, in establishing important facts.
As has been mentioned elsewhere, while engaged in my researches and correspondence, I have come across a number of persons in search of documentary evidence to establish their claims of being the descendants of fathers connected with the Revolutionary War. The war we have just passed through is the greatest the world has ever seen and there are sure to grow out of it societies and organizations similar to the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, and there will be people two hundred years from now hunting for records to show whether their fathers were in the war and what part they had in the great conflict. Just as surely as time goes on these things will come about, and now is the time to get something on record to answer these questions. To be sure there will be the war records of the Government, but it will be a monumental work to dig out of several millions the records of any one person. It is safe to say that for at least one or two hundred years from now relics and trophies brought home from the battle fields of France will still be preserved by the family descendants, and will be shown to generations yet to be born. But the boys will leave something of more value than these relics,--the record of their loyalty to their country and flag, and their sacrifices in their defense.
While it has been impossible to reach all the deserving ones in the short time that could be given to the undertaking, (and who is not deserving that has laid his life upon the altar of his country?), it gives me pleasure to present herein what has been obtained. I hope that the publication of even this much will stimulate others to send in their war records full and complete, with good photographs, together with interesting letters and narrations giving their experiences while in the service.
If all these could be brought together properly, they would form the material for a most interesting and attractive book, one of which the parents and friends of the boys would justly be proud. In later years, when these boys have grown old and have children and grandchildren, those younger ones would be proud to point to the record of their fathers and tell what they did in the great war for right and humanity, and against military despotism.
Many people in sending in photographs for making cuts have vague ideas of what is required in photos or other pictures from which to make good half tone engravings. There were many photographs sent to me, from which it was found impossible
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to make anything creditable. Considerable expense was put upon a number, and then it was found that it was hopeless to expect anything from them. In the case of the pictures of persons who have long been dead, and there was no chance of getting anything better, it was different; we had to do the best we could, and let it go at that.
While upon the subject of pictures, it may be said that during the gathering of data, there were several hundred pictures sent me, many of them, doubtless, with the idea that they might be used in making cuts for this book. When the work was just about completed, and most of it was in type, there came a large number of photographs, with the request to have cuts made from them. It is possible that some of the persons who sent these may be somewhat disappointed.
But when they learn that it was utterly impossible to use so many of them, and that they came too late to be available, they will not feel aggrieved. Had all pictures been used that were sent, there would not have been room for much of anything else.
It has taken years to stir up a real interest in the work of research into our family history and genealogy, and of putting the facts relating thereto, into form for preservation. I am very glad to know that at last, there seems to be a widespread interest, which it is hoped will result in the accomplishment of something worth while.
It is hoped that readers will not be too critical. Doubtless the descriptions of the place in the army and services of our soldiers will sometimes provoke a smile, with those familiar with military terms and records, but it must be remembered that mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of boys taken from farm, field, shop, school, college or business positions in civil life, are not supposed to be familiar with these things, and not having the discharge papers of the young men, they had no correct forms of records to follow. To them the great outstanding fact was that their boys were in the army, and offered their lives and services for their country, for right and humanity, and that they did their best, and that many made the supreme sacrifice for human freedom.
The grief was just as great with those whose sons never left their native land, but died in the camps, whether by fall of airplane, by accident or by influenza, pneumonia, or meningitis in the hospital. Probably all of them would have preferred that their sons had fallen fighting for their country, killed by the bombs, shrapnel, bayonet or poison gas of the boches, while heroically battling for their country. They would have preferred death in this way, rather than to die of disease, almost at home, and yet so distant, as to any help or comfort their friends could given them. The Kuykendall fathers and mothers feel grateful to the Red Cross workers, the Y. M. C. A. and all other organizations which gave their aid and kindness for the sick and dying soldier boys in the army and navy, both in the American camps and in the hospitals and trenches on the battle fields of France and Belgium; but they will long feel
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the sting of bitterness, when they think of the little jealousies of petty officers, and the senseless restraints of red tape, that left their sons to suffer from neglect and bad management. The careless management of the mails and the delays and mistakes in reporting casualties will remain a bitter memory with them. There are a large number who cannot help thinking there must have been some great wrong somewhere.
Kuykendall Soldiers in War Against Germany
ALABAMA
Walter Calvin Kuykendall, born February 28, 1891, in Marion county, Alabama, son of J. J. Kuykendall and wife, S. A. Kuykendall, of Winfield, Ala. He was called to training camp April 26, 1918, and left for France July 27, 1918; was assigned to Company H, 35th Engineers, T. C.
Charles La Fayette Kuykendall, born February 18, 1888, three miles from Albertville, Ala., son of the late Manuel Monroe and Mahala Azreena Kuykendall, who lived at Albertville, Ala. He joined the Marines in 1913, and saw active service in the Mexican troubles, and assisted in the capture of Vera Cruz, being on the U. S. S. Nebraska at the time. Was wounded twice in the Mexican trouble. He had an active part with the Marines in France and was wounded at Chateau Thierry. When the war against Germany was begun, he was on the U. S. S. Huntington, which was connected with the transport business, carrying troops to France, making several trips across the ocean.
Alston Kuykendall, born February 1, 1890, is the son of the late Manuel Monroe Kuykendall and Mahala A. Kuykendall. He was sent to training camp in South Carolina, was assigned to Company F, 306th Engineers, sent to France and saw active service, and was wounded once in battle.
Lonnie Kuykendall, born January 4, 1894, at Kosciusko, Miss., son of Calvin Kuykendall, of Atmore, Ala., enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1912, served three years and then re-enlisted with Canadian Volunteer Infantry Company in April, 1916. He went with the Canadian forces to England, and from thence to the front, where he saw active service early, being gassed and wounded. He returned to the United States in 1916, and was honorably discharged February 20, 1919.
James Kuykendall, born at Farney, Ala., January 1, 1892, son of Calvin Kuykendall, of Atmore Ala., enlisted at Armiston, Ala. He was assigned to Company M, 167th Regular Infantry, in the Rainbow Division. He was wounded in October, 1918.
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Amos Van Kuykendall, born August 21, 1897, at Kosciusko, Miss., son of Calvin Kuykendall, of Atmore, Ala., enlisted at Birmingham, Ala., January 14, 1917, in Company H, 3rd Infantry, sent to Marfa, Tex., and has been on the Texas- Mexican border two years.
ARKANSAS
Jesse T. Kuykendall, born September 25, 1887, at Alma, Crawford county, Ark., is the son of Green Berry Kuykendall and wife, Georgia. He was called to service in March, 1918; left for cantonment at Camp Pike, Ark. He was assigned to Machine Gun Company, 161st Infantry, A. E. F. Was reported wounded at Verdun.
John Wesley Kuykendall, born February 16, 1896, son of Green Berry Kuykendall and wife, Georgia, was in training at Tulane University, New Orleans, La., was discharged December, 1918.
Walter Kuykendall, born (???), son of Mrs. Richard Kuykendall, of Alma, Ark.
He was killed in action in France.
Francis H. Kuykendall, son of Henry and Phebe Kuykendall, of Campbell, Ark., was born December 3, 1893, at Campbell, Ark., was called to service September 18, 1917, and left for Camp Pike, September 19 for training, was assigned to Company D, 153rd Infantry. Was wounded in action October 10, 1918, in France.
William Hobart Kuykendall was born September 8, 1896, at Campbell, Ark., and is the son of Henry and Phebe Kuykendall, of Campbell, Ark. He was called to service and left for Camp Pike, September 4, 1918, and was assigned to Company F, Third Training Regiment, Infantry.
Samuel James Kuykendall was born November 8, 1896, at Paragould, Ark., son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Kuykendall, of Fort Smith, Ark. Received his education at the University of Arkansas. He left home for encampment, January 5, 1918, was in Battery F, 330th Field Artillery. He volunteered as a representative from the University of Arkansas, went to Third Officers' Training School at Camp Pike, Ark. He was commissioned and sent to a French Artillery Scohol at Saumur, France; was one of seventy selected from that school to officer regiments of motorized artillery for attack purposes, and saw active service at the front, as second lieutenant of 330th Field Artillery.
Emer K. Nutt was born at Larado, Greene county, Ark., on October 17, 1889. Was in training at Camp Pike for several weeks, but was discharged on account of having dependents. He is the
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son of Samuel M. and Chella Kuykendall Nutt, who live at Jones-boro, Ark.
Hardy Roy Kuykendall, born January 8, 1895, near Leslie, Ark., son of Humphrey Posey and Mary E. Kuykendall, of Flag, Ark., called to Camp Pike, May 25, 1918, was private, first class, 316th Infantry, 79th Division, A. E. F. He was all through the hard fighting at Montfaucon, Troyon, and battles on the Meuse River, France. Was isolated and without food and water from November 3 to November 7, 1918.
Roscoe Henry Kuykendall, born July 7, 1895, at Elberta, Ark., son of John Francis and Emma Florence Kuykendall, of Elberta, Ark., enlisted January 9, 1918, going to Mare Island Training Station at San Francisco; was assigned to U. S. S. Wilmington, September 14, 1918, and at last report, February, 1919, was in port in Philippine Islands.
Chester Arthur Kuykendall was born October 11, 1896, ten miles south of Ozark, Ark., son of McCage and Ella Kuykendall, address, Ozark, Ark., Route 4, Box 49. He was called to Camp Pike, September 6, 1918, was assigned to Company B, First Regular Replacement Troops, and was preparing to leave for France when the armistice was signed.
Welborne S. Luna, born at Paragould, Ark., in 1897, is the son of Judge W. S.
Luna, of Paragould, whose mother was a sister of Prof. James W. Kuykendall, of Little Rock, formerly of Fort Smith, Ark. Welborne S. Luna enlisted May 23, 1917, and was trained at Fort Roots, Little Rock, Ark., Camp Beauregard, Alexandria, La., Camp Polk, Raleigh, N. C., Camp Green, Charlotte, N. C., having joined Company H at Paragould, which was later made Company C, of the 154th Infantry, U. S. A. He was made Corporal and transferred to Company B, 114th Ammunition Train, and then was sent to Officers' Training School at Camp Pike, where he received commission as Lieutenant, August 26, 1918. He was assigned for duty with School of Instruction, Tank Corps, U. S. A., Camp Polk, Raleigh, N. C., and was soon made Senior Instructor of Compass School, Tank Corps, and remained on duty until the armistice was signed and the Schools of Instruction were closed. He was then made Commanding Officer of Company B, 340th Battalion, Tank Corps, U. S. Army, and was transferred to Camp Greene.
He was honorably discharged at Camp Pike, December 28, 1918.
CALIFORNIA
William Cliff Kuykendall, son of John Abner and Lillie Kuykendall, was born August 5, 1887, at El Centro, Calif.; enlisted July 11, 1918. Was sent to Submarine Base at San Pedro, Calif., and was second class mechanic on Sumbarine F2.
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Samuel Le Roy Kuykendall, born December 3, 1892, at Portland, Ore., son of James O. and Dollie Fine Kuykendall, address, Kenwood, Calif., was educated in Santa Rosa and San Francisco Polytechnic High School. He volunteered and left for naval training station at San Pedro, Calif., November 1, 1917. Was trained for destroyer duty, commissioned Ensign, Company K, U. S. Naval Reserves, and was appointed Inspector of Shipping Board Boats.
James Marion Coykendall, born at Aurora, Neb., November 25, 1891, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coykendall, 1729 North Mariposa Avenue, Hollywood, Callif. He was called to the service June 25, 1918, and sent to Camp Kearney, Calif.; was assigned to Company C, 115th American Train., 40th Division. Was in active service in France with Motor Transport as Corporal.
Andrew Halsey Sullivan was born September 6, 1895, at Everett, Wash.; was educated in the St. Joseph Grammar and High School and Heald's Business College, San Jose, Calif. His father, William Halsey, was adopted by Mrs. E.
M. Sullivan, 237 W. Empire Street, San Jose, Calif. He married Miss Grace Kuykendall, daughter of Rev. John W. Kuykendall, of San Jose. He enlisted June 13, 1917, went into training at Presidio, San Francisco, Calif. Was assigned to the Medical Department, General Hospital No. 90, Plattsburg, N. Y.
George Kendall Cole, son of George W. Cole and Rhoda Emma Kirkendall Cole, was born December 3, 1889, at Crescent City, Fla. He received his education at Hollister and Oakland, Calif., his parents residing at Hollister. He enlisted July 28, 1917, left for encampment at San Antonio, Tex., July 31, 1917. He was assigned to Motorcycle Corps of the Quartermaster Department, and made Top Sergeant and Instructor in Motor School No. 1. He passed the examination and was recommended for promotion, six weeks before the armistice was signed.
Charles Henry Trombly, born in Minneapolis, Minn., November 3, 1895, son of Alfred B. and Nellie Kuykendall Trombly, was educated in Los Angeles, Calif., left for training at Camp Lewis, Wash., November 1, 1918, and was made a Corporal in Company C, 347th Machine Gun Battalion, 91st Division. His division went into action September 26, at Argonne Forest, on the Meuse River, and he was killed September 30. He left a widow, Mrs. Hazel Ellis Trombly, living in Los Angeles at 45 North Meredith Avenue.
Henry Edwin Kuykendall, born January 16, 1892, at San Diego, Calif., son of Leander and Anna Abbott Kuykendall, who reside at National City, Calif., was educated at San Diego and Riverside, Calif. He was called to service March 5, 1918, and left March 19, 1918, for the Aviation School at St. Paul, Minn. He was a member of the 864th Squadron, A. S. S. C., unassigned.
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While at the training camp was taken with scarlet fever and died in Snelling Hospital, May 17, 1918.
He left an aged and invalid father and a mother well along in years, who feel the sacrifice they have made, just as much as if their son had died in battle.
George Delmore Sampson, born May 2, 1897, in San Diego, Cal., son of William Delmore and Edith Edna Kuykendall Sampson, residing at 2129 Manitou, Los Angeles, Cal., was called to service September 2, 1918. He left for Camp Kearney, Cal., on September 15, 1918, and was there assigned to Company D, 82nd Infantry, 16th Division. He was honorably discharged January 24, 1919, at Camp Kearney.
Melvin Elroy Van Natta, born April 28th, 1900, at Portland, Ore., son of Ethel Freeland Van Natta Mitchell, of Santa Barbara, Cal., enlisted in the Navy, May 2, 1917, and was trained at Goat Island, Cal. He was assigned to the U. S. S.
Albany, which had an active part in convoying troops and supplies to France.
The mother of Melvin Elroy Van Natta is a daughter of Isabelle Kuykendall Freeland, who was a sister of the author of this book.
CONNECTICUT
Eldon Boyes Coykendall, born February 28, 1894, at East Hartford, Conn., was educated in the Wadsworth Street School, Hartford, and is the son of Dennis Martin and Etta Boyes Coykendall, residing at 69 Morris Street, Hartford, Conn. He was called for service March 24, 1917, and left for encampment at Yale Field, New Haven, Conn., August 5, 1917, later being transferred to Fort Totten, N. Y., being assigned to the Infantry. He was wounded seriously July 23, 1918, in the Chateau Thierry drive. He saw service on the Mexican border, with Company F, First Regiment, Connecticut National Guards. In the overseas service he was with Company F, 102nd U. S. Infantry. Received an honorable discharge January 8, 1919, after a little over a year's service in France.
Harry Oliver Prince, born April 27, 1895, at Maybrook, Orange county, N. Y., and educated at Hartford, Conn., is the son of William Oliver and Cora Adelia Coykendall Prince, of Hartford, Conn. He is a grandson of Harrison Coykendall and Mary Ann Linly Coykendall. He joined the service in 1916, received training first at Ohio Field Hospital No. 1, Encampment Fort Bliss, El Paso, Tex., being transferred to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., where he was made Sergeant. He was kept in the examining unit and failed to see foreign service.
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IDAHO
Lloyd Russell Kuykendall, born August 8, 1896, at Leland, Idaho, son of James W. and Myrtle M. Kuykendall, was educated at Rimini, Mont., and Nez Perce county, Idaho, schools. He enlisted at Spokane, Wash., with the 21st Company, 20th Engineers, (Forestry), on January 11, 1918, left Fort George Wright, January 25, 1918, for Camp American University, Washington, D. C., and sailed for France, February 15, 1918. Was serving as engineer there, at last account.
Denzil Vance Kuykendall, born April 20, 1898, at Leland, Idaho, was son of James W. and Myrtie M. Kuykendall, attended same schools as his brother, Lloyd Russell. He enlisted with the Marines, at Spokane, Wash., October 26, 1918, was inducted into service at Lewiston, Idaho, November 27, 1918, was sent to Portland, Ore., staying there until December 6, 1918, when he went to Mare Island, Calif., for further training.
Wayne Stanley Kuykendall was born January 6, 1900, at Leland, Idaho, where his parents reside. He is the son of James W. and Myrtie M. Kuykendall, and was educated in Nez Perce county, Idaho. He enlisted with the U. S. Marines at Spokane, Wash., October 26, 1918, and was inducted into service at Lewiston, Idaho, November 27, 1918, going to Portland, Ore., where he was honorably discharged November 29, 1918.
ILLINOIS
John Raymond Kuykendall, born April 12, 1900, at Illiopolis, Ill., son of Frank and Della Kuykendall, of Illiopolis, Ill., enlisted in the Navy, April 27, 1918, receiving training at Great Lakes and Norfolk Naval Training Stations. He was assigned to Company K, 13th Regiment, at Camp Paul Jones, and later at Hampton Roads, Va., served fifteen days on the U. S. S. Richmond and one month on U. S. S. Alabama, was then transferred to the shipyards, and later received an honorable discharge at Portsmouth, Va.
Harry Elvin Kuykendall, born July 10, 1890, at Moorefield, W. Va., son of Solomon William and Maggie D. Kuykendall, of Champaign, Ill., left for training at Camp McArthur, at Waco, Tex., March 9, 1918; was assigned to 13th Company, Aero Construction Corps. He left for France June 11, 1918. He saw active service, returned to the United States, December 10, 1918, and was honorably discharged at Camp Mills, N. Y., January, 1919.
Floyd Seymour Kuykendall, born (???), 1892, at Moorefield, W. Va., is the son of George Kuykendall, residing at Ashley, Ill. He left for training at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., in
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August, 1917, was attached to 130th Infantry, was sent to France and saw active service.
Woodruff Lucien Freese, born November 7, 1895, at Rossville, Ill., son of Jay and Jennie Kuykendall Freese, living at Ogden, Ill., was called to service April 10, 1918, going to Bradley Polytechnical School, Peoria, Ill. He was later assigned to Ordnance Department, Depot No. 4, and sailed for France July 31, 1918. On the way over the convoy fleet was attacked, August 10, by five enemy submarines. The fight lasted for three hours and ended with the sinking of two of the German boats. After landing on August 12, he was stationed at Mehun, France, for three weeks and then sent to Chaumont, where he is still stationed (March, 1919). He is a grandson of William Dempsey Kuykendall, of Armstrong, Ill.
Benson Landon, Jr., born November 29, 1891, at Chicago, Ill., educated at Cornell University, N. Y., is the son of Benson and Frances Kuykendall Landon, who reside in Chicago at 3812 N. Kedvale Avenue. He enlisted in the U. S.
Naval Reserve, November,
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1917, was called to service January 14, 1918, and was trained at Government Pier, Chicago, and at Pelham Bay, N. Y. He received a commission as Ensign, July 14, 1918, and has charge of Navy Base No. 6, at Brooklyn, N. Y. His lineage runs back to the first American Kuykendall through Wilhelmus Kuykendall, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
George Landon, born June 21, 1896, is the son of Benson and Frances Kuykendall Landon. He enlisted in the Naval Aviation Service, June 27, 1918, and took special training at the Boston Institute of Technology, and was there at the conclusion of hostilities.
Catherine Frances Landon, born January 27, 1894, at Towanda, Pa., daughter of Benson and Frances Kuykendall Landon, attended "College Women's Training School for Nurses," at Vassar, in September, 1918. She took training in bacteriology and laboratory work at Bellevue Hospital, New York, and was expecting an assignment to a military hospital at the time the armistice was signed. Miss Landon is a graduate of Rockford College, Illinois, and is a sister of the two Landon boys whose records appear above.
Leland Newell Kuykendall, born December 13, 1894, at Crossville, Ill., son of Elvis and Lulu Kuykendall, residing at Crossville, Ill., was educated in Valparaiso, Ind., and St. Louis, Mo. He left for Camp Greenleaf, Ga., October 21, 1918, and was assigned to Company 44 A, Battalion 11, serving in the Dental Corps.
Charles Elbert Kuykendall, born December 4, 1888, at Graysville, Ill., is the son of Charles D. and Sicily Kuykendall. He left for Camp Wheeler, Ga., June 28, 1918, was assigned to Company I, 124th Infantry, 31st Division. Was sent to France and transferred to 327th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, F Company, A. E.
F. He is at present in France (January 28, 1918), being stationed at Chomplitte.
John Leroy Hill, born March 15, 1896, son of George W. and Patia Alice Combs Hill, residence, Havana, Ill., left for training at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Miss., May 25, 1918, was assigned to Horse Section 113, Ammunition Train. He was transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y., went overseas, landing at Liverpool, October 17, 1918, and was sent in a few days to Le Harve, France. He was wounded in a railroad wreck, October 26, was taken to a hospital at Gail, France, near where the accident occurred. His jawbone was broken and he had a leg amputated, but died of internal injuries, November 5, 1918, and was buried in an American cemetery at Coitguedon, France. His grandmother is Mrs. Nancy Kuykendall Hill, Manito, Ill. His father and mother, and sister, Mrs. Harvey E. Brenner, live at Manito, Illinois.
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Walter Alvin Reed, born February 10, 1892, at Havana, Ill., is the son of Alvin and Minnie Reed. He left for training at Camp Dodge, April 30, 1918, and was assigned to Company C, 339th Machine Gun Battalion. He arrived in France, September 13, 1918, and is with the American Army of Occupation. He is a grandson of Nancy Kuykendall Hill, of Manito, Ill.
George Charlton, born June 23, 1892, at Manito, Ill., is the son of Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Cathryne Woodley Charlton, residing at Manito, Ill. He enlisted August, 1914, in Illinois State Militia. When his term expired he enlisted in the National Army, was sent to Camp Logan, Ill., and assigned to Company G, 108th Ammunition Train, having been transferred from Company A, 5th Illinois Infantry, 33rd Division, and is in the Army of Occupation.
Thomas Charlton, born August 14, 1895, at Manito, Ill., son of Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Cathryne Woodley Charlton, was called into service, July 18, 1918, and received training in Camp Greene, being assigned to Company E, 112nd Infantry. He embarked for France from Camp Mills, September 24, 1918, where he was a member of the American Army of Occupation.
Leo Charlton, born June 17, 1892, at Manito, Ill., son of James and Mary Isenburg Charlton, enlisted and was assigned to Battery B, 48th Artillery, and was in France in the American Army of Occupation at last account.
Henry Raymond Hill, born June 12, 1895, at Manito, Ill., son of Sargent Mareen Hill and Laura Hazletine Calloway Hill, residing at Manito; enlisted in August, 1914, in Illinois State Militia, and re-enlisted in the National Army, May 15, 1917, and was sent to Camp Logan, where he was assigned to Company G, 108th Ammunition Train. He left Camp Merritt, N. J., with his company, May 30, 1918, and landed in France, June 12, 1918, and was with the Army of Occupation.
James Oscar Reed, born April 21, 1889, at Topeka, Ill., son of James Henry and Mary Alice Rasher Reed, residing at Topeka, Ill., enlisted April 20, 1917. On October 15, 1917, he went to Camp Sherman for training and was assigned to Company A, 308th Field Signal Battalion. His company left Camp Merritt, June 11, 1918, and landed in Liverpool, England, June 24, 1918. After staying there a few days they sailed for Cherbourg, France. He was later in the Army of Occupation at Coblenz, Germany.
Note--John Leron Hill, Walter Alvin Reed, George Charlton, Thomas Charlton, Leo Charlton, Henry Raymond Hill and James Oscar Reed are grandsons of Mrs.
Nancy Kuykendall Hill of Manito, Ill.
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Earl Edmond Weaver, born October 14, 1895, at Virginia, Ill., is a son of Mollie Kikendall Weaver, living at Virginia, Ill. He graduated from Virginia High School and Springfield, Mo., Business College. When war against Germany was declared he was doing clerical work at the Timken Ballbearing Factory, at Detroit, Mich. He volunteered, enlisting at Detroit, May 7, 1917, and went to Michigan State Fair Grounds, where he received training for special Red Cross service, was sent overseas, landing in England, November 9, 1917, and went direct to Vittel, Vosges, France, and was there in service at Base Hospital 36.
William B. Thompson, born September 1, 1896, at Virginia, Ill., son of Maggie Kikendall Thompson, was educated at Brown Business College and School of Agriculture, both of Springfield, Ill. He received training as a machinist in Tank Corps at Camp Bradley, Peoria, Ill. He was a member of Company I, Battalion S. A. T. C.
Paul Kuykendall, born June 1, 1893, at Olney, Ill., is the son of John Kuykendall, son of James, who was son of Peter Kuykendall, who, with his brother Noah, settled in White County, Ill., about 1810. Paul Kuykendall enlisted in the U. S. Navy Aviation Corps, March 8, 1918. He was trained at the naval training stations at Balboa Park and North Island, both near San Diego, Cal. He was honorably discharged February 15, 1919. He has been living on his father's place at Tucumcari, N. M., until recently, but is now living at Olney, Ill.
INDIANA
Samuel Watkins Smith, born at Edwards, Ind., December 29, 1883, is son of Mary J. Kuykendall Smith, who resides in West Terre Haute, Ind. He enlisted for service March 21, 1918, and was sent to Camp Devins, Mass. Went to France and was at Brest most of the time, and was engaged in repair shops, building roads and other service. He remained in Brest several months.
Elvis Stuart Kuykendall, born at New Harmony, Ind., January 20, 1887. He received his education in the schools of his native village. Was the son of Benjamin and Denna Kuykendall, residing at New Harmony, Ind. He was called to service, August 15, 1918, and left for encampment, October 19, 1918. He was in First Company, Ordnance Corps. Was in training at Camp Penniwan, Va. His service for the country was of a mechanical nature, something quite as necessary as bearing arms. He now resides in Chicago at 4517 Indiana Avenue.
IOWA
Rex Clifford Klingensmith, born January 23, 1897, near Lovilia, Iowa. He volunteered and was sent to Fort Des Moines,
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May 14, 1917, was transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y., and from there was sent to France. He went into the front line trenches in February, 1918, and was with his company continuously through all the fighting. They suffered severe casualties, but he came through unwounded. He was in Germany with the Army of Occupation (March, 1919). Rex Clifford Klingensmith's paternal grandmother was Margaret Kirkendall Klingensmith.
KANSAS
Glen Wesley Frisbie, born October 16, 1896, at Kingman, Kan., educated in the schools of Kingman and Manhattan, Kan., and at Kansas City, Mo., son of George and Ella Dark Frisbie, is the grandson of Huldah Kuykendall Frisbie. He left on August 30,
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1919, for Fort Riley, Kan., and a few weeks later was transferred to Camp Cody, N. M. He was assigned to the Medical Corps of 386th Ambulance Company, 97th Division. He was honorably discharged from Camp Cody, December 6, 1918.
Clyde Miller, son of Frederick and Jane Kuykendall Miller, residing at Wetmore, Kan., was called to service in May, 1918. He was sent to France and was killed in action, November 4, 1918. His mother is a half-sister of William L. Kuykendall, of Independence, Mo., and a daughter of Daniel Kuykendall, son of Henry Kuykendall, one of the four brothers that emigrated from Virginia to Indiana about 1805.
KENTUCKY
Edwin Lewis Kuykendall, born May 11, 1897, at Bowling Green, Ky., son of Eddie Clark and Ida Overstreet Kuykendall,
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enlisted in the Regular Army, on his twentieth birthday. He received training at Brownsville, Tex., Corpus Christi, Tex., and at Camp Lee, Va., being a member of Company A, Fifth Regular Engineers, 7th Division. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in Engineer Corps on his twenty-first birthday.
He sailed for
France in July, 1918, and returned to America on the U. S. S. George Washington, which brought President Wilson back from his first trip to France, and landed at Boston on February 23, 1919. He is at present, (March 15), located at Washington Barracks, at Washington, D. C.
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Edward Kuykendall, born January 17, 1879, at Palma, Ky., is son of Andrew Jackson and Mandy Kuykendall, residing at Palma, Ky. He was in the Y. M. C. A.
service with the A. E. F., at Paris, France. His wife lives at Calvert City, Ky.
Gammon Payne Kuykendall, born February 10, 1888, son of Elihu Kuykendall, of Clay, Ky., was called to service, August 25, 1918, at Dixon, Ky., and was sent to Camp Knox, Ky., for training. He was honorably discharged, December 16, 1918, having served about four months as a private in Battery E, 67th Field Artillery. He was ready to sail overseas when the armistice was signed.
Whit Kuykendall, born (???), 1885, son of John Kuykendall, of Webster county, Ky., was sent to France with the Lincoln Division, where he was severely gassed in battle.
Clarence Kuykendall, born about 1899, in Webster county, Ky., son of Robert Henry Kuykendall, saw service in France, and was expected home, April, 1919, after six months' service overseas.
MASSACHUSETTS
Emmett Kirkendall Carver, born July 9, 1893, at Douds-Leando, Iowa, son of Thomas N. and Flora Kirkendall Carver, was educated at the Cambridge Latin School and Harvard University. He took special training at Plattsburg, N. Y., and at Harvard University, and was made Captain in the Chemical Service and was attached to the Military Intelligence Division, office of the General Staff. Captain Carver is a grandson of the late Elijah Brock Kirkendall, of Douds-Leando, Iowa.
MICHIGAN
William Leo Kikendall, born December 11, 1893, at Charles-worth, Mich., son of Richard and Lovinnia Kikendall, left for Camp Custer, November 19, 1917, and was assigned to Company B, 110th Engineers. After training at Camp Custer and Little Rock, Ark., he was sent to France. While working as an engineer, making roads, he left his work and fought in the trenches, September 25, 1918, and was with the troops that gained seven miles in five days and nights. In his branch of the service he was called to four different battle fronts.
William Joseph Kirkendall, born August 27, 1892, at Forester, Mich., is a son of Joseph Sargent and Susan Kirkendall, who live at Forester, Mich. He left for training at Camp Custer, May 27, 1918, and is a member of Company M, 339th Infantry, 85th Division, and saw active service at Chateau Thierry, France.
Was in hospital. Later was transferred to 101st Field Signal Battalion, 26th Division, and is still in France (March, 1919).
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William Francis Middleton, born June 17, 1897, at Benton Harbor, Mich., is the son of William Henry and Georgia Kuykendall Middleton. He was educated in the common schools of Berrien County, Mich., graduated from Berrien High School and took a business course in Benton Harbor. He served as a volunteer in Michigan State Troops from August 6, 1918, until his induction in the National Army, October 24, 1918. He was assigned to 56th Ammunition Train, Coast Artillery Corps, was transferred and assigned to Headquarters Detachment of Camp Eustis, Va., November 10th, 1918. He was promoted to Corporal, December 26th, 1918.
Lee Prentice Coykendall, born December 17, 1897, in Sherman, Mich., son of Frank J., and Electa Coykendall, residing at Mesick, Mich., enlisted in the army, June 14, 1917. He was attached to Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Eleventh Field Artillery,
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A. E. F. He was trained at Fort Douglas, Ariz., and went to France with his company, where he saw active service at the battle front until the cessation of hostilities.
William Henry Kuykendall, born July 7, 1896, at Benton Harbor, Mich., was son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Kuykendall, residing at 2206 Fort Street West, Detroit, Mich. He enlisted in the Navy, June 14, 1918, was assigned to Company 28, Twelfth
Regiment, in training at Camp Jones, Great Lakes, Mich. He was preparing for Aerial Photographic work when he was attacked by Spanish influenza, followed by pneumonia, which caused his death at the Great Lakes Naval Training Hospital, September 24, 1918. The funeral services were held in the First Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, Mich., September 27. Interment was in the Crystal Springs cemetery, in the Weaver lot, where lie the remains of the young man's late uncle, Edward Weaver.
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Herschel Dennis Wheeler, Sergeant, First Class, Medical Department, born at Mesick, Wexford county, Mich., November 1, 1898, is son of F. A. Wheeler (living), and Nettie J. Coykendall (deceased). He was called to the service, October, 1917, and was sent to Camp Custer, Mich., where he was trained for hospital service in Base Hospital Detachment, Medical Corps. His service was mostly in the capacity of stenographer, file clerk and office work in general.
Was promoted in succession to his present position, Sergeant, First Class, Medical Department.
MINNESOTA
Roy Edward Freeland, born February 22, 1877, at Albany, Ore., son of Dr.
Benjamin R. and Sarah Isabel Kuykendall Freeland (both dead), enlisted as a private at Minneapolis, Minn., December, 1917, and soon afterwards went to Camp Devins, Mass., and was assigned to 447th Depot Detachment Engineers. He sailed for France, February, 1918. His services were connected with the handling of supplies.
MISSISSIPPI
Elbert Kuykendall Nolen, the son of Arthur and Willie Kuykendall Nolen, was called to Camp Pike, February, 1918, and was assigned to the Infantry, and went with his company to France. He was educated at Silverrena, Miss.
Aldine Lee Kuykendall, born July 4, 1888, at Tilden, Miss., son of Brice C.
and Annie Lee Kuykendall, left for Camp Pike, Ark., March 5, 1918, and was assigned to Company M, 113th Infantry. Went to France, where he was in active service, and was wounded, October 26, 1918.
William Carlisle Kuykendall, born March 26, 1892, near Coffeeville, Miss., son of William Bean and Margaret Sloan Kuykendall, enlisted in Battery A, 140th Field Artillery, in August, 1917. He received his training at Water Valley and Jackson, Miss., and at Camp Beauregard, Ala., and saw active service in France.
Charles Neal Kuykendall, born (???), enlisted the day following the declaration of war on Germany by our country, in April, 1917, at Mobile, Ala.
Was trained about seven weeks at Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo., and was assigned to Company D, 21st Engineers, at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill. After three months his company was ordered for overseas service. When about to embark he was ordered to remain at Staten Island, where he was assigned to Detached Special Service for three months. He was promoted from Sergeant to Sergeant-Major, but wishing to go to the front, he asked that he be reduced to the rank of private and be permitted to go at once. He arrived in
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France, September 15, and joined his old company, saw active service as a locomotive engineer, carrying munitions to the front line. He was in the hospital two weeks from shell shock, received October 7, 1918, and was on duty near Metz, the last weeks of the war. His home is Columbus, Miss.
Thomas Gordon Kuykendall, born in Oakland, was educated at Spring Hill, Miss., is son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gordon Kuykendall, whose residence is at Oakland, Miss. He left for training at Camp Beauregard, La., in October, 1917.
He sailed for France, June 1, 1918, where he fought in several different battles, with the Infantry.
Guy Harding Moore, born in Oakland, Miss., where he was educated, is a son of Edward and Bertha Kuykendall Moore. He was called to service, June, 1917, and was trained at Camp Pike, Ark., was assigned to Infantry duty and went to France, in August, 1918.
John Erwin Kuykendall, born in Oakland, Miss., is son of William C and Effie Lou Morgan Kuykendall. He was trained at Camp Shelby, Miss., and assigned to 188th Machine Gun Battalion, and went to France in September, 1918, where he was in the Fifth Machine Gun Battalion, 2nd Division, A. E. F.
Franklin Simpson Lester, born at Patterson, Miss., is a son of Wesley and Anna Kuykendall Lester. He volunteered, September, 1917, and joined the Navy.
Charles Ira Kuykendall, born at Oakland, received his schooling at Water Valley, Miss., is the son of James Isaac and Ian Duke Kuykendall. He left for Camp Pike, Ark., in August, 1918, where he received his military training.
William Deak Kuykendall, son of Charles and Lilla Laughlin Kuykendall, was called to Camp Shelby, Miss., in August, 1918, and was sent to France after the armistice was signed.
Grover Cleveland Kuykendall, born April 27, 1884, in Union county, Ky., son of Frank M. and Catherine Burchette Kuykendall, received his schooling at Nashville, Tenn. He served three full enlistments in the 41st Coast Artillery Corps of the Regular Army, being stationed at Fort Monroe, Va. After his nine years' service in the Regular Army he served a four-year term in the Navy and re-enlisted in the Navy for service in the war with Germany, in June, 1918. He served on several different vessels and during the late war was on the U. S.
S. Agawan, stationed in Italian waters, and is chief wireless operator on that ship.
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MISSOURI
Charles Lucius Kuykendall, born February 19, 1892, at Dunlap, Harrison county, Iowa, is son of William L. and Mary A. Kuykendall, who now reside at Independence, Mo. He enlisted, June 18, 1917, and received his training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, and belongs to Company A, 313th Field Signal Battalion, attached to the famous Rainbow Division, with which he saw hard service in France in the most exposed positions as a member of the Signal Corps.
NEBRASKA
Freeman Burdette Kirkendall, born about 1899, son of Freeman P. and Julia Burdette Kirkendall, was educated at Lawrenceville and Princeton. He enlisted in the First Officers' Training Camp, at Kelly Field, Tex., where he was made a First Lieutenant, in 239th Aero Squadron. His home is at Omaha, Neb.
NEW JERSEY
Charles Fremont Kuykendall, Jr., born June 13, 1892, in New York City, son of Charles Fremont and Carrie Writer Kuykendall, enlisted May 8, 1918, and was sent to the Naval Training Station at Newport, R. I.; took training on Boston (Mass.) Receiving Ship, Hingham, Massachusetts Naval Ammunition Depot, Officers' Material School, at Bumpkin Island, Boston, up to the signing of the armistice. Later he was Cost Inspector at the Naval Boiler Plant. While at Newport, R. I., he was in the 18th Company, Sixth Battalion, Eighth Regiment.
George S. Kuykendall, born December 24, 1894, in New York City, enlisted December 8, 1917, and was trained at Pelham Bay Training Station, N. Y., and was transferred March 3, 1918, to the U. S. S. Edith M. III, S. P. 196, where he is still in service, March 25, 1919. During the submarine attacks in the vicinity of New York water, he was in active service with the rest of the crew in carrying dispatches.
Note--The parents of the two boys just mentioned are Charles Fremont Kuykendall, Sr., born January 26, 1857, and Carrie A. Writer Kuykendall, born February 16, 1867, who died March 16, 1919.
NEW MEXICO
Samuel Abner Kuykendall, born June 28, 1891, at Colorado City, Mitchell county, Tex., was educated at Carlsbad, N. M. His parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin Straysner Kuykendall, lived at Carlsbad, N. M., but now (1919), reside in Skull Valley, Ariz. He was called to service April 25, 1918, going to Camp Funston, Kan., and later to Camp Mills, N. Y., was assigned to Company
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A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division, A. E. F. Saw hard fighting in France, was fatally wounded, October 25, and died October 28, 1918, and was buried at Chaumont, France, near the Vosges Mountains.
Alva Benjamin Kuykendall, born November 21, 1897, at Carlsbad, N. M., son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Straysner Kuykendall, enlisted in the mechanical service, and left for the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and was assigned to Company A, Training Detachment, Infantry service. He was honorably discharged, December 8, 1918.
William Joseph Ligon, born September 6, at Llano, Llano county, Tex., son of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Ligon, residing at Las Cruces, N. M., enlisted in the U. S.
Navy, April 16, 1918, and was sent to Mare Island Training Station. He was honorably discharged in February, 1919, and is now at home with his parents.
His mother, Mrs. S. W. Kuykendall, is a daughter of Joseph A. Kuykendall, a Confederate veteran.
NEW YORK STATE
William Wallace Coykendall, born February 17, 1889, son of Jacob and Mary A.
Coykendall, was educated at Elmira, N. Y., schools, Union and Yale Universities. He enlisted July 13, 1917, joined Company B, 10th Engineers, was trained at Fort Slocum, and at Washington, D. C. He sailed for France, September 1, 1918.
Henry Edward Dodd, born October 16, 1889, son of Frederick and Clara Coykendall Dodd, residing at 160 Merriman Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y., was called to Camp Dix, N. Y., October 25, 1917. He was assigned to Company 7, 310th Regiment, 78th Division. He was commissioned a Lieutenant and after organizing military schools he was made the commanding officer of students taking military training at Hanover and Butler College, Indianapolis, Ind. Henry E.
Dodd's mother was Clara E. Coykendall, daughter of Henry J. Coykendall, whose grandfather was Jacob, who was son of Peter Coykendall.
Samuel Kuykendall Adams, born September 17, 1894, son of Daniel B. and Emma Kuykendall Adams, was educated at Ellenville High School, graduated at Cornell University, class of 1916. He was called to service, April 1, 1918, and received training at Camp Stuart, Camp Hill, and at Newport News, Va. He was made Second Lieutenant of Sanitary Corps, and attached to the General Staff of Medical Supply, at Washington, D. C.
Harry Jerome Ely, born May 24, 1894, at Lima, N. Y., son of Carlton L. and Cora Coykendall Ely, was educated at Genessee (N. Y.) Wesleyan Seminary, and spent two years at the University
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of Rochester. He left his home at Lima, N. Y., and enlisted at Buffalo, N. Y., Deccember 13, 1917, and was sent to Camp Lee, and from there was transferred to Kelly Field, Tex., and attached to the Fifth Provisional Aviation Section, in March, 1918, where he received training in the Rigger School as aviation mechanic. From Kelley Field he was transferred to Dorr Field, Arcadia, Fla., as Aviation Crew Chief; made Sergeant in August and First Class Sergeant, November 1, 1918.
Joshua Maynard Linthicum, born February 18, 1893, at Savage, Md., married Virginia Ferris Frisbie, born July 22, 1893, at Chicago, Ill., she being daughter of Frank Coleman and Elizabeth Ferris Frisbie, and granddaughter of Huldah Kuykendall Frisbie. J. M. Linthicum is son of Dr. Thomas Waters and Sarah Jane Linthicum, and was educated at Annapolis High School and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He took special training at Johns Hopkins University for marine service, going there May 4, 1918. He was made Senior Engineer Officer in U. S. Army Transport Service.
Howard Hamilton Rogers, born November 30, 1893, is son of George and Flora Rogers of Candor, N. Y., where he graduated from the high school of that city.
He married Huldah J. Kuykendall, born January 6, 1894, she being a daughter of Theodore P. and Julia Dawes Kuykendall. Howard H. Rogers was called to service June 6, 1918, going to Pelham Bay Park, N. Y., where he took training in hospital work. He was attached to the Hospital Corps of U. S. S. Leviathan, and was still in service, February, 1919.
James Henry Johnson, born February 6, 1892, at Waverly, N. Y., son of John A.
and Eunice Sherwood Johnson, was educated at Waverly High School and Syracuse University. He is a great grandson of Eunice Kuykendall Sherwood, who was born April 28, 1820, and died October 27, 1873. He enlisted and left for Second Officers' Training Camp, at Fort Niagara, N. Y., August 23, 1917. He was sent from there to Fort Monroe, Va., and then to Fort Hamilton, as First Lieutenant of Coast Artillery and Assistant Adjutant. He was with 37th Coast Artillery Corps at Camp Eustis, Va., where he was made Captain of C. A., and Regimental Adjutant.
Evan Sherwood Johnson, born February 12, 1896, at Waverly, N. Y., is son of John A. and Eunice Sherwood Johnson, of Waverly, N. Y. He was educated at the same place and naturally has the same lineage as his brother, James Henry Johnson, mentioned above. He was called to limited service, September 4, 1918, and became a member of Company 31, 20th Battalion, at Syracuse Recruit Camp.
His duties were in connection with Base Hospital No. 5, at Fort Ontario, Oswego, N. Y.
Arthur Platt White, born January 8, 1895, at Nichols, N. Y., son of Frank P.
and Minnie Sherwood White, residing at Corning,
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N. Y., was educated at Corning Free Academy and Amherst College. He was called to Camp Dix, September 26, 1917, where he was made Second Lieutenant, Battery B, 60th Regular Coast Artillery. His battery was sent to France, where he attended the artillery school at Samur. Arthur Platt White is the grandson of James Oliver and Alice Jordon Sherwood, and great grandson of Eunice Kuykendall and Silas Sherwood.
George Elmer Coykendall, born October 18, 1887, at Crystal Springs, Barrington, Yates county, N. Y., son of Philetus and Mildred Coykendall, enlisted from Miles City, Mont., September 19, 1917, and was sent to Camp Lewis, Wash., for training. He was made a Corporal of Company M, 362nd Infantry, was sent to France, where he was killed in battle, October 10, 1918.
His parents reside at Rochester, N. Y., 17 Barnum Street.
OHIO
Verdelance Clayton Rush, born July 26, 1893, at Nashville, Ohio, son of John and Ella Kirkendall Rush, living at Lakeville, Holmes county, Ohio, was called to service May 28, 1918. He went first to Camp Sherman, then to Camp Jackson, Fla., and from there to Camp Hill, Va., from whence he was sent overseas, July 26, 1918. He is in Butcher Company 325, A. E. F., and still in service at St.
Nazaire, France. His serial number is 2,473,219.
Rothbe Hammond Kirkendall, born December 15, 1887, at Creola, Ohio, son of Aaron B. and Mattie Thomason Kirkendall, was educated at McArthur (Ohio) High School, at Athens College, and graduated from the Rio Grande College, Ohio, where he later became a member of the faculty, teaching literature, English and history. At the outbreak of trouble on the Mexican border, he organized a company of students of which he was made captain, but the trouble subsided before they saw service. When war was declared against Germany he took up camp welfare work and was made Entertainment Director at Camp Sherman, Ohio. He furnished entertainments each night in the various Y. M. C. A., War Camp Community, Red Cross and K. of C. huts. He evolved a system of self- entertainments for the 83rd and 84th Divisions, which they carried overseas with them. His friends claim that he had more to do with the morale of the men in training than perhaps any other man in the Camp.
Jewel Clifford Kirkendall, born August 31, 1892, at New Market, Ind., son of David W. and Martha H. Kirkendall, residing in Columbus, Ohio, 736 Engler Street, was called to Camp Sherman, Chillecothe, Ohio, May 28, 1918, where he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 336th Regular Infantry.
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William Kirkendall Haswell, born September 14, 1899, at Circleville, Ohio, son of George Robison and Frances Kirkendall Haswell, residing at Circleville, Ohio, enlisted in the Navy, December 4, 1917, and took six months training at the Great Lakes Training Station, and was assigned to the U. S. Naval forces, in European waters, and was in Brest, France, when last heard from.
Edward Taylor Kirkendall, born November 2, 1891, at Darbyville, Ohio, is a son of Mrs. Sarah R. Kirkendall, of Columbus, Ohio. He enlisted in May, 1917, and received training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Fort Sill, and Fort Wheeler. He was made First Lieutenant and went to France with the 7th Field Artillery, 7th Division. He was overseas for six months but saw no fighting.
OKLAHOMA
Melvin Samuel Kirkendall, born August 6, 1892, son of Samuel Kirkendall (deceased) and Sarah Kirkendall, residing at Carmen, Okla., was educated in Athens, Ohio, common schools, Carmen, Okla., high schools and took the Pharmacy Course at Oklahoma University. He was called to Camp Travis, April 27, 1918, and was assigned to Sanitary Squad No. 2, 90th Division, was with Sanitary Squad No. 40, 90th Division, in France, and went with the American Army of Occupation to Manderscheid, Germany.
Dr. Louis Clifton Kuyrkendall, born September 21, 1885, at Leonard, Tex., is the son of John Oscar and Mary Anderson Kuyrkendall, (the latter deceased, January 14, 1919), his father residing at Atoka, Okla. He was educated at Baylor University, Waco, Tex., Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind., and St.
Louis University, Medical Department. He reported at Fort Sam Houston, Tex., as First Lieutenant, M. R. C. For five months he was in charge of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, in Base Hospital No. 2, Fort Bliss, Tex. He passed examination, September 4, 1917, for Regular Army commission, was sent to M. O.
T. C., Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., for training, was there seven weeks and discharged for physical disability before receiving commission in Regular Army.
Lucian Hoard, 28 years old, born in Celeste, Tex., son of J. M. and Antonia Kuyrkendall Hoard, enlisted in S. A. T. C., Camp Mabry, Austin, Tex., July 10, 1918. He was in Headquarters Company of the Quartermaster's Department, and was discharged December 13, 1918.
James Taylor Kennedy, 25 years of age, born in Celeste, Tex., son of R. D. and Lou Hoard Kennedy, grandson of Antonia Kuyrkendall and J. M. Hoard, enlisted April 22, 1917, and was assigned to Machine Gun Company, 64th Infantry, A. E.
F. He saw active service and was engaged in severe fighting.
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Rouland Hoard Kennedy, born at Winnsboro, Tex., April 27, 1901, son of R. D.
and Lou Hoard Kennedy, of Wichita Falls, Tex., grandson of Antonia Kuyrkendall and J. M. Hoard, enlisted in the Navy, at Dallas, Tex., July 15, 1918, and was assigned to the Signal Corps, and took training at Balboa Park, Naval Training Station, San Diego, Calif.
David Matthew Logan, born March 20, 1894, at Vernon, Tex., son of Leonard Marion and Annie Kuykendall Logan, residing at Tahlequah, Okla., was educated at the University of Oklahoma. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Coast Artillery Corps, Fort Winfield Scott, Calif., November 27, 1917, after three mouths' training. He was assigned to 63rd Artillery, (C. A. C.), Fort Worden, Wash., was transferred to School for Aerial Observers, Langley Field, Va., May, 1918, where he was retained as instructor, upon completion of his course.
He was later transferred to School for Aerial Observers as instructor at Post Field, Fort Sill, Okla., where he was honorably discharged, January 30, 1919.
Leonard Marion Logan, Jr., born April 27, 1891, at Vernon, Tex., son of Leonard Marion and Annie Kuykendall Logan, was graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He enlisted and went into active service, January 10, 1918, and was assigned to Army Transport Service, of Quartermaster Corps, and was trained at Camp Joseph E. Johnson, Jacksonville, Fla. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France from May 2, 1918, to January 19, 1919.
Clifford Kuykendall Logan, born November 6, 1895, son of Leonard Marion and Annie Kuykendall Logan, was educated at the University of Oklahoma. He enlisted in Medical Reserve Corps, September, 1917, continued his medical education at the University of Oklahoma, during the period of the war, with rank of First Class Private, and was carried on non-acting list of Medical Reserve Corps.
The three Logan boys mentioned are the grandsons of Matthew Johnson Kuykendall and great grandsons of Abner Kuykendall, of Bell county, Tex.
Fred L. Kuykendall, born in Bexar county, Tex., near San Antonio, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuykendall, of Holdenville, Okla. He was called to service, September 20, 1917, and was sent to Camp Travis, Tex., near San Antonio. He was in Company M. 358th Infantry, Oklahoma brigade. He was not in active service, and was discharged April 4, 1918.
OREGON
Robert Benson Kuykendall, born August 6, 1891, at Eugene, Ore., son of William and Mary Ada Alysom Kuykendall, residing
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at Eugene, Ore., was educated at the University of Oregon and at Columbia University, New York, where he received the degree of L. L. B. He attended the First Officers' Training Camp at Presidio, Calif; after four months' training was sent to American Lake, in September, 1917, where he was promoted from Second to First Lieutenant of Battery F, 347th Field Artillery, 91st Division.
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He was with the 91st Division all through their hard fighting at Argonne Forest and in Flanders, Belgium. Lieutenant Kuykendall for a time was with the American Army of Occupation in Germany.
He was severely injured in a motorcycle accident, in which he sustained a fractured jaw, and was sent to a hospital for rest and recovery. He was with his brother, Captain John Eberle Kuykendall,
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as herein mentioned, during his sickness and at the time of his death.
John Eberle Kuykendall, born May 31, 1885, at Drain, Ore., was son of Dr.
William and Mary Ada Alysom Kuykendall, who reside at Eugene, Ore. He was a graduate of the University of Oregon and of Cooper Medical College, San Francisco, Calif. After graduating in that institution in 1911, he returned and engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in his home city, Eugene, Ore., being associated with his father in practice and in the Eugene Hospital work. In 1917 he organized the University of Oregon unit of the Red Cross Ambulance Company, which was soon merged with the army service, and went to Camp Lewis, with 125 students of the University of Oregon and Eugene men in its personnel. He was commissioned Captain, and took command of the 361st Ambulance Company, which was attached to the 91st Division. The company went through hard fighting in the Argonne and in Flanders, his company being right at the front, in advanced dressing stations of their own making.
He was taken sick early in February with meningitis and died February 22, in a base hospital at Le Mans, France. He was promoted Major shortly before his death, and his commission arrived only two or three days before his demise.
When it came, his physicians thought he was too sick to be sworn in, and so he died without knowing of his promotion.
The death of Captain John Eberle Kuykendall came as a heavy blow to his home people. Just while they were awaiting with joyous anticipations his return home and while they were sure that in a few days they should greet him, and while planning spring and summer outings for pleasure and recuperation from the campaign hardships, a cablegram came announcing his death. In his college days, Captain Kuykendall was regarded as one of the best all round athletes the University ever turned out. He was a member of the Athletic Council while in college and was afterward a Council Alumnis.
He married Miss Winnifred Hadley, in 1908, and left her and three children: Dorris Winnifred, born October 17, 1911; John, Jr., born June 28, 1915; Donald, born February 28, 1917.
Everett Seward Coykendall, born January 31, 1890, at Walla Walla, Wash., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Coykendall, received his schooling in his native city.
He enlisted March 15, 1918, and was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where he was assigned to Company A, 31st Engineers. He sailed for overseas service, in June, 1918, and was with the American Expeditionary Forces in France at last accounts. His father is dead and his mother lives in Portland, Ore.
Charles Davis Kuykendall, son of Charles V. and Eliza J. Kuykendall, of Yamhill, Ore., was born November 18, 1893, at Yamhill,
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Ore., and graduated from the high school of his native town. He was called to service, August 15, 1918, and left for training camp, September 2, 1918. He was in Eleventh Infantry Company, Replenishing and Training Toorps, at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill.
PENNSYLVANIA
Frederick Charles Kirkendall, born May 20, 1898, at Milton, Pa., son of Mr.
and Mrs. F. H. Kirkendall, of Milton, Pa., grandson of Julius E. and great grandson of Henry P. Kirkendall, received his education in the schools of his home town. He left for Camp Holt, Gettysburg, Pa., September 7, 1918, and was assigned to the Infantry.
George Butler Kirkendall, born September 7, 1898, at Dallas, Pa., son of George Talmadge and Helen B. Kirkendall, was educated at St. Mary's High School, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and at St. Thomas College, Scranton, Pa. He left, September 27, 1918, for training at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D. C., where he was assigned to Company C, S. A. T. C. unit.
Fred Charles Kirkendall, Jr., born October 10, 1897, at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., son of Frederick Charles and Eleanor Gearhart Kirkendall, was educated in the schools of Wilkes-Barre and at Lafayette College, at Easton, Pa. He volunteered in July, 1918, and was sent to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received training for Naval Aviation.
Clark Porter Kuykendall, born May 10, 1896, at Towanda, Pa., son of Benjamin and Louise Porter Kuykendall, was educated in the Towanda public schools, Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pa., and Columbia University, New York City.
He was a Junior at the latter institution when he entered the service, but received the degree of A. B. in June, 1918. He sailed from New York, June 9, 1917, as a member of the American Field Service, and joined American Ambulance Section 68, upon arrival overseas. After the arrival of General Pershing in France, this branch of the service was taken over by the United States. He became a member of Sanitary Section Unit 625, was attached to the 69th French Division, and was wounded at Couevres, July 18, 1918. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre, May 4, 1918, for distinguished service, near Flirey, France.
Paul Kuykendall Dayton, born November 2, 1882, at Towanda, Pa., son of Deborah Catherine Kuykendall and George A. Dayton, married Anna Cornelia Griggs, December 30, 1908. He volunteered January 16, 1918, and enrolled in a civil capacity, in Signal Corps, Equipment Division, Washington, D. C. On July 13, 1918, was commissioned a Captain in the United States Army, and assigned to Finance Division, Aircraft Production, Washington,
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D. C. Shortly thereafter, he was given charge of organization of Machinery Section, Approvals Department of Finance Division, and continued in charge of same until November 11, or shortly thereafter, and was then placed in charge of Machinery Appraisal Section, having charge of settling all the various claims of Government contractors, having to do with machine tools and productive machinery of all kinds. Captain Dayton was appointed on the U. S.
Financial Commission, to settle claims between the United States and the Allies, and went to France the fore part of March, 1919, to enter upon his new duties.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Clarence M. Kuykendal, born January 11, 1896, at York, South Carolina, is the son of Clarence M. Kuykendal and Daisy Ruff Kuykendal. He was educated in the school of Rock Hill, S. C., and at the Clemson Agricultural and Mechanical College, S. C. He volunteered the fore part of August, 1917, and entered the 107 Aero Squadron, went to France with his unit and was later transferred to 801 Aero Squadron. He first went to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, then to Kelly Field, Texas, and landed in France Christmas day, 1917. He was expected home in February, 1919. The father of this young man, Dr. Clarence M. Kuykendal, died January 5, 1917, and the mother, Daisy Ruff Kuykendal, died November 19, 1913.
Joseph Solesbee, born at Hot Springs, N. C., March 24, 1896, son of John Solesbee, of Spartanburg, S. C., 182 Burnette Street, joined the Army June 22, 1918. He was assigned to 324th Infantry, 81st Division, and was trained at Camp Sevier, and later at Camp Mills, N. Y. He sailed for France, July 24, 1918. He was in the fierce fighting that broke the Hindenburg line, was made Corporal and is still in Company B, 324th Infantry.
Joseph Solesbee is a grandson of W. W. Solesbee and Mary Kuykendall Solesbee.
TEXAS
Clarence Ralph Kuykendall, born March 24, 1895, in Montague county, Texas, son of Nathaniel and Martha Ida Kuykendall, received his education in the schools of Montague and Cooke counties, Tex. He was called to service, April 26, 1918, going to Camp Travis, San Antonio, Tex., where he was assigned to Company B, 359th Infantry. He went overseas, was in the great parade of American soldiers in London, July 4th, 1918, and saw active service in France until the close of the war.
Seled Franklin Caldwell, great grandson of Abner Kuykendall, and grandson of Mary Kuykendall Smith, is son of Andrew Harper
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and Imogene Smith Caldwell. He volunteered for service in the Army, at Amarilla, Tex., June, 1917, and was immediately sent to Fort Bliss, Tex., where he became a member of Battery A, 18th Field Artillery. After several months' training, he was sent to Camp Merritt, N, J., in May, 1918, where he embarked for France. He landed there in June and was in the second Battle of the Marne, July, 1918, and also in the St. Mihiel drive in September, and was on the front continually, until the signing of the armistice, November 11, 1918. He participated in battles at Montfaucon and the Argonne Forest. In December, 1918, he was sent into Germany, with the "Army of Occupation," and was still in service, February, 1919.
Albert Kuykendall, born November 17, 1889, at Tilden, Tex., son of Mr. and Mrs. James Kuykendall, of Tilden, McMullen county, Tex., was called to service, September 19, 1917, going to Camp Travis, at San Antonio, Tex., and went to France with Headquarters Company, 325th Infantry, 82nd Division, A. E.
F. He saw active service and was shot through one of his ears, in the last drive of the war, while acting as an orderly.
John William Kuykendall was born October 21, 1893, at Tatum, Rush county, Tex., where he received his schooling. His parents, J. Webb and M. B.
Kuykendall, lived at Tatum, Tex. He was called to service, July 25, 1918, going first to Camp Travis, where he was assigned to the 78th Company, 165th D. B., and on August 15 was transferred to Fort Sill, Okla., where he was assigned to the Heavy Artillery, Battery B. 125th Regiment, First Battalion, 59th Brigade, 34th Division. He was sent to France for further training, landing there October 10, 1918. He was due at the front, November 15, but the prior signing of the armistice prevented his participation in any active fighting. He was there until December 5, 1918.
Joseph Henry Kuykendall, born October 3, 1894, at Tatum, Tex., son of Joseph and Laura Reese Kuykendall, who live at Longview, Tex., received his education at the latter place, and was called to service, October 8, 1917, and trained at Camp Travis, Tex. He was a member of Company M. 359th Infantry, 90th Division, left for foreign service, June 8, 1918, and was in active service in France, from September 11 till the signing of the armistice, November 11, 1918, and went with the Army of Occupation into Germany.
Mack Kuykendall, born July 20, 1896, at Tatum, Tex., was educated at the Northwest Texas Normal College, at Denton, Tex. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Kuykendall, of Longview, Tex. He was called to Camp Travis, March 20, 1918, and did clerical work in the postoffice there until he was honorably discharged, February 1, 1919.
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William Kuykendall, born at Cleburne, Tex., graduated from high school of that city. His parents are Robert B. and Callie Kuykendall; he was called to service (???), 1917, and served in France with the Transportation Corps.
John Kuykendall, born at Cleburne, Tex., (???), graduated from the high school of his native town, joined the Navy (???)
Pierre Moran Kuykendall, M. D., born August 16, 1892, at Moody, Tex., son of Dr. P. M. and Ella Kuykendall, of Moody, Tex., was educated in the schools of Moody and later took a medical course at Nashville, Tenn. He was called to service, October 17, 1917, was sent to Fort Oglethorpe in January, 1918, and started overseas, June 15, 1918, and was attached to Base Hospital No. 51, A.
E. F. Remained in France several months on duty after the war closed.
Charles Parker Kuykendall, born September 26, 1894, at Moody, Tex., son of Dr.
and Mrs. P. M. Kuykendall, of Moody, Tex., where he graduated from the high school, then took a course at Trinity University, Waxahachie, Tex. He was called to service, July 11, 1917, going to Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Tex., where he was assigned to Company --, Field Artillery, A. E. F., was transferred to New York, and sailed for France, June, 1918.
Robert Ewell Kuykendall, born December 14, 1893, at Clyde, Tex., son of William Kendrick and Eugenia Ely Kuykendall, was educated in the schools of Clyde, Cisco and Rockport, Tex. He was called to service, September 21, 1917, going to Camp Travis, Tex., where he was assigned to Company 40, 10th Battalion, 165th Depot Brigade, and was appointed a Sergeant of his company.
He is at present attached to Headquarters Company, 53rd Field Artillery Band, 18th Division, Camp Travis.
Charles Lee Kuykendall, born November 5, 1893, son of Charles W. and Lorena Kuykendall, of Halletsville, Tex., was educated in the schools of that city and the Southwest Texas Normal. He was called to service, going to Camp Travis, Tex., April 26, 1918, was assigned to the Artillery, went to France with the 90th Division and took further training with the 315th Trench Mortar Battery, and was with the Army of Occupation in Germany.
George Roy Davidson, born February 18, 1889, at The Grove, Coryell county, Tex., son of George and Louellah Smith Davidson, residing at 118 South Baze Street, San Angelo, Tex., was called to Camp Travis, August 10, 1918, and assigned to Company L, 165th Depot Brigade, was sent to France with Company L, 124th Infantry, Dixie Division.
Fred Franklin Davidson, born February 8, 1887, at The Grove, Coryell county, Tex., son of George and Louellah Smith Davidson,
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enlisted June 5, 1917, and left for Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Tex., September 9, 1917, and was assigned to Company M, 144th Infantry, 36th Division, and was a sharpshooter of the company, and saw fighting in Meuse and Argonne battles.
Ida Roberta Davidson, born September 8, 1895, daughter of George and Louellah Smith Davidson, enlisted as a nurse, August 1, 1918, and was called to service, August 15, 1918, going to U. S. A. Base Hospital, Brownsville, Tex.
Laura Bell Davidson, born December 2, 1893, daughter of George and Louellah Smith Davidson, enlisted as a nurse, September 3, 1918, and was called to service, September 20, 1918, and went to U. S. A. Base Hospital, at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Tex. Both Ida Roberta and Laura Bell Davidson are graduate nurses.
Note--George Roy Davidson and Fred Franklin Davidson are great grandsons of Abner Kuykendall, of Texas, and their sisters, Ida Roberta Davidson, G. R. N., and Laura Bell Davidson, G. R. N., are great granddaughters of the aforementioned Abner Kuykendall.
Wiley Venton Kuykendall, born February 16, 1893, at Dudleyville, Ariz., son of W. D. Kuykendall, and grandson of M. H. Kuykendall, all residing at Cherokee, San Saba county, Tex., was called to the service, May 27, 1918, was attached to Company --, 111th Infantry, 90th Division, received training at Camp Travis.
Paul Andrew Kuykendall, born December 30, 1898, in San Saba county, Tex., son of W. D. Kuykendall and M. H. Kuykendall, volunteered, May 27, 1918, and was assigned to Troop H, Cavalry, Texas National Guard. He received his training at San Saba and Orange, Tex.
William Lawrence Kuykendall, born May 10, 1893, in San Saba county, Tex., son of James L. and Ruth Kuykendall, was called to service, February 22, 1918, was sent to Camp Travis, Tex., and assigned to Company I, 357th Infantry, 90th Division. Was honorably discharged, July 1, 1918, on account of physical disability.
James R. Corley, son of J. N. and Ida Kuykendall Corley, residing at Douglas, Ariz., was called to service in 1918, and trained at Camp Mills, N. Y. He went to France with Company A, 314th Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces, where he served until the end of the war, and went with the Army of Occupation into Germany. Mrs. Ida Kuykendall Corley is a daughter of Samuel Kuykendall.
William Arthur Kuykendall, born November 13, 1896, at Johnson City, Blanco county, Tex., son of William and Annie Josephine Kuykendall, residing at Johnson City, enlisted in the U. S. Navy,
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May 9, 1917. A full account of his services as given by himself follows:
"When the United States entered the World War, William Arthur Kuykendall was studiously completing his final year at high school at Johnson City, Texas.
From the first he felt strongly the impelling 'call of the colors.' With one eye turned toward his studies and the other toward the field of duty, he impatiently finished the remaining month that stood between him and graduation day. May 5, 1917, he snatched his diploma and less than one week later, he was a full-fledged Blue Jacket, in training at the U. S. Naval Training Station at Great Lake, Illinois. Scarcely had he entered training, when he was taken with measles. More complicated troubles developed, and a long and painful illness ensued. But undaunted, and still eager for the fray, he finally fought his way back to health and vigor, reentered training and in March, 1918, was assigned to active sea duty, where he served eight months, until the end of the war, on the U. S. S. Missouri, a battleship of the fleet, that warded off the repeated attempts of the Hun to extend his policy of piracy and murder to American waters.
"He was one of the ten thousand Blue Jackets that composed the famous 'Living Liberty Flag,' photographed at U. S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois."
James Madison Kuykendall was born January 5, 1896, at Fulton, Itawamba county, Miss., son of James H. and Alice Anna Josephine Kuykendall, residing at Tyler, Tex., was educated in the schools of his native city, at Sabinal (Tex.) Christian College, Sabinal High School, and Sweeney Automobile School, Kansas City, Mo. He volunteered for service, September 25, 1917, and was trained at Madison Barracks, New York. He was attached to Supply Company, Q. M. C., No.
304, A. E. F., until June, 1918, and then he was transferred to Company C, 327th Battalion, 311 Tank Center, then, about September, 1918, he was changed to Company C, 345th Battalion, 302nd T. C., A. E. F.
W. J. Everett, Jr., was born in Llano county, Tex., December 17, 1896, son of W. J. Everett, Sr., who resides in Llano, Tex. (W. J. Everett's mother was a daughter of Joseph A. Kuykendall, who was a Confederate soldier.) W. J.
Everett, Jr., enlisted in the U. S. Navy, June 6, 1918, and was sent to Mare Island, Calif., for training. He received his discharge, December 12, 1918, and is now at his home in Llano, Tex.
Grover Cleveland Sparks, son of Martha L. Kuykendall, (deceased), and W. A.
Sparks, now residing at Silsbee, Tex., enlisted with the Mail Tank Corps, but did not go across to France on account of physical disability. He is now at home in St. Louis, Mo.
Homer Clinton Sparks, born April 4, 1890, at Giddings, Tex., son of W. A. and Martha L. Kuykendall Sparks, (and grandson of Gipson Kuykendall, Mexican war veteran), enlisted February 12, 1918, and was sent to Camp University, Washington, D. C., for training. He went to France with the 26th Company, 20th Engineers, and was still there at last accounts.
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Isaac John Sparks, born July 30, 1896, at Giddings, Tex., son of W. A. Sparks and Martha L. Kuykendall Sparks, (grandson of Gipson Kuykendall, Mexican war veteran), enlisted February 12, 1918, and was sent for training to Camp University, Washington, D. C. He saw service in France with the 26th Company, 20th Engineers.
Horace Gipson Sparks, born November 25, 1893, at Giddings, Tex., son of W. A.
and Martha L. Kuykendall Sparks, enlisted October 8, 1917, was sent to Camp Travis, San Antonio, Tex., where he was assigned to Headquarters Company, 344th Field Artillery, 90th Division, with which he went to France.
Herman Kuykendall, born May 12, 1896, is son of Benjamin Hezekiah and (???) Kuykendall, who reside in Marshall, Tex., 2601 N. Franklin Street. He registered at Grand Saline, Tex., and was called into service at Marshall, Tex. He was sent to France, where he was in active service with Company B, 110th A. T., A. E. F. He is a grandson of Rev. Elijah Robinson Kuykendall, of Grand Saline, Tex.
Vester Haskell Ruffner, born February 8, 1891, at Cherokee, San Saba county, Tex., son of Henry H. Ruffner and Lizzie Kuykendall Ruffner, of Cherokee, Tex., enlisted for service, September 19, 1917, was sent for training to Camp at San Antonio, Tex. He was assigned to Battery A, 345th Field Artillery, 90th Division, where he served as Corporal.
Rowland Ray Hillman, born in San Saba county, Tex., May 14, 1894, is the son of Edgar and Lizzie Kuykendall Hillman, who reside in Cherokee, Tex. He enlisted in the service, April 26, 1918, and was sent to Camp Travis, Tex., and assigned to Company H, 359th Infantry, 90th Division. From San Antonio he was sent to Camp Mills, June 13, 1918. On arrival there he was stricken with blood poison, and was taken to Base Hospital at Mineola, N. Y., where he remained six weeks and was assigned to Company D, Depot Battalion, Overseas Casual, Camp Merritt, N. J., and then permanently assigned to Company H, 323rd Infantry, 81st Division, and was conveyed on the English transport, Melita.
Further experiences are told in excerpts from letters he wrote from the front, that are found in this chapter. He was with the Army of Occupation in Germany, at last account. Rowland Ray Hillman is a grandson of W. J. Kuykendall, deceased, late of Cherokee, San Saba county, Tex.
Jack Kuykendall Harrison, born May 28, 1898, at Houston, Tex., son of W. M.
and Fannie Kuykendall Harrison, residing at Dallas, Tex., Route 11, Box 379, volunteered his services, April 6, 1917. He was sent to Camp Bowie, Tex., for training and later
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went to France. He is a member of Battery A, 133rd Field Artilrey, First Battalion, 61st Brigade, 36th Division.
Clay Kuykendall, son of J. M. and Laura Kuykendall, of San Saba, Tex., was born December 26, 1886, volunteered August 15, 1917, and attended the officers' training camp at Stanley, Tex., where he was commissioned Captain.
He was attached to 21st Field Artillery, Battery C, Fifth Division, and went to France, June, 1918.
Reeves Kuykendall, son of J. M. and Laura Kuykendall, of San Saba, Tex., volunteered in August, 1918, and was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga., for training.
He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, in a Machine Gun Company, and went to France.
Lawrence Kuykendall of San Saba, Tex., enlisted for service in the war.
Clayton Kuykendall was born in San Saba county, Tex., and went to France.
The above mentioned four boys from San Saba county, Tex., are descendants of two brothers, William and Matthew Kuykendall, who went to San Saba county, Tex., in 1857. Their fathers went into that part of the country when it was a frontier state, when Indians had to be fought and many hardships endured. The sons seem to be made of the same stuff as their forefathers.
Reuben Elmer Gray, born February 10, 1895, at Cherokee, Tex., son of George Skelton Gray and Frances Amanda Kuykendall, entered the Second Officers' Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army and was attached to 76th Field Artillery, Battery A, Third Division, at Camp Shelby, Miss. He was later stationed at Leon Spring, and assisted in converting the 303rd Cavalry into the 53rd Field Artillery. He attended the Artillery School of Fire at Fort Sill, Okla. He was later assigned to Battery D, 53rd Field Artillery, 18th Division, stationed at Camp Travis, Tex. He saw no foreign service, and was discharged at Camp Travis, Tex., December 19, 1918. His maternal grandfather, William J. Kuykendall, was a pioneer settler of San Saba county, Tex.
Benjamin I. Grant, was born in Texas, his mother being a daughter of Benjamin Kuykendall, born in 1829. Benjamin and Thomas Kuykendall, twins, were the first white children born in Austin's colony, of which their father John was an original member.
Writing from Wehlen, Germany, under date of March 17, 1919, Private Benj. I.
Grant, says: "Your letter to me at Greenville, Texas, just received, having been forwarded to me here. I am
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in the army, having come in March, 1918, was trained at Camp Travis, and left there, June 5, 1918, for New York. Leaving there June 28, on the British converted cruiser Virginian, I arrived at Devonshire, England, July 10, and landed in France July 13. I belong to Company A, 315th Field Signal Battalion, 90th Division. We went into the "Line" in August, and were in the St. Mihiel Drive, which I can assure you was "some fight." Americans never did better fighting or covered themselves with more glory than in this offensive, as this was the first battle staged by all American troops. We went from the St.
Mihiel sector to the Meuse-Argonne which was probably the hottest sector on the front. We were on this front from October 23 until the signing of the armistice. Our Division did great work and received several citations. My mother died last year."
WASHINGTON
John Silas Mitchell, born May 23, 1900, in Guss, Taylor county, Iowa, son of Lewis W. and Edna Kuykendall Mitchell, residing at 2119 W. Cloverdale Avenue, Seattle, was educated in Los Angeles, Calif. He enlisted and was sent to Fort Stevens, Ore., January 12, 1917, where he was assigned to the Third Company, Second Battalion, 49th Regiment, Coast Artillery Corps.
Alfred Edwards Binnall, born July 2, 1898, in Union township, in Crawford county, Iowa, son of Frank and Sarah Ellen Kuykendall Binnall, residing at Yakima, Wash., was educated in the Dunlap, Iowa, public schools. He enlisted in the Navy as apprentice seaman, December 1, 1917, was trained at Mare Island Calif., and was assigned to merchant ship Nantahala, which was engaged in the transportation of supplies to France.
Robert Earnest Livingston, born September 3, 1897, at Mineral City, Idaho, is the son of Mrs. Harriett Livingston, (who is the daughter of Charles McNair and Zylphia Anna Kikendall), residing at Snohomish, Wash., 713 Mill Street. He enlisted and was sent to Fort Lawton, October 24, 1917, and was later transferred to Fort Flagler, where he was a member of 15th Company, 63rd Coast Artillery, Battery E. He went to France and was still there November 15, 1918.
Woodell Abner Pickering, born at Walla Walla, Wash., October 21, 1880, is the son of Colonel Abner Pickering of the U. S. Army, and Celeste Florence Kuykendall Pickering. Immediately after the declaration of war with Germany, he was appointed a Captain, then Major of the 15th N. Y. Infantry. Later was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel before sailing for France. He left
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for France about December 20, 1917. Organization, 15th N. Y. Infantry, afterwards designated as 369th Infantry (Colored). (Note: White officers always command colored troops.)
Lieutenant-Colonel Pickering's previous service was twelve years with the U.
S. Marine Corps. He was in some of the hottest fighting in the war in the Champagne sector and was twice cited
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by the French Army Commanders and awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States, in that wonderful drive. His regiment was brigaded with French troops and never was with American forces during
the war. He was three times recommended for promotion to Colonel. Is now Lieutenant-Colonel with the 152nd Depot Brigade.
He was gassed during the great French drive in Champagne in September, 1918.
Writing to his father while the battle was in progress, he said:
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"Here we are in the midst of the biggest battle in the history of the world.
It is useless to attempt a description of feelings and sensations. They are simply beyond words of portrayal. I have been in command of the regiment over a month now, and still continue during the battle. The boys are doing splendidly, under adverse circumstances. They are fulfilling their mission and I am proud of them. The French here are generous in their praise. The wonderful French army, of which this regiment now is a part, is holding like a stone wall and struggling against the most vicious attacks ever launched against troops. We are beating the boche to a standstill and we are going to give them an awful wallop before we get through this particular party. We have had numerous difficult stunts to pull, and got away with them all in good shape. When the battle started, I went 72 hours without closing my eyes, and am feeling fit as a fiddle. We are of course losing men every day and night, but you can believe the boche are paying dearly."
He was called abruptly from his letter with only time to write "Good-bye, father."
John Kuykendall Pickering, born at Fort Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, April, 1885, attended the public schools at Miles City, Mont.; Chicago, Ill.; Omaha, Neb.; also at Bellvue College, Omaha. He was fifteen years in civil service in the Philippine Islands, attaining the position of Deputy Auditor of the Islands, and Efficiency Expert for Civil Government.
He is a son of Colonel Abner and Celeste Florence Kuykendall Pickering. He joined the Army Reserve carly in 1917, while in the Philippine Islands, and was called into active service and ordered to the United States in October, 1917. He went to France as Captain, Q. M. Corps, about April 3, 1918. In France he served, not with the Q. M. Corps, but was attached to a Replacement Division until early in 1919, when he was made Brigade Adjutant in the 41st Division. He returned to the United States about March 1, 1919, received his discharge and joined his family at San Jose, Calif.
Frank Cadle Mahin, born May 27, 1887, at Clinton, Iowa, son of Frank W. and Abbie C. Mahin, received his education in the public schools of Clinton, Iowa; Reichenberg, Austria; Berlin, Germany; Nottingham, England, and graduated at Harvard University, class of 1909. Major Mahin left the United States for France, April 24, 1918, with the 11th Infantry, 5th Division. He returned, a casualty, December 30, 1918, having been wounded and badly gassed, October 15, 1918, in the Meuse-Argonne battle. He is still a hospital patient, (April 1, 1919).
Note--Major Mahin married Mauree Pickering, whose mother was Celeste Florence Kuykendall Pickering.
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Matthew C. Smith, born March 25, 1868, at Camden, Ala., son of Matthew T. and Mary C. Smith, residing at Birmingham, Ala., received his schooling in Birmingham, Ala., and at Lehigh University.
He also attended the Military Academy at West Point. He has been attached at various times to the following units: Second Cavalry, 14th Cavalry, 9th Cavalry, 129th Infantry, 309th Cavalry,
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56th Field Artillery, and commanded the 95th Division at Camp Sherman, Ohio.
Note--Matthew C. Smith married Yetive Pickering, daughter of Colonel Abner and Celeste F. Kuykendall Pickering. The family
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of Brigadier General Smith is temporarily residing in Columbus, Ohio, where their four children are in school.
Matthew Lorraine Kuykendall, born June 9, 1897, at Pomeroy, Wash., son of Elgin Victor Kuykendall and Marguerite Scully Kuykendall, residing at Pomeroy, Wash., was educated in the schools of his native city and at Washington State College. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, July 21, 1918, and was discharged February 21,
1919, from the Supply Detachment, Marine Barracks, Mare Island, Calif. During the time spent in the service he was with different detachments, and was recommended and appointed to Officers' Training Corps, November, 1918, but the armistice was signed before the school opened.
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Homer S. Kirkendall was born in Spokane, Wash., September 15, 1897, son of Harvey S. and Emma G. Kirkendall, Spokane, Wash. He enlisted in the service, March 20, 1918, at Fort George Wright, Spokane, and was sent to Camp Joseph E.
Johnston, Jacksonville, Fla, later was transferred to Q. M. C., Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga. He was made Sergeant, and acceptably occupied this position while in the service.
William Shannow Kirkendall, son of Rev. and Mrs. H. W. D. Kirkendall, was born May 24, 1895, at Pine Flats, Pa., was educated in the public schools of Wenatchee, Wash. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves, July 3, 1918, and left for Bremerton, Wash., later he was sent to Pelham Bay, N. Y., and was in Listener's Division.
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James Harold Ping, son of Frank Edwin Ping, and grandson of Lucretia Kuykendall Ping, was born May 7, 1892, at Dayton, Wash., received his education at Wenatchee, Wash. He enlisted July 27, 1917, was in Bakery Company 344, American Expeditionary Forces. He was Sergeant in rank. He was trained at Camp Lewis, Wash., in Quartermaster Corps.
Elisha Ping, son of Frank Edwin Ping, and grandson of Lucretia Kuykendall Ping, was born July 19, 1890, at Ping, Wash., and received his schooling at Kooskia, Idaho, and Wenatchee, Wash. He enlisted April 17, 1917, and holds rank of Company Sergeant, First Class, Proving Squadron N, Wilbur Wright Aviation Field, Dayton, Ohio.
Frederick Franklin Ping, son of Frank Edwin and Mary Isabel Ping, and grandson of Lucretia Kuykendall Ping, was called to service, September 6, 1918, was assigned to Company --, Battery F. 27th Artillery, and was trained at Fort Stevens, Ore., and at Camp Eustis, Va.
Elisha Ping, the younger of the three Ping boys, sons of Frank E. Ping and Sarah Isabel Jones Ping, mentioned above, first trained at San Antonio, Tex., then at Wilbur Wright Field, with the "Old 20," which left for France soon afterwards, but Elisha's services were so valuable on the flying field that he was not sent with the others. Twice he was scheduled to go over, but each time he was retained for training service. He served for several months in the Aviation Mechanical School at St. Paul, Minn., as instructor.
Harold Ping served several months in France, and wears a Gold Chevron for six months overseas.
Ernest Eugene Ping, son of Robert E. and Margaret Payne Ping, residing at Diamond, Washington, enlisted September 21, 1917, and was trained at Camp Lewis. He was assigned to Company K, 167th Regular Infantry, 41st Division.
His company sailed from Hoboken, N. J., December 11, 1917, on the Tuscania, the last trip this vessel made before its sinking by German submarines. He landed at Le Harve, France, and was transferred to Contre, where he took three weeks special training. His company was sent to the Chateau Thierry front, July 8, 1918. He went through the second battle of the Marne, was in the hard fighting at Chateau Thierry, took part in the St. Mihiel drive north of Verdun, and then went through the terrible fighting in the battles of the Meuse-Argonne. The forces of the Yankee division to which he belonged were used as shock troops, and therefore saw severe and practically continuous fighting. He shipped from Brest March 28, 1919, on U. S. S. America, and landed at Boston April 6, 1919, and was honorably discharged soon thereafter.
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and manly qualities. It is as if they had all at once changed from young, inexperienced school boys, to splendid heroes and veterans. We marvel at their wonderful adaptability and the inherent manhood brought out in the stress of the most terrible surroundings. We wonder that many of them did not utterly break down under the terrible stress. That they did not is a most telling tribute to the physical and moral stamina of young American manhood.
It was a hard thing for brothers who had been brought up around the same fireside, who had gone to school together and had been inseparable to be parted by death in a foreign land, by death on the battlefield, torn to pieces by fragments of shell or shrapnel, or by the agonies of disease in a hospital.
The world will never know, no language can portray, the feelings of one of our boys whose brother's life went out in a foreign land, away from home, father, mother and sisters.
We give below a letter from Lieutenant Robert B. Kuykendall, after the death of his brother, Captain J. Eberle Kuykendall, to Winnifred Hadley Kuykendall, the Captain's wife. It well shows the great stress put upon a young soldier in the death and burial of his own brother, he himself having the responsibility of the whole thing.
Le Mans, France, Feb. 25, 1919. Dear Winnifred:
I sent a cablegram to father announcing Eberle's death here on the 22nd. I did not know your California address, so asked father to notify you. I also wrote a letter home that evening giving what information I had at that time, and asked that they see that you received a copy. Among Eberle's things I have since found your address, so I will now write to you directly. Letters are mighty unsatisfactory in such circumstances, but I will see you in a few weeks and talk to you more adequately.
Frank Mount wired to me about Eberle's sickness, but I was on my way with the regiment from Germany to Brest and did not receive it. However, I got a letter at Brest, and as soon as I found out where Eberle was, I go a three-day leave and came up on the night train.
He was in Camp Hospital No. 2, at this place, and right after breakfast I went out to see him. I first talked to Captain Ormond, who has been particularly in charge of his case, and then went in to see Eb. He recognized me, and was glad to see me. He had been delirious and out of his head at times before; but his mind was perfectly clear that morning, and we talked for a while about home and other things. He had considerable difficulty talking, because he was partially paralyzed in the tongue and throat; but I could understand him, by leaning over close to his face. He was not suffering, and the doctors said he had not been in any pain at any time. He said there was nothing he wanted me to do except "just
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stick around." I guess he was a little lonesome. I told him I had nothing to do, and would be around every morning, afternoon and evening. He said the "boys had certainly treated him fine,"--they certainly had. After talking a while and seeing Captain Alexander, head of the medical service, I told Eb I was going down to the hotel to get a short nap, as I had been up all night traveling, and that I would be back after lunch. He said "All right," and I came down, slept a little, got lunch, and was just starting back to the hospital, when Captain Ormond met me and told me Eberle had died suddenly, soon after I left.
If I had only known, I could have been with him, but there was nothing to indicate so sudden an ending, and neither he nor I foresaw it, when I was there. Captain Ormond said he passed out quietly.
I am satisfied that everything was done for him that could be done. Captain Alexander, head of the medical staff of the hospital, was an old friend of Frank Mount, and he had taken a very great interest in Eberle's case. In fact the whole staff of the hospital were interested in his case, and every kind of analysis and test was made in an effort to make a diagnosis. They took X-Rays, made blood tests and counts, made lobar punctures, spinal punctures, cultures, analyses of urine, stool, but everything was negative. Frank Mount came down twice a week to see him, and the doctors from the Sanitary Train called often.
They all tried to help in figuring the case out. A Major, an expert consultant for the entire area, was called in several times. The nurses at Hospital No.
52 happened to be from a unit which had worked with the ambulance company at the front, in Belgium, so they knew Eberle and the other doctors. That made them take a particular interest in his case. No one could have received better medical attention or nursing, under army hospital conditions.
The autopsy showed that he had hemorrhageal meningitis, probably tubercular, so his death was inevitable.
But he made a great fight. When I saw him, it was hard for me to control myself, he was so pitifully worn; but he was expecting to fight it through. He had your pictures and those of the youngsters with him. I am bringing them home to you.
It will always be a source of gratification to me, that I had the opportunity of seeing him. You know he and I were together more than the rest of the boys.
I think it made his last few hours happier. I am sure there were things we would both have liked to talk about, if we had only known he was going so soon; but maybe it was just as well that he had no foreboding.
He was buried here yesterday with military honors. Officers from the Sanitary Train acted as pall-bearers and a platoon from the ambulance company acted as the escort. I tried to carry out what I thought would be your wishes--a simple but respectable burial.
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His casket, draped in the "colors," was borne into the cemetery on an artillery caisson. It was then carried to the grave while the band played "Nearer, My God, to Thee," and everyone stood at salute. Then the chaplain conducted the short Protestant service. After that three volleys were fired over the grave, by the firing squad, and the bugler played "Taps."
I placed a wreath on his casket for you.
He is buried in the American section of a large French cemetery. The American section is a permanent "National Cemetery," and his body can be left there forever, if it is desired. It is a pretty place. However, I thought you might want to have his body brought home, so I secured a zinc-lined casket which was sealed. It is plainly marked, and I have a blue-print of the graveyard, showing the number and location of his grave. A large strong cross is erected over each grave, and plainly marked, so there will be no difficulty about identification.
I will bring his personal papers and trinkets; and arrange to have his bed- roll and locker trunk sent home. I can not bring them myself--the embarkation authorities will not allow it.
In this whole affair I have been worried by a lot of doubts as to my doing the right and best thing, because it was all new to me. It has been heartbreaking, but I have tried to see it through as conscientiously and manfully as possible.
I hope to see you before many weeks and talk to you. There are many things you will wan to know and letters are mighty ineffective. We expect to go to the Presido to be discharged and I will get down to see you if possible.
I know that in circumstances like these, words of sympathy do not amount to much, but I must tell you that it makes me sick at heart when I think of you and the youngsters.
We all have a right to be proud of what Eberle did at the front. He was promoted to Major the day before he died, but was not able to be sworn in to that grade.
My heart is with you, as ever,
Your brother, BOB.
P. S. Frank Mount has shown himself the same true friend of Eberle that he always has been. He is the one that notified me of Eberle's sickness, and since I have been here he has been very active in helping me arrange things.
He did all he could to help Eberle while he was sick, too. We should all feel very grateful to him.
Bill Burgard came down for the funeral.
BOB. Robt. B. Kuykendall,
1st Lieut. 347th F. A.
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Le Mans, France, Feb. 22, 1919. Dear Father:
I just sent you a cablegram announcing Eberle's death here today--copy of which I enclose.
When we arrived in Brest from Germany, I received a letter from Frank Mount telling of Eberle's sickness--letter enclosed received on 18th. I wired back requesting that he inform me as soon as he found what hospital Eberle was evacuated to. On the 20th I received his reply that Eb was still at Camp Hospital No. 52 at Le Mans, so I put in for three days' leave, and left Brest last night. I got here early this morning, and right after breakfast, went out to the hospital to see Eberle.
Capt. J. K. Ormond, who has been particularly in charge of his case explained what had been done, and showed me the records of his case: and then took me in to see Eberle. He recognized me right away, and we talked a little while. His mind was entirely clear, but he had considerable difficulty in speaking, because of a partial paralysis of his tongue. I had to lean down close to his mouth in order to get his enunciation. I had to fight to keep control of myself, he was so pitifully worn. He was only a wreck of his former self.
But he understood well--was glad to see me and asked how much time I had. He said there was nothing he wanted me to do, "but just stick around." I told him I would. We talked about going home and I said, We (he and I), would get home just about in time to go fishing up the river. He said "that would be fine." After seeing Capt. Alexander, head of the medical staff, I talked to Eb a little while longer, and then told him I would be back after lunch. If I had only known, I could have stayed with him. There were things both of us would liked to have said, but neither he nor I foresaw so sudden an ending. It will be a never-ending source of gratification to me, that I came in time to see him, even as it was.
I will stay over for his funeral and see that he is properly buried. It is a new situation for me--a new problem--but I will carry out what I think are Winnifred's, your's and mother's wishes, as manfully and conscientiously as I can.
I am satisfied, father, that everything was done in a medical way that could be done. The whole hospital staff was interested in his case and every effort was made to make a diagnosis. They made lobar punctures, lumbar punctures, made blood tests and counts, smears, examined stools, made urine analyses and examinations, took X-Rays, made Wasserman tests of blood and spinal fluid.
They really made a tremendous effort to localize the trouble. Capt. Alexander was inclined to think it an abscess of the brain, and Capt. Ormond thought it tubercular meningitis. They will hold an autopsy in the morning, which they hope may solve the mystery. I thought you and Eberle himself would think the autopsy proper.
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The nurses, too, had been very much interested. Apparently his death could not be forestalled.
Eberle was promoted to Major. It came through the day before he died, but he was not in condition to accept--the doctors thought it best not to attempt to "swear him in," in the new rank, so he never knew. That means that officially he does not attain the rank, but it will be gratifying to know that he won it.
Frank tells me he did wonderfully fine work at the front.
This is a disjointed and unsatisfactory letter but I hope to get home shortly, and I can then talk more adequately.
My heart is with all of you folks at home. Help mother and Winnifred all you can.
As ever, ROB. Robt. B. Kuykendall,
1st Lieut. 347th F. A.
The Frank mentioned by Lieut. Robert Kuykendall was a major in the Medical Corps and a son of Judge Mount of Olympia.
It is surprising how the vicissitudes of war weld the chains of friendship and affection between comrades in the conflict.
Headquarters, 316th Trains & Military Police. American E. F. A. P. C. 776. March 4, 1919. General Orders
No. 4.
1. The Commander of Trains announces with deep regret, the death in Le Mans, Sarthe, France, on February 22nd, 1919, of Captain John E. Kuykendall, Medical Corps, from broncho-pneumonia contracted in line of duty.
Captain Kuykendall was a physician practicing in Eugene, Ore., at the time he was called into active service. He arrived at Camp Lewis, Wash., September 16th, 1917, as First Lieutenant, M. C. C., in command of an organization which he had recruited, designated as "Red Cross Ambulance Unit Number 14," that later became the 316th Sanitary Train. He was promoted Captain M. R. C. with rank from February 11, 1918, and on February 21, 1918, the day before his death he was promoted to Major, M. C.
He served as Commanding Officer of the 361st Ambulance Company until October 31st, 1918, taking part in the St. Mihiel offensive September 12-13, 1918, and in the Meuse-Argonne offensive September 26 to October 4th, 1918, when he took command of the Ambulance Section, 316th Sanitary Train, being in charge thereof during the Ypres-Lys offensive in Belgium, until November 11, 1918. On December 10, 1918, he was appointed Personal Adjutant of the 316th Sanitary Train, which he filled with diligence and
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integrity until his illness and removal to hospital on February 5, 1919.
Captain Kuykendall performed the duties of his various offices with characteristic vigor and persistence. The splendid evacuation of wounded during the Belgian offensive of the 91st Division was largely due to his efforts. His death prematurely terminated the continuance of a successful life. His name will appear on the Honor Roll of the 91st Division among "those who have fallen," in the cause for which the Division was organized, and for which the American Expeditionary Forces appeared on the battle fields of Europe.
The officers and men of the 91st Division extend their sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their sorrow.
By Order of
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ENDICOTT, (Charles Richardson, Jr.) Captain, Headquarters 316th Trs. & M. P.
Colin V. Dyment, American Red Cross Searcher with the 91st Division, in writing of the operations of this Division, said:
Captain John Eberle Kuykendall, commander of the 361st field ambulance company, recruited in Eugene, Or., fell ill at Ceton and early in February was sent to Le Mans, where he died. He was a Eugene physician. His death, from a form of meningitis, came one day after his promotion to a majority, and he never was sworn in. He had been awarded a French croix de guerre with silver star with the following citation from Petain, commander-in-chief of the French armies of the east:
"An officer of remarkable courage. With absolute disregard of danger during the operations before Audenarde, from October 30 to November 3, 1918, he crossed the battlefield to find the wounded and guarded the ambulances under a most violent bombardment."
The writer talked with the captain in his billet in Ceton shortly before his death, sitting in front of the captain's fireplace. On the mantel above were photographs of his wife and children, which he proudly displayed, expecting soon to be with them again.
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CHAPTER XLI.
MORE LIGHT UPON OBSCURE PLACES IN THE HISTORY
OF THE KIRKENDALLS.
Since writing the chapter on "Kikendalls and Kirkendalls," there has come to hand a lot of correspondence that I think will prove to be very interesting reading to all of the Kuykendall descendants, particularly to a considerable number of a certain branch of the Kirkendalls. The object of this volume is to throw light upon the history of the Kuykendall descendants, irrespective of what branch it may concern. Some of these letters will be presented here, and I am sure they will awaken a lively interest and a desire on the part of all, and particularly of the descendants and members of the branch to which the writers belong, many of whom have for years been almost or quite unknown to the others. These letters are all of very recent date, mostly written in the year 1919, and will therefore be all the more acceptable, as they go well back into the past and bring the history down to the present.
It is difficult to present them in any particular order that will be more suitable than another, so without any special effort at arrangement they are introduced to our readers. I am sure they will be very acceptable. It may be said that the later enquiries begun in reference to this particular branch were prompted more particularly by correspondence from W. L. Kirkendale of Detroit, Mich., who, it will be observed, spells the last syllable of the name dale instead of dall, the almost universal manner of spelling it. This correspondence took place in the last part of 1918. Among other things that he wrote, there was the following:
"I have lost my father, and a short history of what I know of his life might be interesting. He was born in the mountain above Hamilton, Ontario, in 1829.
He had two sisters who afterwards became Mrs. Walter Muirhead and Mrs.
Alexander Young, both of whom are now dead.
Father at the age of 20, or in the year 1849, at the time of the gold fever in California, migrated with a family by the name of Blackstones along with some others whom I do not know, to the wild and woolly west, to seek their fortunes. They travelled by rail as far as Colorado, and went from there with ox teams, over the Rockies to California. I have often heard him speak of it taking them seven days to cross some little stream where they had to carry everything over on their backs, but the gold strike they expected was not a success, and at the end of two years he returned home. His father had died in the meantime, and in 1855 or 1856 he married Mary Ann Davis and settled down on a farm a short distance from his old homestead, and in 1873 he moved to Hamilton
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and started in the grocery business, and about 1885, moved to Toronto, Ontario, and ran as messenger for the Dominion Express Company to Montreal, P.
Q., and about 1900, they moved to Old Alberta, where he died in February, 1917.
Yours sincerely, W. L. Kirkendale."
The writer must be in error about hearing his father say that he went to California on a railroad train as far as Colorado, for it was many years after that when the first railroad reached that state.
In one of his letters he sent a chart of the family of another Kirkendall in Detroit, Mich. This chart shows that Joseph Sargent Kirkendall was born February 24, 1806, and died February 5, 1850. His wife, Elizabeth, was born November 11, 1807, and died August 28, 1868. Their children were as follows:
Sarah Ann Kirkendall was born November 11, 1836.
Matilda Kirkendall was born February 16, 1839, died October, 1905.
Joseph Sargent Kirkendall was born April 29, 1841, and is still living at Carsonville, Mich.
David Kirkendall, born May 27, 1834, died about 1910, at Greenbush, Mich.
George William Kirkendall, born May 27, 1834, died November 11, 1873.
Joseph Sargent Kirkendall married and had children: Lilian, born 1871; Grace and Nellie; George O., now 32 years old; Flossie, James, at Port Huron, Mich.; and William, who is now in France.
This last mentioned, George O., is connected with the Highland Park High School, Highland Park, 1264 Hemlock Street, Detroit, Mich., in the Department of Mathematics.
There now follows a letter from George Kirkendale, under date of February 20, 1919, Shipping Master's Office, Port of Victoria, B. C., Canada.
"I was extremely interested in reading your letter of the 12th inst., and the accompanying inclosures. I have often regretted that I know so little of my ancestors, and had come to the conclusion that the family had never made any great stir in the world, since I had never seen the name in any of the records of Canada or the U. S. In all my reading, which has been quite extensive and various, I have seen the name only once, and that was where a man of the name of Kirkendall was Quartermaster on an emigrant train, crossing the plains in 1845.
My sister, Mrs. Polmeteer, knows a great deal more of the family than I do.
All I know is that my mother told us that my ancestors came from Holland, and that my great grandfather was one of six brothers living in Pennsylvania, and that soon after the Revolutionary War he came to Canada and settled where the city
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of Hamilton now stands. One of his sons or grandsons, Samuel Kirkendall, in 1845, owned a farm in Hamilton nearly a mile square, as shown by the records in the land office of that city. My sister speaks of a family Bible. I remember an old Bible, and it was left with my sister, Mrs. Proctor, of Burlington, Ontario, but as far as I can remember there were no entries in it in connection with family events. Two of my father's brothers, Joseph and David Kirkendall, were farming in Michigan, and I believe that their children are there still.
As far as I am aware, I am the only one of the name living in British Columbia, and as I have been here 26 years I have lost all trace of the family with the exception of my sisters. The family of my uncle, William Kirkendale, five boys and one girl, were the only relatives with whom I was acquainted, and some of them are now in Alberta. I would be very pleased to meet anyone of the name and talk over the family history.
Yours sincerely,
Geo. Kirkendale."
Another communication with date of February 6th, 1919, at 839 Willow Street, Reno, Nev., from Mrs. Jessie Polmeteer, follows:
"I am the relative to whom you wrote, addressing me as 'Julia' Polmeteer.
Strange to say that I lay awake a few nights ago, thinking over the various ramifications of our branch of the Kirkendall family and wondering if ever we would hear of other descendants. I wonder if you have come in touch with any of us of the Canadian line? My brother, Captain George Kirkendale, Shipping Master of the Port of Victoria, British Columbia, is the nearest to you, as far as I know. I am older than he, and took more interest in our family history, so possibly can give you a little more information than he could.
Here are the facts so far as I am familiar with them. Immediately after the Revolution, David Kirkendall and his wife, Rhoda Smith, of New Jersey, left their home in Pennsylvania and came to Canada to settle, leaving behind six brothers. They were given a large Government grant of land on Burlington Bay, the western extremity of Lake Ontario, and my great grandfather's log cabin was one of the first four standing in the center of where the city of Hamilton now stands. Of this union three sons, William, Joseph and Samuel, and three daughters were born. A wonderful old monument marks the grave of this pioneer in Hamilton cemetery, with his son, Samuel, and his family resting beside him.
This youngest son was given the family home, and but one of his family is now living, Wesley Kirkendall. To the older sons were given large holdings on Hamilton Mountain, but here again nothing remains of either family but the monument to my father, George Kirkendall, and many of our family in the old Methodist churchyard. My father's two brothers, David and Joseph, went to Alpena, Mich., and you might trace them there.
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My eldest brother, Captain Walter Kirkendall, was lost at sea, off the coast of Newfoundland, in 1886. On my wall hang the pictures of my father and of five other Georges, his direct descendants, of whom my only son, George Kirkendall Ramsey, is one. I have a fine photo of my brother and his family, also one of my two brothers, taken nearly 40 years ago, in naval uniform, that might make an interesting addition to your history. My great uncle, William, had one son, whose family now live somewhere in the Canadian N. W.
By writing to my eldest sister, Mrs. Harriet Proctor, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, you might get in touch with his four sons and daughter, and also get a photo of our forefather's old monument. Several descendants are still living in various parts of Ontario, whom she might be able to locate for you. I have been away from home nearly 20 years, so I have lost track of most of them, except my cousin, Mrs. Daisy Williams, Tottenham, Ont., who could direct you to her brothers, George and Harry Landerkin. These are the children of my father's youngest sister, Mary Kirkendall, and Dr. George Landerkin.
As there are so few male offspring of our family, I do not know of any of the name who have seen service in the late war, but my sister could tell you of grandsons of Kirkendalls who have been to the front. You probably know of the Kuykendalls of Newcastle. Calif., else how did you trace me? I have met them and also heard of a Henry Kirkendall in Castella, Calif., (since moved from there). I met some two years ago, (about ten), a Mr. Kuykendall, Grand Sire of the I. O. O. F. for the U. S. If you have not gotten him, he could be located through the order. A couple of years ago I read of a Kirkendall dying in Illinois, I think, and directing in his will that no woman be allowed to attend his funeral. I do not know that I can give you any further information, except that my sister, Elizabeth K. Jones, and myself taught school many years in British Columbia. I am a Past Chief Officer in both the Rebecca Order and Order of Eastern Star.
Jessie Kirkendall Polmeteer."
In a note she says, "notice the final 'e' adopted by some of this generation." A postscript says, "My great grandfather brought home a load of leather bound bibles, one for each grandchild, and left money by his will for future descendants."
Excerpts follow from another letter from the same party.
"I have seen the tombstones of old David and of Grandma Rhoda and Joseph Sargent Kirkendall, who were buried in the churchyard of the first Methodist Church, in Hamilton, Ont., before the City Cemetery was laid out. The new addition to the church rests its cornerstone on Grandma Rhoda's grave. If I was at my home in Dutch Flat, Calif., I could send you some interesting old clippings telling of David K., and if there is yet time, I may have some one get them for me. My aunt, Sarah Ann Tweedie, later
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Mrs. F. Ames, had a millinery store in Minnesota, about 35 years ago. A drummer presented his card bearing the name Kirkendall. My aunt told him that had been her maiden name, and he said his grandfather had been one of seven brothers, one of whom went to Canada after the Revolution and had never been heard of since. I would like to have this published, as I felt sorry that my aunt had not followed up the clue at the time, and by so doing had come in touch with some of our long lost relatives.
It was William K. Jr.'s family who changed the final 'l' to 'e' and there was considerable feeling on the subject, my sisters and myself holding to the old spelling till we were married, my son bearing that spelling in his given name, and I took the 'e' when I joined the O. E. S. on my brother's Masonic standing.
I remember seeing in a book of memoirs published by an old Loyalist neighbor an item taken from some pre-revolutionary records of a Jacob Kirkendall being fined in Pennsylvania for allowing hogs to run at large. Not very edifying, but this very old man had these records handed down. Jacob was likely the father of old David."
Mrs. Proctor, sister of George Kirkendale, writing from Burlington, Ontario, said:
"I would have written you sooner, but was writing to get a small book from a cousin of my father, that had in it a short history of the Kirkendall family, but have not gotten it yet. I suppose my sister has told you all that I know and could tell you. I am quite a distance from the cemetery and have not a camera to take a picture of the monument. The monument that was on the grave of my great grandmothers' grave has been gone for some years, and the First Methodist Church has been extended and built over her grave. There was an article about the sale of some 'academy property, in Port Credit, apply to Mac Kirkendall.' I wrote to him, did not hear from him for a long time, then a letter came saying he was not aware that there was any one in Ontario by that name. His name was McCloud Kirkendall and his father's name was Christopher, as was also his grandfather's. They were both school teachers. He was President of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, U. S. A. He and his family moved back there. He went to Washington, and was operated on and died. He said the name was both Scotch and German.
We understand that they were originally Scotch, as 'Church in the Valley' or 'Kirk in the Dale'; that at the time of the Covenanters some of them went to Germany, and that they came to Pennsylvania and were called United Empire Loyalists. He said his father's grandfather had several brothers, William, James, Archibald and Wilson, but did not say where they were. The first time he came to see me I turned and looked at him and said, 'Oh! how much you look like my father.' He said, 'Yes, I have
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been told that I look like the Ks of Hamilton.' There is only Wesley Kirkendall in Hamilton now. William K. died in Olds, Alberta, about two years ago; his son, William, lives there, another son in Detroit, one in Cleveland (George) and one in New York, John.
I have a blue paper with a government seal, telling of the appointment of my father, George William K--' by Sir Edmund Walker Head, as Lieutenant in the Sixth Battalion of Wellington militia, in July, 1856, in the twentieth year of Her Majesty's reign. I prize it very much. Harriet J. Proctor."
We shall give one more letter from one of this branch of the Kirkendall, Kirkendale family. It contains much that is found in letters that have preceded, but it is better to repeat a little than to make excerpts which would cut it up and destroy its connections. It was written from Tottenham, Ontario, February 21, 1919, by Mrs. Daisy L. Williams.
"My brother George's address is Mr. G. F. Landerkin, 8 Oakland Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. My sister's is Mrs. B. M. Woodward, 381 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, Ont. My brother Harry, who is still overseas, lives with her, so the same address will do for both. My brothers are in the Civil Service, one in the Postoffice Department. He went overseas with the 123rd Royal Grenadiers Company; is a sapper. He enlisted in 1915, has been two years in France.
I will try to tell you what my mother told me about the K's. I have it down in a little book. Her grandfather came from the U. S. in 1811, getting grants of land from the government. The farm is now a part of the city of Hamilton. His wife was Rhoda Sargent Smith. My mother said she belonged to the same family as Sargent, the artist. If you will write to Mrs. Robert Proctor, Box 345, Burlington, Ontario, she could give you dates and names of some I do not know.
If you had only written a year ago, when so many of the older ones were living, they could have told you much more than I could.
David Kirkendall married Rhoda Sargent Smith. Their children were:
Sarah, who married Peter Smoke.
William, married Nancy Hess.
Eliza, married Thomas Taylor.
Joseph O., married Elizabeth Kribs.
Samuel, married Euphemia Lowry.
Samuel married his cousin; her mother was a Smith. The Lowrys once owned a part of Trenton, N. J., which was called Lowrytown. I saw a book of their family, which spoke about the Kirkendalls living at Dutotsburg, Stroudsburg Depot, Smithfields, in 1741. Jacobus and Jacob Kirkendall lived in Northampton
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county, Pa. Also some of them living at Stateford and Portland on the Delaware river in 1682.
The children of Samuel and Euphemia Lowry Kirkendall were: Martha, Marshall, Annie and Wesley; all dead but Wesley. The children of Sarah Kirkendall and Peter Smoke:
Mary Ann, married (???) Young.
Dollie, married (???) Blaine.
Hannah, married (???) Blaine.
Eliza, married (???)Cooper.
Harriet, married (???) Collar.
Rhoda and Charlotte remained unmarried.
David, William and John, all unmarried.
Samuel, married Fanny Heather.
William Kirkendall and Nancy Hess had children as shown below:
Hannah, who married (???) Young.
Betsy, who married (???) Muirhead.
Mary, married (???) Blackstone.
William, married Mary Ann Davis.
The children of Eliza Kirkendall and Thomas Taylor were:
Margaret, who married William Sunley.
Rhoda, married James Collar.
Wesley was drowned while a student at Victoria College, Cobrey, Ontario.
The children of Maria Kirkendall and John Taylor were:
Susan Taylor, who married Mr. Nearpau.
Some of William Kirkendall's boys live out in the west, near Calgary, I think (Olds, Alberta). I do not know their address, but Mrs. Proctor (Hattie Kirkendall), may. She has always lived near Hamilton, and knows, or has known, most of these people. They are names only to me. My grandmother moved to Elora when my mother was eleven years old. Then after my mother married we always lived in Hanover, South Grey, Ontario.
Joseph Sargent (not sure of the spelling) Kirkendall was born February 4, 1806, in the U. S.; died in Barton township, county Wentworth, February 5, 1850. Married Elizabeth Kribs, who was born on the Plains of Hamilton, November 7, 1807, died August 28, 1868. Their children were:
David K., who married Elizabeth Green.
Sarah, who married Thomas Tweedy.
George, married Janet Muirhead.
Mary, George Landerkin (parents of the writer).
Joseph, married Susie Tremain.
David, Joseph and Mrs. Tweedy settled in the U. S. years ago. I cannot tell you about their families; the brothers in Michigan, and Mrs. Tweedy in Minnesota. George Kirkendall lived and died on his father's farm, on the mountain above Hamilton. One of his sons lives in Victoria, and has a government position. You
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could write him; his sister lives near him. Mrs. Proctor, at Burlington, Ontario, is another sister; she could give you more information than I could, as my mother did not live among her relatives for years. My father and mother were married at Elnora. February 15, 1870. Father became a member of Parliament in 1837, and was a member until 1900. Then he was made Senator, by the Liberal Government in 1901. We lived at Hanover, South Grey, Ontario, until his death, October 4, 1905. Father's children were:
Daisy Landerkin, born December 27, 1870, married August 29, 1906, to John B.
Williams, Tottenham, Ontario.
George Fenton Landerkin, born February 28, 1873, married Alice McManus Chesley, December 9, 1903. They have one son, George Bruce, born July 3, 1911.
Mary Josephine Landerkin, born May 15, 1875, married Brynton M. Woodward, March 21, 1908, and they have two children. Harry, born June 28, 1910; Mary Ellen, born May 17, 1913.
James Henry Landerkin, born August 10, 1877; he is unmarried.
My uncles, David and Joseph, lived in Michigan and had large families. I do not know their addresses. The daughter of David (Libbie) once visited us. Mrs.
Tweedy had one daughter, Minnie, who married E. Hilker; they have one daughter, Daisy E., married to Frank Livingstone, and living in Hamilton, Ontario. They have a son, Hilker, born April 15, 1904.
Mr. Joseph S. Kirkendall, of Carsonville, Mich., a man 78 years of age, wrote in part: "I suppose you have a line on my grandfather, the Hon. David Kirkendall, who came to Hamilton, Ont. It must have been shortly after the Revolutionary War, as it is claimed he put up the second house in what is now the city of Hamilton, and his farm was in what is now the center of the city.
My father, Joseph Sargent Kirkendall, was his second son, and took an active part in the McKenzie Rebellion of 1837. My father was a staunch McKenzie man, rebel, or whatever you might call him."
After the foregoing matter relating to the descendants of David Kirkendall had been gotten ready for printing, there came another letter from Mrs. Daisy Williams, Tottenham, Ontario, Canada, bearing date of March 27, 1919, in which she says:
"Your letter is just a month old. I have been in Toronto several weeks. My brother came home from overseas, February 28. He was quite well after all his hardships and experiences. Got his discharge last week, and back to the office this week. He is with the Postoffice Department of the Civil Service. It would not be possible for me to go to Hamilton to search the old records. I do not live very near there and have been away from home all winter. In fact, bought me a new home last fall and am not settled yet. If Mrs. Proctor would give you the Cooper boys' addresses, they would be the best ones to do that. One of them
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was a City Alderman, and one was in the 'Times Office.' Their grandmother was a Smoke, a cousin of my mother's. I have met them several times but have been in Hamilton only a few days at a time and am not intimately acquainted with any of them, except Mrs. Proctor. Her address is Box 345, Burlington, Ontario.
It is about a half hour's ride on street car from Hamilton. My cousin, Jessie, I have not seen for years, and she would know my married name from hearing it from her sister.
I told you the date of David Kirkendall's coming to Hamilton. I found it in an old obituary notice of his death. It gave the date as 1811, though I thought it was before that time, but don't know why I did think so.
I have a friend living in Philadelphia, and she sent me a photo from one of their papers of a Dr. Kirkendall who contracted blood poison from a patient.
He looked so much like Jessie Kirkendall, the likeness was wonderful. There was once a brother of David's came to Hamilton from the States, but did not like it and went back. His family lived in Denver, Colo. It was my cousin, Martha K., who told me that. If you know about them, they could perhaps tell you something further.
My mother lived so long away from her relatives, that we really know very little about them. I have a cousin, Mrs. Herb Stephens, who lives at Everett, Wash. If you are ever there, go to see her at 2511 Rucker Avenue. She is near Seattle. I have heard that David Kirkendall had 9 brothers, but whether true or not I do not know."
This letter was written in answer to enquiries sent by my son, William B.
Kuykendall, during my temporary absence from home.
In regard to the statement that David Kirkendall had a brother who went to Toronto and did not like it there and returned to Toronto, it seems rather unlikely that it was a brother of David Kirkendall's, since David went to Ontario as early as 1811. The first settlements at Denver, Colo., were made in 1858, by miners. A mining town was started, and the place incorporated as a city in 1859. So the beginning of Denver was at least 50 years after David went to Ontario. It is not impossible that David had brothers very much younger than himself, who could have gone to Ontario and returned as stated.
It might have been a nephew of David's, and if not David's own brother, it is highly probable that a member of the family did go there and return to Denver, as stated in Mrs. Williams' letter. The importance of dates in all genealogical or historical matters cannot be overrated.
The foregoing letters have been given almost in their entirety, with names and postoffice addresses of members of this branch, the existence of whom has not been known heretofore by a large number of descendants of the same forefathers. This has been done so that, if others of this branch of the family desire to pursue researches further (and I hope they will) they can do so, and have
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something to give them a start. It is certain that this David Kirkendall's father (and probably he himself), was born in New Jersey, down on the Delaware, and crossed over into Pennsylvania somewhere near the Water Gap.
There was a large family of them. No doubt the Andrew Kirkendall who was in the Revolutionary War, was a near relative. The family lived at first in the Minisink regions, in what was called the "Lower Smithfields," and on the opposite side of the river in what was once Hunterdon county, then later Warren and Sussex counties, N. J. In this region a large number of Kuykendalls and Kirkendalls lived, all of whom were of the same descent, some spelling the name one way and some another, all being called Kirkendall by the majority of the people. I am glad to be able to give the data concerning the family herein mentioned, and hope it may be a factor in clearing up the lineage of these people.
In addition to the information given in the letter of Mr. Leonard Kirkendall, of Corning, N. Y., elsewhere in this book, there was a letter received from W.
L. Kirkendall, residing at 402 Tompkins Street, Elmira, N. Y. This communication becomes more interesting, when taken in connection with later data received in regard to Kirkendalls. The writer says that he knows nothing back of his father's family, except the facts stated below, about his grandfather.
"John Kirkendall and brother owned a farm somewhere in Sullivan county, N. Y., about 1825 or 1830. Then he came to Franklindale and bought a farm. He lost his wife, and about four years afterwards married again. He had three sisters, two of whom married brothers, John and Joseph Hicks. He had three sons and five daughters, Julia, Hannah, Jane, Amanda and Susan. The sons were Washington, John and James Kirkendall. My father is the only son living. Uncle Washington died when he was twenty-four years old. My Uncle John has been dead about five years (in 1913.) Father is still living with me, my mother being dead.
My grandfather died in 1879, when he was 79 years old. Uncle John, the son, had three children, two boys and one girl. One of the boys, Leonard, was killed by a tree falling on him, when he was about five years of age. The other son, Howard, married and has three children, two girls and a boy. The daughter, Lottie, is married and lives in Ulster, Pa.; I have not learned her husband's name. There are six in our family, two brothers and one sister, who are dead. My oldest sister married a man by the name of Hall. They have three daughters and one son. The next youngest married Threal Willy and lives in Franklindale, Pa. My oldest brother was not married. Youngest sister died when nine years old, leaving two children, a girl and a boy.
I have two children, one living and one dead. The living are Evelyn and Kenneth."
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From this we see that the writer's grandfather was John L. Kirkendall, born about 1800, and that he had three daughters, Amanda, Jane and Susan, but he can give no information any further back.
This letter was written to Leonard R. Kirkendall, and forwarded by him to me.
These letters contain a number of facts that will be helpful in identifying the family branch, by some of those who will read this volume.
Mr. L. R. Kirkendall, of Corning, N. Y., sent me a clipping from a newspaper, concerning the death of Thompson H. Kirkendall, who must have died in 1913, but there was nothing whatever to show the date. The clipping reads:
"Thompson H. Kirkendall, aged 71 years, who died yesterday at the home of his daughter, Miss Vina Kirkendall, of East Pultney Street, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was a member of Company F, 86th Regiment, New York State Volunteers. At the battle of Chancellorsville, in May, 1863, all the fingers of his right hand and a part of the hand were torn away by a piece of shell.
Following the war, Mr. Kirkendall spent some time in Montana, and became a scout for the Federal Army, in its campaign against the Indians. There, while in an open boat on the Missouri river the party was fired upon from the shore by the Indians, and Mr. Kirkendall was struck in the body by a bullet. He carried the bullet in his body the remainder of his life. Thomas H. Kirkendall was born in the town of Hornby; his parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kirkendall. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ellen Ramsey Kirkendall, of Campbell; by three daughters, Mrs. R. B. Sproul, of Campbell, and Vina and Theo of Corning; also by a niece, Mrs. B. H. Bassett, of Painted Post, and a nephew, Charles Kirkendall, of Albion."
Mrs. Emma Owens, who recently lived in Elmira, N. Y., says her grandfather was Jacob Kirkendall, now deceased. Her father was Daniel Kirkendall, also deceased. Her mother's name was Maria Vandemark Kirkendall, deceased. Mrs.
Owens had one sister, Nancy Kirkendall, deceased. She has four brothers named Harvey, Vincent, Gilbert and Robert. Harvey Kirkendall lives at Nichols, N.
Y.; Vincent Kirkendall resides at Miland, Pa.; Robert Kirkendall lives at Waverly, N. Y. Mrs. Owens' folks are out in the west; she traced them to Ohio and from there into Montana.
L. R. Kirkendall, of Corning, N. Y., took much interest in tracing the family, for quite a while, and secured some valuable data. In one of his communications he mentions a James Madison Kirkendall, whom he visited in the latter part of 1908, and found him a very interesting and intelligent man, who had a son, Wirt Kirkendall, with a wife and two children. He much resembled Leonard R. Kirkendall's father, though a little taller. Inclosing his letter, Mr. L. R. Kirkendall says: "I think I gave you the names of my own grandfather and great grandfather. Their names were both H. P., Henry Peter. I also told you they went from Ohio to Montana. Grandfather's brother, Emer, was drowned, in Yellowstone river. He also had two brothers, John and William. He further wrote that the grandfather of James Kirkendall (whom he
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visited) was named John L. Kirkendall, and his father's name was John, also.
This Madison had brothers, Washington and James M., and sisters Susan, Amanda, Hannah and Julia. James Madison's father had two brothers, Andrew and Jesse.
His father married Catherine Hoover.
There is a close relationship between these Kirkendall families that is clearly seen. It is clear also that the ancestor of some of the Coykendalls of this region must have adopted the Kirkendall form of the name.
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CHAPTER XLII.
ADDITIONAL DATA RECEIVED TOO LATE TO COME IN
AT THE PROPER PLACE.
Henry J. Coykendall, Syracuse, N. Y., gives the sketch of his family that follows. His grandfather, Jacob Coykendall, was born about 1772-4. His father, Peter Coykendall, was born, year 1798, and was married three times; the names of the first two wives was not learned. His third wife was Eliza Scranton.
There were three children by his first wife, a son, Myron, and daughters, Julia and Rhoda. Julia married a man named Kendall and Rhoda married a man named Case. Myron was born 1824, and migrated to North Dakota, where his sons became prominent in public affairs; one or two have been in the state legislature. His descendants have been alluded to in letters in an earlier part of this volume. Peter Coykendall's children by his second wife were George. Eunice, William, Charles W., Henry J and Herman. Of these George went to Waukegan, Ill., and located, and married Mary (???). George and Mary Coykendall had three children that we know of,--one son, Herman, and daughters, Eva and Ella; the latter married a man named Pratt. The son, Herman, lives in Chicago, Ill.; no definite address given. Eunice Coykendall, daughter of Peter Coykendall, married a Mr. Sears and they had three daughters; Ella, who married (???) Hamlin, and they had five children, Edna, Eunice, Everett, Elvin and Lena.
William Coykendall, son of Peter, was born 1839, married Mary Merrice, a school teacher. He was a graduate of Cazenovia Seminary, New York. They had two daughters, Nellie and Alice. Alice married a man named Howard and they have four children: Russell, Frederick, Howard and Florence.
Charles W. Coykendall, son of Peter Coykendall and Eliza Scranton, was born March 14, 1843, and married Hattie M. Tucker. He graduated from Homer College, New York state. They have no children.
Henry J. Coykendall, son of Peter Coykendall and Eliza Scranton Coykendall, was born December 2, 1846, and married Mary Bishop. They had three sons and one daughter: Lewis G., Charles Milton, Lyman T. and Clara E. Coykendall.
Louis G. died at the age of 21 years. Henry J. Coykendall is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1864.
Charles Milton, son of Henry J. and Mary Bishop Coykendall, married Luella B.
Nobles, and they have had no children.
Lyman T. Coykendall, son of Henry J. and Mary Bishop Coykendall, married Harriet Heath. He has lived for a number of years at Helena, Mont., but reecntly returned to his old home region about Syracuse, N. Y.
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Clara E. Coykendall, daughter of Henry J. and Mary Coykendall, married Frederick R. Dodd, and they have three children: Henry Edward Dodd, born October 16, 1889; Winfield White Dodd, and Louisa M. Dodd (Martin).
The foregoing facts concerning the descendants of Peter Coykendall, son of Jacob, born 1772-4, came from Henry J. Coykendall, son of Peter. We have in Chapter XXV. a letter from Charles W. Coykendall, an older brother of Henry J.
If this be
read in connection with the above, both will be more interesting. If Jacob Coykendall, the ancestor of this branch of the family, was in the Revolutionary War, and was actually in service and wounded, this would make a very interesting matter of research for the living descendants, and they would get much valuable information in regard to their family's past, even if they did not find record proof that their grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution. I feel safe in predicting that Jacob was either a brother or cousin of Emanuel Coykendall, born about 1773, who has many descendants in Livingston county, N. Y., and in Michigan. Of these E. E. Coykendall, of Springwater, N. Y., is prominent.
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Letter from Hiram Coykendall, Detroit, Mich.
The following letter came too late to get into its proper place, and is given here, as it may help some of the Coykendall branch of our family in solving their genealogical difficulties.
"There were no immediate members of my family in the late war but I have two nephews whose war history I am not able to give myself. I have forwarded your letter to my brother, Frank Coykendall, of Mesick, Mich., whose son, Lee, is still in France. Another nephew is Herschel Wheeler, whose address is Base Hospital, Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Mich.
I am enclosing a list of my family, and all the others that I konw of.
My grandfather's name was John, who moved from Ontario county, N. Y., to Wayne county, Mich. He had two brothers, Calvin and Bodwin. Bodwin's children were Jerome, Cyrus and Nelson.
Calvin's children were David and Calvin. My grandfather's children were Dennis, Jacob, Hiram, Alfred and Albert, Catherine, Sally, Mary Ann, Clara, Elizabeth and Charity. My father's, Dennis Coykendall, family consisted of William Henry, Hiram, George, John, James, Frank, Eliza, Nettie, Henriette, Ellen and Jane.
Family of myself, (Hiram Coykendall), consists of Clara, (now Mrs. Louis Goodyear, of Grand Rapids, Herkimer Hotel); Nellie, Lucille, Fred and Flora (now Mrs. L. H. Wright, Seattle, Wash., 1323 E. Pine Street). Outside of my own family I do not know dates. My father was born June 27, 1820, and was married June 27, 1839, and died June 27, 1867. I was born May 6, 1847, and was married January 2, 1868, and again 1876. My son, Fred, was born November 16, 1868. My daughter, Flora, was born November 16, 1870. My daughter, Clara, was born January 20, 1879. My daughter, Nellie, was born June 25, 1881. My daughter, Lucille, was born April 30, 1894.
Sincerely yours,
Hiram Coykendall. P. S. If you would write to Dr. Coykendall of Grand Rapids, I think you could get quite a lot of information."
An Arkansas Letter
The following communication was received very late, and could not come in where it properly belongs. It will aid some of the Arkansas Kuykendalls to place themselves on the chart. It comes from McCage Kuykendall, of Ozark, Ark.
"I will say that my father was John Gabriel Kuykendall. I am sending you what I learned from my grandfather, Alfred Harden Kuykendall, and other history down to the present time. I am enclosing also some letters received before we heard of the history you are getting up; they may be some help. If I had known sooner,
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perhaps I could have sent you more information. I know of other Kuykendalls that I think are not related to our branch.
My grandfather, Alfred Harden Kuykendall, was born January 29, 1809. His wife was Sarah Louise Fort, who was born April 7, 1814. They were married February 10, 1829, and were the parents of fourteen children, names of whom follow:
1. Moses Kuykendall, record of birth not at hand.
2. Spear Kuykendall, record of birth not at hand.
3. John Gabriel Kuykendall, born October 5, 1832, died August 14, 1895.
4. Julia Ann Kuykendall, date of birth lost.
5. Drucilla Kuykendall, date of birth not know to me.
6. James Kuykendall, date of his birth not known to me.
7. David Hamilton Kuykendall, was killed in Confederate Army.
8. Isaac Kuykendall, birth date not known.
9. Mary Elizabeth Kuykendall, deceased.
10. Sarah Lavanda Kuykendall, the only daughter now living.
11. Nancy Caroline, deceased.
12. Priscilla, deceased also, and two others who died young.
There was Peter Kuykendall, Alfred Harden's uncle, who settled at Van Buren, Ark., and another uncle named Jesse Kuykendall, lived in Honey Grove, Tex. Of the above mentioned children of Alfred Harden Kuykendall, Moses married Martha Andrews in Texas. Their children were as follows:
Cullen Kuykendall, who married Martha Richey.
John Kuykendall, who married Susanna Core.
Bettie Kuykendall, who married Newton Richey.
Viney Kuykendall, no further history of her.
Emma Kuykendall, married Thomas Crossno.
Spear, of Alfred Harden Kuykendall's family, married first, Nancy White, one child, Frances Abigail Kuykendall. Second wife's name was Lizzie Abaheart; their children were Buster, John, Mary, Josephine and Alfred.
John Gabriel Kuykendall, third in the family of Alfred Harden Kuykendall, was married four times. First to Elizabeth Short, second to Joanna Williams, by whom he had children:
Lucie, who married Casse Core, and second James Franklin.
John Henry, who married Margaret Styles.
John Gabriel's third wife was Julia Adkins Rhynes. Their children were Isaac, Lizzie, McCage and Garland. John Gabriel's fourth wife was Margaret Wilson, born May 25, 1854. Their children were:
Exie Kuykendall, born November 20, 1880.
Lee Kuykendall, born September 19, 1882.
Edna Kuykendall, born February 20, 1885.
Anderson Kuykendall, born November 26, 1889.
Thomas Kuykendall, born March 7, 1894.
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These all live near Branch, Ark.
There were two children died young.
David Hamilton Kuykendall, son of Alfred Harden Kuykendall, married Martha Elkins. They had one boy, Jack, who lives at Caulksville, Ark.
Isaac Kuykendall, son of Alfred Harden Kuykendall, married first Lu Von (Vaughn?). His second wife was Mary O'Neal, and they had one son, named John, who lives near Braden, Okla.
McCage Kuykendall, son of John Gabriel Kuykendall, was born July 5, 1873, his wife, who was Julietta Reaves, was born November 13, 1876. They were married December 17, 1895. Their children are as follows, and all of them are yet single:
Chester Arthur Kuykendall, was born October 11, 1896.
Clessie Ardell Kuykendall, was born August 6, 1898.
Unnamed daughter, born and died June 7, 1900.
Ethel Lora Kuykendall, was born July 21, 1901.
Elmer Lawrence Kuykendall, was born July 27, 1903.
Ila Belle Kuykendall, was born August 1, 1906.
Ola Pearl Kuykendall, was born February 2, 1910.
Oman Gardner Kuykendall, was born February 2, 1910.
Retha Maree Kuykendall, was born October 24, 1912.
Floyd Hardy Kuykendall, was born December 17, 1914.
Garland Kuykendall, son of John Gabriel Kuykendall and third wife, Julia Adkins Rhynes, married Belle Grattis, January 10, 1902. Garland died October 7, 1903, leaving one son, Edward Garland, born May 26, 1904.
John Gabriel Kuykendall's children by his fourth wife were:
Exie Kuykendall, who married Hermond Brant.
Lee Kuykendall, who married Oma Garrett, whose children were: Eunice (living), William (dead), Leoda (dead), and twin hoys, Paul and Perry, born January 3, 1919. Paul is dead.
Anderson Kuykendall, son of John Gabriel Kuykendall, married Agnes Sparks, and they have one son named John William Kuykendall, age three years. They are living in California at pressent (March, 1919).
Thomas Kuykendall, son of John Gabriel Kuykendall, married Maree Smith, and they had one child, Homer Kuykendall, deceased."
The envelope enclosing Mr. McCage Kuykendall's letter had in it a letter written to his daughter. Clessie Kuykendall, by a son of Hezekiah Kuykendall, of Powder Springs, Ga. This letter stated that Hezekiah Kuykendall's father was named Edward, and his grandfather was Abraham, and great grandfather was James. The father of Hezekiah had five brothers, making six sons in the family. Of these, Cornelius, or Neal, moved to Little Rock, Ark., before the Civil War. James moved to Cherokee county, Ala., Jefferson moved to Sand Mountain, Ala. His father, Edward, and his brothers, John and William, remained in Georgia.
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There were no dates of births of any of the family, and the value of the data was much less on this account. From the mention of Peter, a Primitive Baptist preacher, and the name Abraham and other circumstances, it is evident that this is another branch of the family in Cobb county, Ga., and that about Enid and Oakland, Miss., and that all these trace back to North Carolina, to the same ancestral head.
Extracts from letters received in March, 1919, from Isaac N. Kuykendall, of Savanna, Okla., give additional light on one of the Arknasas-Oklahoma branches of the family:
"My mother says that the earliest Kuykendall she knows of coming to Arkansas was John Calhoun Kuykendall, who came from Bowling Green, Ky. He had three sons, Alfred, Jesse and James, and one daughter. John Calhoun Kuykendall settled at or near Roseville, Ark. Jesse was living at Pleasant Grove, Tex., as late as 1896, and James died in Dewitt county, Tex., about 1870. Of their family we know nothing. My mother tells me that my father's oldest brother's eldest boy, Walter Kuykendall, has the family Bible and in it is a record of the Kuykendalls for six generations. He lives in Oklahoma somewhere. I am going to make an effort to find it."
In another letter he says: "My great grandfather, Alfred Kuykendall, came from Muddy Creek, Ky., in 18--. I think he had a brother, Peter Kuykendall, who settled near Van Buren, Ark., but am not sure about this. Mother thinks this Peter Kuykendall
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was more distantly related to great grandfather. Alfred Kuykendall settled near Corsicana. Tex. There my grandfather, Moses Kuykendall, and five brothers and two sisters were born. My great grandfather, Alfred's, children, were: Moses, Hamilton, Spear, Isaac, John, James (a deaf mute), Sarah and 'Bush.' Sarah married a man named Crossno and Bush married Mr. Rumsour. My grandfather, Moses, had two boys, Cullin and John Kuykendall (my father), and three girls, Betty Kuykendall, who married Ritchey; Emma Kuykendall, who married Crossno, and Melvina Kuykendall, who married Kelly. My father was born near Corsicana, Tex., and came to Paris, Ark. There he married my mother, Susan Core, and there my brothers, Henry, Arthur, Raymond and myself (Isaac) were born. Also two sisters, Maria, who married Mr. Cain, and Ella, who married Mr. Samples.
I came to Oklahoma and married Miss Bessie McMintrey at Fort Smith, and here my one son, McNewton Kuykendall, was born."
A letter was received from Franklin P. Kuykendall, of Los Angeles, Calif., under date of November 27, 1911, which indicates that he was connected with the branch of the family to which the writers of the preceding letters belonged. Franklin P. says:
"My forefathers came from South Carolina, and moved to Bowling Green, Ky. My grandfather, Alfred Kuykendall, settled in Franklin county, Ark., some time near 1828. My father's name was Spear Fort Kuykendall, born in Logan county, Ark., in 1836. My grandfather had one brother, Jesse Kuykendall, who settled in Honey Grove, Tex. My father had three sons, besides myself, who became grown men: Joseph P., George W., of Denver, Colo., and Alfred H. of Chicago.
There is only one of my father's family living, an aunt, Mrs. J. P. Crossno, Caulksville, Franklin county, Ark. I have several cousins there, but I do not know any of their addresses."
This letter was received several years before the one from I. N. Kuykendall, of Savanna, Okla., and that of McCage Kuykendall, of Ozark, Ark., yet they all show clearly that they are members of the same family.
Philip B. Kuykendall wrote from Denver, Colo., date of November 22, 1911.
"In regard to the Kuykendall family, as far as I can remember now, grandfather's name was Joel Kuykendall, and as far as I remember he was from Germany. My grandfather's name was Hardin; his home was North Carolina. My father's name was Jacob Kuykendall. His brothers were George, Isaac, Alfred, Mose and Jade. I am the son of Jacob Kuykendall, my name being Philip. My brothers. David, Marion and Andrew, are dead. My sons are Marvin, Melvin, John, Lemmon, David and Roy. I know of other Kuykendalls here in town that spell their names the same as I do."
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In a family chart sent by Isaac N. Kuykendall, whose letters have just been quoted, the relationship existing between members of his branch of the family are clearly shown. The sons of Alfred Kuykendall, his great grandfather, who died near Corsicana, Tex., together with their descendants, are given below.
Isaac Kuykendall, son of Alfred, has a son, John, living at Home, Okla. The aforesaid Isaac was a carpenter and was killed in an accident, while building a house at Caulksville, Ark.
Hamilton Kuykendall, who was killed in the Civil War, had two sons, Isaac and Jack, the latter living at Caulksville, Ark.: nothing is known of Isaac.
Moses Kuykendall was a brick mason and carpenter, and died of injuries received in an accident while building a house at Caulksville, Ark., in 1895.
Moses had two sons, Cullin and John. Cullin died at Canadian, Okla., leaving two sons there, Walter and Brewster, who are farming. John, the other son of Moses, had four sons, Isaac N., who has a son, Isaac McNewton Kuykendall, this family residing at Savanna, Okla.; Henry, Arthur and Raymond, the other sons of John live at Midland City, Ark., where they are engaged in mining.
John Kuykendall died near Etna, Ark., in 1897, leaving four sons: McCage, who lives at Ozark, Ark., letter from him previously given; Garland, a farmer, who died in 1905; Lee and Thomas, who are farmers, living near Chismville, Ark.
Spear Kuykendall was in the real estate business in Los Angeles, dying there in 1899, leaving four sons, Brewster, John. Alfred and Lee, supposed to be living near Los Angeles, Calif.
James Kuykendall, a deaf mute, died at Roseville, Ark., in 1904.
The more we study the family to which these Arkansas Kuykendalls belong, the more clearly it is seen that they are the descendants of those pioneer Kuykendalls that began to procure grants of land and settle in North Carolina, as early as 1750. Many if not most of these descendants have distinct traditions going back to Abraham, James and others. We have shown in the chapter on "Southwestern Kuykendalls," that James made application "at the Council meeting in September, 1750, for 600 acres of land in Anson County, North Carolina." A perusal of that chapter shows that Abraham Kuykendall, Corporal James Kuykendall, Captain John Kuykendall and a number of others of the family were living there in 1759. Abraham was a prominent man, a man of affairs. These Arkansas people, whose letters we have just been considering, are undoubtedly direct descendants of the family of Abraham, many of which are mentioned in numerous places in the "Colonial Records" of North Carolina.
Those old fathers were active "hustlers," whether in business, Indian fighting, or in the Revolutionary war, and according to both history and traditon, were a terror to the redskins, who used to raid the settlers and steal stock and massacre the settlers.
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Less than ten years before James, and a number of other Kuykendalls, went to the Carolinas, they had been living in the Minisink country, on the Delaware river in New Jersey, and New York, several of them near Minisink Island. Some of them, certainly, went to Virginia first, and later went on to North Carolina, as has been shown. All those: Arkansas people whose letters have been quoted, can confidently claim to be the descendants of those who lived on the Delaware, as early as the year 1700. Of this there can be no question or doubt. A large number of them are found in Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, and other states. If their history could be "dug up" it certainly would be an interesting one.
Tatum, Texas, March 13, 1919. Dr. G. B. Kuykendall,
Pomeroy, Wash.
Dear Dr. Kuykendall--
Am sending you a list of our family records. We had Grandpa James Kuykendall's old Bible with the record of his brothers and sisters, but sent it to his son, William, at Cherokee, Tex., San Saba county. He had brothers, John, William, Absolem and three or four more. He and John and one of William's sons (Mid), came to Texas in the '40s, settled at Harmony Hill, Rusk county. Mid's people are at Beckville, Tex., Panola county, (Jim Kuykendall); Alvah Kuykendall's daughter, at Frederick, Okla., Mrs. R. M. Bowen. If this is not too late, hope it may be of some use to you.
Respectfully,
Miss Mollie Cobb.
The following data was enclosed:
James Kuykendall was born October 31, 1799. He married Dorcus Reynolds, December 28, 1820, she being born March 29, 1804. They came to Rusk county, Tex., in 1848. Their children were: Ely R. Kuykendall, born March 31, 1822; Alvah M. Kuykendall, born August 27, 1824; Millie Barcinda Kuykendall, born December 31, 1826; William J. Kuykendall, born February 14, 1829; Matthew H.
Kuykendall, born September 28, 1832; Nancy Arminda Kuykendall, born February 8, 1835; Drucilla Minerva Kuykendall, born May 24, 1837; George Richardson Kuykendall, born April 3, 1840; James Abraham Kuykendall, born (???) 12, 1843.
Ely R. Kuykendall married Betsy Edwards; Alvah M. Kuykendall married Martha Jones; Millie Barcinda Kuykendall married A. Nowlen; William J. Kuykendall married Betsy Jane Coffman: Matthew H. Kuykendall married Lizzie Dallihild; Nancy Arminda Kuykendall married John A. Gray, June 1, 1851; Drucilla Minerva Kuykendall married Ely Jeter.
George Richardson Kuykendall died in the Civil War. James Abraham Kuykendall died quite young. Nancy Arminda (K.)
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Gray died April 27, 1852. Dorcus Kuykendall died December 31, 1860 (grandmother). James Kuykendall died November 12, 1881 (grandfather).
Nannie Arminda Gray was born April 18, 1852. John A. Gray was born July 5, 1827, in Lincoln county, Tenn., came to Rusk county, Tex., in 1845, and died June 11, 1911.
Nannie Arminda Gray married Dillard E. Cobb, of Honeapath, S. C., September 22, 1874, he having come to Texas in 1871. Mollie Ann Cobb was born December 8, 1876. Nettie Ora Cobb was born November 22, 1878, and was married to Charles E. Griffith, November 23, 1916, he having come from Missouri to Texas in 1913.
Dillard E. Cobb was born February 7, 1848. Charles E. Griffith was born March 7, 1886.
March 17, 1919. Mollie Cobb. Tatum, Texas.
A letter from William J. Kuykendall, Cherokee, San Saba county, Tex., dated February 3, 1912, says:
"Matthew Kuykendall, my grandfather, was born about 1763, and died August 15, 1841. He had eight sons and four daughters.
William Kuykendall, died in Mississippi, leaving one son.
Middleton Kuykendall, died in Texas; his descendants live in West Texas.
Abraham Kuykendall, came to West Texas, 1834-5. He had several sons, among whom were James, William and Simon, all of West Texas.
John Kuykendall, died in East Texas; he had three sons, John, Owen and William, who all died in East Texas.
James Kuykendall, my father, died in East Texas, leaving five sons: Eli, my oldest brother, had four sons; Spencer, James, William and Eli, all in West Texas. Alva, my second brother, died in East Texas, leaving four daughters and two sons, George and William, all living in West Texas. W. J. Kuykendall, myself, have four sons and three daughters. My oldest son, L. C. Kuykendall, has a wife and two children. The next, J. L. Kuykendall, has a wife, three sons and three daughters. The next son, A. R. Kuykendall, has a wife, three sons and three daughters. My last son, Matt Kuykendall, has a wife and two sons, all living in San Saba county. Matthew, my brother, died in this county of San Saba, leaving three sons: Melville. James and William, residing here.
George Kuykendall, my youngest brother, died in the Civil War.
Matthew Kuykendall, died in Arkansas, leaving three sons, John. Matthew and Abner. Abner Kuykendall came to Texas in 1834-5. He lived on the coast for several years and moved to Bell county in 1853-4. He has several sons living in Bell county.
Jacob Kuykendall, died in Alabama, leaving three sons, Joseph, Matthew and Bruce.
Absolem Kuykendall, came to Texas in 1834-5, settling below San Antonio.
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My grandfather and uncle lived in Tennessee and moved to Mississippi. I am near 83 years old and cannot see well. I have been living here on the same place for 54 years. Two of my uncles, John and Jacob, were doctors practicing the Thompsonian system."
If the reader will refer to letter of Andrew Briggs Kuykendall on page 216, he will readily see the relationship between these families. That letter traces back to Abraham Kuykendall, father of Matthew Kuykendall, who is mentioned in the above letter of W. J. Kuykendall, of Cherokee, Tex., as his grandfather.
This Abraham Kuykendall, who settled in North Carolina, was most likely the son of Cornelius Kuykendall, who was baptized in Kingston, N. Y., May 30, 1686. (See baptismal record on page 37.) Abraham, son of Cornelius, was baptized October 18, 1719. If this premise is correct, hundreds of Kuykendalls in the Southwestern States can trace their lineage clear back to the original ancestor who came to America.
Matthew Johnson Kuykendall, of Temple, Tex., wrote:
"I am a native Texan, born here in 1838. My father, Abner Kuykendall, and my mother, nee Maria Duff, came to Texas from Franklin county, Tenn., in March, 1831, and joined the Austin colony. My grandfather's name was Matthew Kuykendall, his wife was a Johnson, both of Tennessee. My father's brothers were: Abraham, Matthew, James, John, Jacob and Absolem, and there may have been more. There were two sisters, Mary and Mildred. Abraham, John and James came to Texas and died here. Absolem joined the Mormons and went north.
Matthew settled in Arkansas, raised a family and died. Jacob settled in Mississippi. My father's family all are in Texas. There is another old family of Kuykendalls in Texas, coming from another Abner Kuykendall, who came to Texas with the Austin colony in 1822. My father called him uncle, but I can't say whether he was really his uncle or not, but they were related in some way." See letter of Mrs. Mildred Kuykendall Fowler, page 223.
Wylie M. Kuykendall, of San Marcos, Tex., wrote:
"My grandfather, Robert Kuykendall, came from Kentucky, and I think Princeton was the place. He came to Texas with Austin's first colony. My grandfather had four sons, Gill, Benjamin. Joseph and Thomas, and two daughters, Mary and Jane. Mary married Howard Deckrow, and Jane married John Fitzgerald, leaving no heirs. Most of my uncle's children live in Matagorda county, Tex. Father, Gill Kuykendall, had two sons, Robert and myself, and one daughter, Jane. My brother, Robert, died at Camp Butler, Ill., in 1862; Jane married, and died, leaving three children, but I have lost track of them.
I was born October 22, 1839, in Fort Bend county. I married Susan E. Pierce, of Little Compton, R. I., in 1869, and had five children. Robert Gill and Ella were the only two who grew up. Robert Gill was born in May, 1870, and died in December, 1905,
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leaving four children; Marisse, born in August, 1893; Dorothy, born in September, 1895; Wylie, born in March, 1899, and Isaac, born in August, 1904.
Robert Gill's wife was named Maggie Moore.
My daughter, Ella, married George Arnett, of Tiptonville, Tenn., and had one daughter, Winnie, born in May, 1900. She married second time, Tom C. Dunn, Jr., of Houston, Tex."
The foregoing letter was dictated to and written by Miss Marion Kuykendall, now Mrs. H. L. Taylor, of Buda, Tex., wife of Major Taylor, who has been in France since August, 1917, until April, 1919.
The following family history of Mr. Leander Kuykendall, of National City, Calif., came too late for the data to appcar at the proper place. It was sent in a letter from Mrs. Edith E. Sampson, who before her marriage was Miss Edith Edna Kuykendall, daughter of Leander Kuykendall. Leander Kuykendall is a brother of John A. Kuykendall, of Los Angeles, who died September 24, 1913. A picture of John is to be seen on page 53, and there is given on page 54 all that had come to the author in regard to Leander's family. That which follows is family record complete:
Leander Kuykendall, son of Henry and Nancy Jane Brimberry Kuykendall, was born January 3, 1847, and married Anna Eliza Abbott, October 19, 1876, at Taylorville, Ill. She was born October 9, 1855. Their children were as follows:
Edith Edna, born July 29, 1877, at Taylorville, Ill.
Anna Gertrude, born April 9, 1880, at Topeka, Kan.
Arlee Faith, born November 15, 1884, at Topeka.
Arthur Leander, born January 12, 1889, at Topeka.
Henry Edwin, born January 16, 1892, at San Diego, Calif. He died May 17, 1918, in Army Hospital, at Fort Snelling, Minn.
Of these children, Edith Edna Kuykendall, married William Delmore Sampson, June 17, 1896, at San Diego, Calif. He was born October 15, 1874, at Cincinnati, Ohio. Their children are as seen below:
George Delmore Sampson, born May 2, 1897, at San Diego, Calif.
Arthur Leroy Sampson, born June 5, 1898, at San Diego, Calif. He died June 6, 1898.
Anna Gertrude Kuykendall, married Elmer E. Gibbs, January 22, 1903, at San Diego, Calif.
Their children are:
Ernest Leander Gibbs, born June 12, 1904, at San Diego, Calif.
Helen Gertrude Gibbs, born May 18, 1907, at San Diego, Calif.
Arlie Faith Kuykendall, married Emmett Loren Haynes, January 2, 1908, at Riverside, Calif. Their children are:
Warien Faith Haynes, born November 12, 1908, at Riverside, Calif.
Kathryn Lucile Haynes, born July 6, National City, Calif, and died June 13, 1911.
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Edgar Loren Haynes, born February 12, 1912, at Riverside, Calif.
Martha Arlee Haynes, born January 29, 1915, at Brawley, Calif.
Frederick Eugene Haynes, born September 19, 1916, at Brawley, Calif.
Frances Adele Haynes, born December 6, 1918, at Beaumont, Calif.
Arthur Leander Kuykendall, son of Leander, and grandson of Henry Kuykendall, married Ethyl Pearl Hall, May 18, 1912, at National City, Calif. She was born December 27, 1890. Their children are:
Dorian Marie, born February 18, 1913, at National City, Calif.
Edith Gern, born August 15, 1914, at National City, Calif.
William Leander, born October 30, 1913, at National City, Calif.
For the records of Henry Edwin Kuykendall and George Delmore Kuykendall in the recent war with Germany, see Chapter on Kuykendall descendants in that war.
Accompanying this account of the family there was a letter from Mrs. Edith E.
Sampson, which says: "It has been impossible to get all the data until just now. My father, Leander Kuykendall, has been an invalid for a number of years and has been confined to his bed for the last two years, and since the first of February of this year has been very sick, so that I could not write to the folks for the data relating to my brother who died in the service of our country during the war just closed. I thought the record would be incomplete as he is the only Kuykendall boy of our family who saw service."
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CHAPTER XLIII.
INTERESTING AND CURIOUS ACCOUNTS AND DOCUMENTS IN OLD
COLONIAL AND ANTE COLONIAL TIMES.
In my studies and researches into the past history of our family, I came across many things that brought into strong contrast the conditions and customs of the past with the present. We sometimes wonder at the poor spelling we see in letters and papers by people of today, who are considered to be well informed and fairly well educated. But worse spelling was the common and almost universal thing in the past along about one hundred and fifty years ago, and for some years later.
In looking over some of the old court record I found some things that struck my risibilities pretty hard, not only in the manner of spelling in colonial times where our people lived, but as showing colonial customs about Esopus, (regions in the Hudson valley about Kingston), and in the Delaware valley and parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania. On the Hudson and in the Delaware valley, the habits and customs of the people were as Dutch, almost, as in Holland.
Perhaps some of their peculiarities of spelling and customs may have had their origin in this fact. Yet we find much the same thing prevailing all over the colonies as shown in old documents, ledgers, and various writings of the times. These days, we should not regard the reading of old discarded ledgers of merchants, grocers, shoemakers and tavern keepers as very edifying, yet I found much in them to both amuse and cause reflection, while poring over those relics of the past. As has been shown before, the vicinity of Kingston, N. Y., was the early home of our first born American ancestor after the death of his father at Fort Orange. In that vicinity, there have been preserved some old ledgers and account books that are, or were to me, very interesting. At Hurley they show an old book that has the following account, under date of "Anno Domini 1756." It looks to be the bookkeeping of a shoe cobbler. All kinds of business men in those days combined several different trades or callings, to help "keep the pot boiling." It would give no offense to print the names of the bookkeepers, as they have been dead probably a century and a half at least. These accounts read:
Anno Domini, 1756
œs.d. 1 pear Shouse Made for your wife00.6.0 1 peare Shouse petch for your Neger Jough00.3.0 2 deays Riding with horses and wagon au do00.18.0 3 barlears of Syder at the press at 8s1.4.0 1 peare Shouse Meade for your Neger Whinch Gin00.6.0
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Another sample of bookeeping of a little later date, 1757:
œs.d. 2 Schiples of Weet at 4s. per Sch'pl00.8.0 to 1-6 Agys (eggs)0.1.6 4 Ells of humspun for apeticot for our Whinch00.4.0
The account below looks like a tinker's bill:
œs.d. to Maind My teecatel00.1.6 fixing bagnet to gone by Making a Cock to my Gone00.9.0 2 hug seds1.4.0 1775 to 4 broms 1 geir corn for to the engines00.2.0
The peculiar spelling of "engines" (Indians) reminds me of when I was stationed at Fort Simcoe, Wash., as physician there. There were many Indians around there. One day one of my little fellows ran into the house and said, "Mama, there comes a lot of Ingens, and I guess they are steam Ingins." He had just heard a discussion about steam engines, and had great ideas of "Ingens" run by steam. In the days when the foregoing accounts were made and written, steam engines had not yet figured in commerce and transportation. The last item in the accounts reminds us that Indians were still around where our forefathers lived, and that they traded and trafficked with the whites. As the last item in these accounts which when translated means "4 brooms that I gave corn for, to the Indians," sold for six pence each, it looks as if the Indians got the worst of the trade,--really were swindled. But that was a common trick of the Dutch in early days, and generally the Yankee could go the Dutch one or two better in cheating the Indians, or any one clse, for that matter. The brooms the Indians made and sold to the whites were made of birch wood, split, peeled down and the splits tied in a bunch; they were called "split brooms," and took much work to make.
We got an insight into prices those days by a study of those old book accounts. "Fours Scheples of Weet," for 8 shillings would be at the rate of about a dollar per bushel for wheat.
It seems that funeral expenses must have been light, when a "Chist, that is a Coffin for our Whinch," cost only four shillings. Evidently Negro "whinch" funerals in those days were not marked by much grandeur or display. Funeral expenses are so great today that nobody but the rich can afford to die, and they do not seem to have any anxiety to help out the undertakers in that way.
Barrels and hogsheads were not in those days much more of an asset in morals of the community than today, and one can see a good reason for a disguise of their names in "3 bearlears of Syder" and "2 hug Seds" for three barrels and two hogsheads. Never since I was a small lad could I see the propriety of packing rum and cider and such stuff in a hogshead. Maybe it was because that
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when a man had taken a few "pulls" from one, he could not tell the difference between a hog's head and his tail. My researches into colonial customs did not go far enough to unravel all the tangles and explain all the curious things of those days.
Among our forefathers there was the custom of "licensing" taverns, toll bridges, ferries and other more or less public utilities. When the license was given, certain definite rates were prescribed that the person holding the license might charge. The custom in this regard was much the same in New York, New Jersey and in Pennsylvania, where many of our ancestors lived. In the far western part of Pennsylvania, a large part of which was supposed to belong to Virginia, old Judge Benjamin Kuykendall with his associate judges passed upon many of these licenses for taverns, which were also known as "ordinarys." Later the word ordinary was contracted to "ornery," and I imagine would have fitted many of the taverns or ordinarys of those times perfectly; we know such a designation would fit many of them well, today.
While looking after our early history in those regions I transcribed from the old records some of the ordinary licenses. Henry Kuykendall, who lived in Sussex county, N. J., and Peter Kuykendall in Orange county, N. Y., and old Judge Benjamin Kuykendall, who lived near Pittsburg, Pa., signed many licenses for ordinarys, toll roads and ferries.
Some of these are quite interesting literature, especially to the descendants of those old worthies. It is really amusing to notice how everything is gone into in detail, giving the exact charges for a hot dinner of three dishes, which was different from the price of a cold dinner, and lodging at night with a "clean sheat" was specified at so much. I don't remember that there was any provision for lower price for a dirty "sheat," but I imagine that patrons could have been accommodate with "sheats" of the dirty order. A price was set for wine, per pint, Metheglin, whatever it was, strong beer, flip, punch per quart, with loaf sugar, and so much for punch with brown sugar.
Along about the time of the French and Indian war, 1756-60, our colonial fathers were generally very loyal to the English government; I should say at this time super-loyal, from a record I found while looking over the old Sussex county records, or court minutes, where was found the item mentioned that on "May 28, one Richard Duddy, (Dudley?) was indicted and fined for Damning his Royal Higness the Duke of Sutherland." As his "Royal Highness" was never in America, it looks like an excess of loyalty to fine an American for an over emphatic expression of his opinion of the Duke. The evidence is that he was a sort of overbearing man and also cruel in his treatment of a good many of the Scotch, after the battle of Culloden. It may be that Dudley's own people had suffered at the hands of this scion of nobility. Some of the people of those days thought the proper way to regulate profanity
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was by ordinance or legislation. I remember of reading over the early Virginia court records, where Benjamin Kuykendall was sitting as one of the justices on a case, where they fined a man for "uttering one oath and two profane cusses." I saw nothing in the record to show the relative wickedness and venality of an oath and a profane cuss. Uttering oaths and profane "cusses" seemed to have been high in those days, if the law was strictly enforced, and yet if we must believe the history of the times, we have to admit that uttering profane oaths and "cussing" were quite frequent occurrences.
I noticed in the minutes of the old Freeholder's courts of Sussex county, N.
J., the bill of charges permitted by those keeping taverns or "orderlies," some things that would strike us of recent times as being decidedly amusing.
There appears to have been a great effort to bring the prices of a bed over night within the pocket books of the patrons and also to encourage the process of "doubling up" or of two or more sleeping in the same bed. The matter of price was settled by the Freeholders' court. Some of the old hotel licenses stated that the price of lodging, one man alone occupying a bed, was five pence, if two slept together the price was three pence each, and if three occupied the same bed the price would be two pennies each. Of course the occupant of the middle of the bed had the worst of it in hot weather, and the ones on the outside had it when the weather was very cold, as there seemed to have been no law to prevent the "pulling" or stealing of covers.
All this tends to bring to one's imagination the standard of cleanness of "sheats," the frequency of laudrying, and the wages of the room keepers. Aside from the comical phase of the disclosures of these old records, there are shown the pitiful smallness of women's wages and the small value placed, by the public generally, upon women's services. That the world is moving on, and that clearer ideas of justice and right are governing people of these days more than in the days of our colonial forefathers, is clearly shown.
Anyone reading the old deeds made one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and seventy-five years ago must have been struck with the unsubstantial and perishable markings and corners that were depended upon in those days. In taking up their lands and marking the boundaries, no attempt seems to have been made to follow the points of the compass or to run lines at right angles.
Their markings were generally trees, stumps, ravines, or something equally as unsubstantial, and perishing. They seemed to have no idea of surveying tracts in squares or rectangles. Elsewhere in this volume is mentioned one particular tract of land surveyed to Peter Kuykendall, of North Carolina, in the year 1798. The shape of that tract of land certainly is a marvel, and the description of it a wonder.
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Mention has been made of the tract of land presented to the people of the Walpack Church in 1837, by Thomas Schoonhoven and Thomas Brink. A number of the Kuykendalls lived near, and attended this church, and my great grandfather, John Kuykendall, was baptized there in 1741. So it has a little more interest to me on that account. The deed to the church lot, while being antique, is also unique as a sample of spelling.
Original Deed for the Walpack Church Lot, given verbatin ad literatim.
To all Christian people to whom these prances shall com know ye that we thomas Brink and nickles Schoonhoven of Wall-pack in the county of Hunterdon, Yeomen know yea that de Do Send Greeten, know yea that we thomas Brink and Nickles Schoon-hoven, that we have and do this (day) Give gran and by these prances do give grant for the good will and afexshans which we do bair towards the inhabits of Wallpack and the near inhabitons thar about and we do give and grant unto the inhabitons above Riten all and sigler that lot or parsal of Land Lying and Sitten and beinge in Wallpack Buting Boundings as folings Beging at the northwes corner of the buryin yard at a red Oak tree markt with three notches on the sides Running from thence souerle to a wite Oak tree mark with three notches, Running along to a Black oak tree markt with three notches a corner tree then Running easterle to a corner Black oak markited with three notches from thence northerle to a black oak corner tree market on two sides with three notches from thence to the foust Stashon, containing about fore akers more so or Les to Gether with all the Rites title, intrest clames and Demands what so ever we now have an and which any or ever of our heirs Executors Administrators or a Signs may hear after have of or to the Said Granted Premises or to any part thereof have and to have and hold the Said Pece or lot of Land unto the above Riten inhabitons them their ares assines Executors admini without any manner of Conditons we the said thomas Brink and Nickles Schoonhoven have fully freely and absolutely and forever own accord Set and Put in furder testimony in witness whareof we have Set our hands and Seales this first day of febery in the tenth year of his magesty King George an anodomney one thousand Seven hundred and thirty Seven Sined Sealed.
Witness in presence of us
his Pete Vanakin ) Thomas X Brink ) Mark Adam Dingmanse )
) his Benjn Smyth ) Nickles X Schoonhaven ) Mark
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As a sample of legal document I believe this instrument is absolutely unique and taken with spelling and punctuation, or lack of punctuation would be hard to surpass. Whatever the literary attainment of Thomas Brink and Thomas Schoonhaven, it is evident that their hearts were "in the right place," as to their "efexshans" for the people of "Wallpack and thar about."
I copied this deed carefully and then compared again to see that it was exact and am sure it is a real transcript of the original.
Looking over the old Minisink Valley Church Records I came across a number of things that I thought might be of interest to our people. These are introduced in the hope that they will be interesting as showing where our people were and what they were doing in the Delaware valley nearly 200 years ago. The names and events mentioned may some time be an aid to some of the Kuykendalls in tracing their ancestry. In the record, page 282, there appears this:
Sept. 10, 1747. These in the presence of David Cole, Elder of Machackemeck, as members of our Low Dutch Reformed Church, upon satisfactory confession of faith and conversion, were received the following:
Johannes Decker and his wife Lisabeth De Witt. Tjaetje De Witt, Femmetje Decker, and Solomon Kuykendal.
1755, March 27. The following named Kuykendals and relatives were received into the Machackemeck Church on confession of faith: Joseph Westbrook and his wife Lisabeth Kuykendal and Pieter Kuykendal. There were received, at the same time and place. these Kuykendall neighbors. Arie Van Vriedenburg, and his wife Jannetje Westroeck, Daniel Gonsalis and wife Sarah Westbroeck, Abram Van Aken.
Joris Davis and Jacobus Westbroeck. The author has data to show that nearly all of these were related more or less closely and it shows how they were associated in church work. These records were entered in the hand writing of Rev. Fryenmouth.
April 19, 1762, Rev. Thomas Romain or Romien received into the Church Catrina, widow of Martinus Kuikendall.
Among the marriages performed by or during the incumbency of Rev. John Casp.
Fryenmouth from 1737 to 1797, the following are noted: On March 13, 1743, Simon Westfall, young man, born in Dutchess county, dwelling in Smithfield, in Bucks county, to Jannet Westbroeck, young woman born at Mormel, dwelling at Minisink. Married the 17th day of April by Pieter Kuyckendal, Justice of the Peace. Nov. 6, 1748. Daniel Kuykendal, young man, born in Machackemeck and dwelling there, to Lisabeth Van Aken, young woman born at Wawarsink, and dwelling at Theesacht, married the 2nd of December.
In explanation it may be said that the first date represents the date of publication of "bans," or public betrothal, while the latter date represents the time of the marriage ceremony.
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January 8th, 1749, Joseph Westbroeck, young man, born at Wawarsink, and dwelling at Namenack, to Lisabeth Kuykendal, young woman, born at Machackemeck, and dwelling there. Married 27, January.
Nov. 23, 1751, Solomon Kuykendal, young man, to Sarah Cole, young woman, both dwelling at Machackemeck, and both born there.
Dec. 17, 1752. Petrus Kuykendal, young man, born at Machackemeck, and dwelling there, to Catherine Kittel, young woman, born at Wawarsinck, and dwelling at Minisink. Married 12, January. (1753.)
April 29, 1758. Martynus Kuykendal, young man, born at Magemek to Catrinte Kool, born at Maghemek, both dwelling there. Married June 2nd.
Marriages by Rev. Thomas Romeyn
May 1, 1771, Salomon Coykendal, Jun and Marie Westbroek.
Note here the change of spelling of the name from Kuykendal to Coykendal. Rev.
E. Van Bunschoten performed a number of marriages for Kuykendalls, among which were:
Jan. 1, 1788, Jacobus Kuikendal, (bride's name not given.)
Feb. 16, 1789. Martinus Kuikendal and Antie Cole.
June 15th (???) Jacobus Van Vliet and Maria Westbrook, widow of Solomon Kuikendal, Jr.
1791, Jan. 10. Elias Kuykendal and Elizabeth Gumaer.
1791, Dec. 19, Reuben Westfall and Tyatie (Charity) Cuikendal.
1804, Nov. 24, John Johnson, Phoebe Cuykendall.
1817, May 17, Anthony Van Etten, Jane Cuykendall, in Minisink.
1821, Dec. 1, Abraham Ackerman and Lea Cuykendall, Minisink.
1824, Feb. 24, James Horton and Marjery Cuykendal, at Minisink.
I went carefully over the records of the Walpack Church records searching for names of Kuykendall women's marriages, and for the names of any Kuykendalls who may have appeared as witnesses at the baptisms of other related families.
The object of this search was to determine what ones of the descendants of Jacob Kuykendall, brother of Peter, Matthew and Cornelius may have remained in the Delware after the date of 1733, that date being the time of the last baptism of the family of Cornelius. The object of this was to see whether any of the descendants of Jacob. Cornelius and Matthew had remained in the country at the time of the migration of the Kuykendalls from the Delaware valley to Virginia. It was assumed that if any of them remained they would be likely at some time to appear as witnesses when the other
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relatives were baptized. The result of this examination is seen in what follows:
June 18, 1740, Daniel Kuykendall and Lizabeth Van Aaken were witnesses at the baptism of Daniel, son of Solomon Davids and Leah Decker.
Sept. 19, 1740, Abraham Kortrecht and Margriet Kuykendal witnessed the baptism of Lidia, daughter of Hendrick Hendrickson Kortrecht and Margriet Decker.
March 7, 1742, Pieter Kuykendal and Femmetje Decker were witnesses at the baptism of Petrus Decker and Jannettie Van Nimwegen.
Jan. 20, 1745, Daniel Kuyckendal and Annatje Decker were witnesses at the baptism of Annatje, daughter of Petrus Decker and Lena Oosterhout.
April 12, 1746, Salomon Kuykendal and Elisabeth Kuykendal witnessed the bapitsm of Femmetje, daughter of Hendrick H. Kortrecht and Margriet Decker.
May 10, 1747. Salomon Kuykendal and Margriet Rosenkrantz witnessed the baptism of Salomon, son of Abraham Middagh and Lena Van Aken.
Jan. 21, 1747, Pieter Kuykendal and Femmetje Decker witnessed the baptism of Petrus, son of Thomas Decker and Jannetje Van Nimwegen.
April 15, 1750, Petrus Kuykendal and Christina Decker, witnessed the baptism of Petrus, son of Salomon Davis Leah Decker.
April 29, 1750, Pieter Kuyckendal and Femmetje Decker witnessed the baptism of Annatje, daughter of Joseph Westbroeck and Lisabeth Kuykendal.
May 7, 1751, Johannes Kuykendal and Clara Quick had their son Jacobus baptized, witnesses John Bight and Alida Dingenman his wife.
This Johannes was doubtless the son of Arie Kuykendall, who was baptized June 8, 1694.
Nov. 20, 1751, Petrus Kuykendal and Janeke Terwilge witnessed the baptism of Jsak (Isaac) Middagh, son of(???)Middagh and Femmetje Decker.
Feb. 17, 1753, Jacob Middagh and Sarah Kuyckendal, his wife, witnessed the baptism of Jacob, son of Jacobus Middah and Sarah Decker.
Nov. 3, 1754, Daniel Kuykendal and Elizabeth Van Aken, his wife, witnessed the baptism of Lisabeth, daughter of Johanes Van Aken and Marya Van Garde.
Dec. 29, 1754, Pieter Kuykendal and Femmetje Decker witnessed the baptism of Samuel, son of John Chandler and Margriet Robert.
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June 25, 1757, Solomon Kuykendaal and Sarah Cool his wife, witnessed the baptism of Sarah, daughter of Abraham Van Aken, Jr., and Catrina Rosenkrantz.
February 15, 1738, Solomon Kuikendal and Sara Cool his wife witnessed baptism of Catryntje, daughter of Solomon Kortrecht and Cornelia Cool.
Feb. 13, 1758, Petrus Kuikendal and Katherina Kittel, his wife, witnessed the baptism of Katherina, daughter of Van Aaken and Leah Kittel.
Jan. 27, 1759, Salomon Kuykendal and Sara Kool witnessed the baptism of Salomon, son of Syme Westfael and Jannetje West-broek.
August 26, 1759, Salomon Kuykendal and Sarah Cole his wife witnessed the baptism of (onecht, illegitimate) daughter Lisabeth. The entry was so arranged that it was impossible to tell who the father was; the mother's name was Maria Cool.
August 26, 1759, Abram Kortrecht and Margriet Kuykendal, his wife, witnessed the baptism of Moses, son of Clea Farletier and Margrie Tietsoort. (The Farletier here is doubtless the same name as Palmatier.)
April 22, 1760, Petrus Kuykendal and Katrina Kuykendal, wife, witnessed baptism of Casperus, son of Elias Middagh and Maria Timber.
June 29, 1760, Endrikkus Kuikendal and Leah Decker witnessed baptism of Neeltje, daughter of Stephanus Decker and Annatje Kuikendal.
Nov. 9, 1760, Peter Kuikendal and Katrina Kuikendal witnessed baptism of Blandain, daughter Simon Westvael and Jennetje Westbroek.
May --, 1762. Abraham Van Aaken and Katrina Kuykendal witnessed baptism of (onecht, illegitimate) Christoffel, son of Rebecca Schoonover, father's name not given.
Feb. 28, 1763, William Kuikendal and Hanna Forbis, witnessed the baptism of Jacobus, son of Stephanus Decker and Femmetje Kuikendal.
June 12, 1763, Solomon Kuikendal and Sarah Kuikendal, witnessed baptism of Sarah, daughter of Stephanus Tietsoort and Catrine Kuikendal.
April 28, 1765, Jacob Kuikendall and Sarah Kortrecht witnessed the baptism of Eva, daughter of Jacob Figly (or Figby) and Beeltje Davids.
Nov. 22, 1766, Hendrik Kuikendal and Eisabeth Kuikendal witnessed the baptism of Elisabeth, daughter of Daniel Kuikendal and Elisabeth Van Aken.
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May 26, 1767, Daniel Kuikendal and Elizabeth Kuikendal witnessed baptism of Catrina, daughter of William McClean and Sara Van Aaken.
May 31, 1769, Hendrik Kuikendal and Elisabeth Kuikendal witnessed baptism of Elizabeth, born Nov. 19, daughter of Stephanus Decker and Femmetje Kuikendal.
May 31, 1769, Hendricus Kuikendal and Sara Kuikendal witnessed baptism of Femmetje, daughter of Stephanus Tietsoort and Catrina Kuikendal, daughter born May 7.
Dec. 2, 1771, Petrus Kuykendal, Jr., and Elisabeth, his daughter, witnessed baptism of (???) daughter of Jeremiah Kittel and Leah Davis.
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CHAPTER XLIV.
GENEALOGICAL NOTES
THE KUYKENDALL AND STARK FAMILIES.
Inasmuch as there are quite a number of the Kuykendalls of the Pacific coast whose grandfather and grandmother, on the maternal side were Starks, some notice of this family will be interesting to those descendants. The number of Kuykendall-Stark great grandchildren is quite large.
The Stark family is quite an old one in America. There were three Stark brothers came to America, from Wales, in colonial times and settled first in Vermont. One of these was afterwards General John Stark of Revolutionary war fame. From this family came Jesse Stark, the father of the wives of John and George Kuykendall, who went from Wisconsin to Oregon in 1852. E. Abraham Stark, father of Jesse, went from Vermont to Virginia, and from there to Kentucky, about the same time Daniel Boone settled in that state. After living there a number of years he moved to Indiana. He served in the Blackhawk war and other wars with the Indians. While the family lived in Kentucky, his son, Jesse, and others of the family were born, Jesse being born in 1802. At about the age of thirteen, Jesse went with his father and the family to Indiana and settled. There he married Sarah Bates, and they had a large family. Two of Jesse Stark's daughters became the wives of John and George Kuykendall, the sketch of whose trip across the plains is found in this volume.
Five of the sons of Jesse Stark were in the Union Army in the Civil War.
Charles Stark was killed at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Ga., in June, 1864. Ansel was killed July 21, 1864, at Atlanta, Georgia. Jesse Stark moved from Indiana to Wisconsin, in June, 1849, and located near Monroe. Of the sons of Jesse Stark, one, James Rice Stark, went west to Oregon with the Kuykendall brothers in 1852. He lived in southern Oregon, a few miles north of Roseburg, for a number of years and married Miss Elizabeth Clark, and they moved to Puget Sound and settled in the timbered country and made a home and farm there. Mr. Stark died some years ago, leaving several children and his wife.
She still lives, and is with her daughter, their home being at Lynden, Washington, a few miles from Seattle. James R. Stark and wife had an interesting and intelligent family. One son, Wilbur Stark, is a Methodist minister and the others are all useful citizens. There are two other sons, Jesse, residing at Lynden, and James at same place. Saidie Stark, one of the daughters married Albert Smith. Mollie Stark married a man named Williams, who died in the Philippine Islands, leaving her a widow. Her address is Lynden,
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Wash. Allie Stark married a Mr. Fennell, and they live at Des Moines, Ia.
Hester Stark married Hal Maltby, and their home was, at last account, in Seattle, Wash.
The Stark family record as far as we have it at hand follows:
E. Abraham Stark was born February 14, 1771.
Sarah, wife of Abraham Stark was born March 14, 1779.
Jesse Stark, son of E. Abraham Stark, was born July 29, 1802.
Sarah Bates, wife of Jesse Stark was born June 14, 1802.
The children of Jesse and Sarah Stark were as follows:
Simeon Stark, son of Jesse and Sarah Stark was born July 28, 1821.
Abraham C. Stark was born December 9, 1822.
Malinda Stark was born July 28, 1824.
William Rice Stark was born February 23, 1826.
Candace Stark was born January 16, 1828.
Jesse Bates Stark was born January 26, 1830.
James Rice Stark was born June 5, 1831.
Ansel Stark was born February 3, 1833.
Sarah Ann Stark was born August 16, 1835.
Dennis Hearn Stark was born August 17, 1837.
Charles Stark was born October 22, 1838.
Christia Ann Stark was born April 10, 1840.
George Smith Stark was born June 19, 1841.
MARRIAGES
Jesse Bates Stark and Sarah Bates were married March 9, 1820.
John Kuykendall and Malinda Stark were married January 20, 1842.
Simeon Stark and Lucretia Hearn were married June 4, 1840.
George Kuykendall and Candace Stark were married February 26, 1846.
William R. Stark and Elizabeth Shoe were married November 21, 1847.
Jesse Bates Stark and Winnie Mitchell were married October 1, 1848.
Ansel Stark and Louisa Defore were married January 22, 1854.
Isaac Bell and Sarah Ann Stark were married August 26, 1855.
John Mitchell and Christia Ann Stark were married August 26, 1856.
Dennis H. Stark and Margaret Mitchel were married Nov. 6, 1858.
George Smith Stark and Martha Armstrong were married Nov. 21, 1865.
REV. J. W. KUYKENDALL
In the account of the family of Rev. J. W. Kuykendall, on page 76 it is stated that his biography would appear in another part
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of this volume. The sketch was inadvertently mislaid and overlooked. A brief synopsis is here given.
John Wesley Kuykendall, was a son of John and Malinda Kuykendall. His ancestry is given in connection with that of his father, who was the son of Henry, born 1785, son of John, baptized 1741, son of Johannes, baptized 1713, son of Jacob, baptized 1683, son of Luer Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, baptized May 29, 1650.
John W. Kuykendall was, from his earliest life, a most amiable character, a person that every one loved. He was a dutiful son, always obliging, kind to his parents, and ready to attend to their wishes. In school he was studious and was very apt in mathematics, which branch seemed to come natural to him.
He gave strict attention to his studies, and when he had acquired anything, it stuck to him; it did not go into his head today and out tomorrow. He attended school at the Umpqua Academy, Wilbur, Oregon, and always was prompt in his studies. He took a great interest in the debating societies and lyceums of the institution, and learned early to debate with ability all the subjects brought up for discussion.
In early life he showed those traits that indicated the natural fitness for the profession that he later adopted. He became a Christian and a member of the M. E. Church at an early age, and felt that he was called to the ministry, and accordingly began to prepare for his work. He became a preacher at the age of about eighteen years, and being young appearing, even for a person of his age, he was called the "boy pneacher" of the conference. Soon after he began to preach he began to see the results of his labors. Many converts were made, many added to the church, and revivals took place at every charge where he preached, and the current of the lives of men and women were changed for the better by his endeavors. No man was more faithful and persistent in his efforts, and no one could be more sincere and transpanent in all his life. He was one who spake as having authority, feeling that he was commissioned to go out in his work, and that he had a mission in the world and a message for humanity. He was not an enthusiast, not emotional; he made no pre??ension to oratory, and his influence was based upon his real character and manhood--upon his actual life. No one could doubt for a moment his intense earnestness and his entire sincerity and purity of motives. With such a life and such a character to back up his preaching, a man could not help but have success in winning men. His early labors in the ministry were in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Then later he was transferred to the California Conference in which all the labors of his life afterward were performed.
He was afflicted with asthma some time before he went to the California conference. It was his hope that a change of climate might be a benefit to his health. On account of asthma he found he could labor and preach in the higher altitudes better than in the lower.
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He never failed to arouse an active interest among the members of his church, on the charges where he labored. Many times he took a charge that was badly run down and lifeless, and succeeded in bringing it up, increasing its membership and prosperity. During his ministry he built several churches. His health was poor for some years, and finally he was compelled to take a supernumerary relation to the conference, and removed with his family to San Jose, California, to College Place, that he might have better facilities for educating his family.
After he was, to some extent, recuperated, he took light physical labor to further improve himself physically, and his last work was at an electric sawing and planing mill, where he was working with an edger or trimmer. The saw caught in some way, a piece of edging or board and hurled it with tremendous force, striking him over the stomach and liver, and injuring him internally so that he lived only a few days. He died leaving his wife and children to struggle along as best they could.
One of the saddest things connected with the life of those men who give up business and hopes of financial prosperity and money making to serve their fellow men, is, that after a life of toil and sacrifice, they are often left without adequate support for their families. His widow, Mrs. Marilla Pierce Kuykendall, had to struggle along, denying herself of many of the comforts of life, that she might educate and support her children, but she succeeded in a remarkable degree. They all received a good education, and all are excellent citizens, filling useful and honorable positions in life. One of the sons followed in the footsteps of his father, and is also a minister.
While collecting data for this work I wrote to Rev. T. J. Jones, of Cornelius, Oregon, asking him what he knew of Rev. J. W. Kuykendall.
In reply he wrote: "Your brother John W. and I were very close friends for many years. I knew him like a brother; he was our pastor in 1869 at Grants Pass, Oregon, and made our log cabin his home when he was near us. He was always welcome, and we always loved him dearly, and we were in many revival meetings together. He was my pastor when I was licensed to preach, Sept. 3, 1871. I married him and Miss Jane Farris Nov. 1, 1871. You know she only lived a few years. He was a good man, and many people were added to the church under his preaching. He was a good pastor and was loved by his flock. I owe much to him. It was he that recommended me for the ministry, and now after 43 years of work I look back and thank God I ever knew him."
FURTHER SKETCH OF THE FAMILY OF CAPTAIN ISAAC KUYKENDALL
After the greater part of this volume was in type, there came to hand a sketch from Mr. James Stewart Kuykendall, of Winston-Salem,
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North Carolina, giving a more full account of his own activities and also of his brother, Edgar Davis Kuykendall, of Greensboro, N. C.
These young men have been prominent factors in building up the industrial, intellectual and moral interests of the cities where they have made their homes.
"The line of this branch of the family was handed down through James, the fourth son of Iassac and Jane Kuykendall, who was born at the old stone house, built in 1789, pictured on page 95, and married Hannah Lawson Blue on October 25, 1836.
James Kuykendall owned a farm located on both sides of the Potomac River adjoining Romney, W. Va., which he later sold, and purchased another farm about two miles east of Cumberland, Md., known as the Hitchcock Farm, where the family resided a number of years, or until about the time of the breaking out of the war between the States in 1861, when he disposed of his lands there and engaged in the mercantile business at Springfield, Va., which is about nine miles down the Potomac River from Romney, the old Isaac Kuykendall home place, where he was born.
He owned a number of slaves when the war broke out, and held a large sum of confederate money which he realized from the sale of lands near Cumberland, Md., in addition to what he had invested in the mercantile business. The money was worthless at the close of the war, and most of the goods in his store were confiscated by the Union army, leaving him with a large family and a meager sum of money to begin business anew, which he did. While he never accumulated as much as the loss sustained by the war, he was considered a successful business man, and always provided well for his family, which has been a family characteristic. A few years after the close of the war, he sold his business at Springfield, W. Va., and engaged in a similar business at Frenches Depot, about one mile from the junction of North and South Branch of the Potomac, which he continued to carry on successfully until his death, September, 1876, which occurred while he was returning from a Presbytery meeting which he had been attending at Charleston, W. Va. He was instantly killed by an express train, as he came around the west-bound train from which he had just gotten off. The watch he was carrying at the time, was given him by his father, and is now owned by his oldest grandson.
James and Hannah Kuykendall were the parents of eight children. Frances Jane, born October, 1837, died in infancy, April 4, 1839. The names of the other children were: Isaac, Fannie, Michael, James, Willie, Susie and Thomas.
Hannah Lawson Blue, wife of James Kuykendall, was of an old Dutch family and one of the early settlers and, like the Kuykendalls, of old Knickerbocker stock. Her grandfather's name was Uriah Blue, born December 2, 1746 and died April 14, 1814. His wife, Susan Williams, born November 25, 1754 (was captured and
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scalped by the Indians and returned home by the Indians upon payment of a ransom), died September 19, 1815. Michael, son of Uriah, was born May 15, 1782, and died May 11, 1842. Frances Lawson, his wife, was born November 29, 1785 (the date of her death is not available at this writing). Frances Lawson Blue, wife of Michael Blue, was the mother of Hannah Lawson Kuykendall, wife of James Kuykendall.
Isaac Kuykendall, eldest son of James and Hannah Kuykendall, was born August 30, 1839. In addition to a common school education, he attended the Academy at Cumberland, Md., and enlisted in the cause of the Confederacy as a private under Capt. George Sheetz, at Romney, W. Va., in 1861, Company F, 7th Virginia Cavalry, Laurel Bridge, under General Thomas Rosser and General J. E. B.
Stuart, Commander.
In April, 1862, Captain George Sheetz was killed in a cavalry charge at Buckton Station, Paige County, Va., and Isaac was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
At the battle of Cedar Mountain (where he had two horses killed under him) he was promoted to the Captaincy of his company, which title he held during the period of the war.
In 1870 he was married to Lucy Rebecca Davis in Mineral County, W. Va., and lived in the brick home erected by Samuel Davis just before the Civil War, which was left to Lucy Rebecca with 280 acres of fine farming land, at his death. In 1881, Isaac and Lucy sold the farm and purchased another farm containing 670 acres near Huttons, Garrett County, Md., from Mortimer Bollock, of Wheeling, W. Va., who had previously purchased it from Col. William Schley, brother of Admiral Schley. This was one of the most beautiful and most valuable farms in Western Maryland, and was known throughout that country as the "Promised Land."
In 1894 the family moved to Romney, W. Va., where they nemained till 1904, when they moved to the "Old Blue Farm" at Hanging Rock, four miles below Romney on the Potomac River, which contained 1300 acres of land. This property was granted to the Blue family about 1744 by George III of England, and was never deeded till the death of Michael and Lawson Blue, which occurred in 1904 and 1908 respectively.
Isaac Kuykendall had an undivided interest in this property through his mother, Hannah Lawson, who was a sister of Michael and Lawson Blue. Isaac Kuykendall, with his family, lived here from 1904 until his death, which occurred in 1910.
Lucy Rebecca, his wife, was born October 21, 1844, at the home of her father, Samuel Davis, one mile south of Headsville, Mineral County, W. Va. Her grandfather's name was Joseph Davis, whose wife was Rebecca Dent, both being from Prince Edward County, Virginia. Her grandfather was an Edwards, and owned a tract of forty acres of land located where Trinity Church, Wall Street,
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and a part of Broadway are now located. This land was leased for ninety nine years and expired in 1892.
Lucy Rebecca Kuykendall received her education at a private school known as "Thorndale," near Baltimore, Md. She was a remarkably well-read woman and a fine Christian character, her father and grandfather both being elders in the Presbyterian Church. Her death occurred February, 1914. Captain Isaac Kuykendall's family record is found on page 111.
James Stewart Kuykendall, son of Captain Isaac, received a common school education. In 1889 he entered the mercantile business as clerk at Huttons, Md.
In 1894 he was elected General Manager of the mercantile establishment of E M.
Gilkeson, at Romney, which position he held until Mr. Gilkeson was elected President of a bank at Parkersburg, W. Va. Two years later he declined a very lucrative position offered him to go to Johannesburg, South Africa, to assume the position of General Manager for the first ice manufacturing establishment ever established in South Africa. Ten years of close confinement in the mercantile business brought about a breakdown, and his physician order a change in climate. After several months' treatment he located in Greensboro, N. C., June, 1899. In 1907, he was elected Secretary of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, and was one of a small group of young men who were largely instrumental in procuring the location of the White Oak Cotton Mills at that point, one of the largest in the South. During his term as Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce he was appointed a delegate by Gov. R. B. Glenn to represent the Fifth District of North Carolina at the Southern Immigration and Quarantine Congress, held at Chattanooga.
He was an active leader in locating in North Carolina the National Automobile Highway from New York to Atlanta, and given the distinction by the officials of the New York Herald and Atlanta Journal, who promoted the location of this highway, of being the only North Carolinian present, and whose figure appears on the bronze medal celebrating the event of the linking up of the North and the South with a National Highway System.
In 1909 he was offered the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Trade at Winston-Salem, N. C., and held this position until 1912, when he became Secretary and Treasurer of The Standard Building & Loan Association in the same city, which position he held for six and one-half years and later for another year. He was appointed a member of the Local Exemption Board under the Selective Service Draft, November 26, 1917, and elected Secretary of the Board which registered 10,373 registrants, and was the largest board and furnished more men for the war in Europe than any other Board in the State, the number inducted being about 2000 men in Class A-1.
He was appointed Chief Registrar by Gov. Thos. W. Bickett for the last registration under the Selective Service Registration,
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which was held Sept. 12, 1918. The work incident to completing the records of a registration embracing four or five thousand registrants usually requires about two or three weeks.
With the end in view of speeding up the local boards all over the country to their maximum efficiency he recommended to Adjutant General Lawrence W. Young, certain improved plans which the Adjutant immediately improved and bulletinized to the 109 Local Draft Boards in North Carolina, and also to Provost Marshal General E. G. Crowder, at Washington. As a result the Adjutant Generals all over the United States passed the word along to the Local Boards of their respective states. There was not a hitch or error in carrying out any of the plans outlined, or in the execution of the work in Mr. Kuykendall's districts when the final checking was completed; 4761 men were registered. The force was so complete and all so well drilled that a complete report was ready thirty minutes after the last man was registered.
Two weeks later the Provost Marshal General officially notified Governor Bickett that the task completed by the Local Board of Winston-Salem had established a national record for dispatch, efficiency and patriotism, which was unexcelled throughout the nation. Governor Bickett so advised J. S.
Kuykendall in a letter of appreciation in behalf of the State, and sent General Crowder's official notice to him, with the request that it be filed with his personal papers for his grandchildren.
Two other local Boards, one in Philadelphia and the other in the District of Columbia, completed their records and delivered them to the proper authorities within sixty minutes after the Winston-Salem Board had receipts for theirs, so that it was a "neck and neck" race, Mr. J. S. Kuykendall's board coming out winner.
J. S. Kuykendall has the record for serving longer than any one of the nine other business men, lawyers and three judges, who were on the Board, serving from November 26, 1917, till the Board was demobilized in the spring of 1919.
He was not a man of means, but he resigned a lucrative position as Secretary and Treasurer of one of the largest Building & Loan Associations in the State, which he had held for six years, and has devoted his whole time to Local Board work, four months' services being without compensation and over two hundred dollars contributed to the purchase of government supplies for the local Board office.
On June 23, 1909, James Stewart Kuykendall was united in marriage to Ruth Wharton, at the home of her parents in Greensboro, N. C., her father being John W. Wharton, son of John Wharton, whose father was Elisha, son of Watson Wharton, whose father was Hinman Wharton of an old English family, whose name appears in the Historic Records of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
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Literary Society of that College, was a noted football player and had charge of all the athletics of this institution. He graduated second in his class in 1896, after which he completed a two years' law course in one year at Lebanon, Tenn., Law School, second in a large class. Immediately after graduating he began the practice of his profession in Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until 1902, when he removed to Greensboro, N. C., for the practice of his profession. In 1912 he was elected prosecuting attorney in the Municipal Court, which position he held until the declaration of war with Germany, when he was promoted to the position of Major 3rd Regiment North Carolina Coast Artillery, and stationed at Fort Caswell, N. C. In July, 1918, he was ordered to report at Newport News, Va., where he lecttured to officers six hours a day, and six hours a day he was required to take a technical military course in military tactics, which he completed in seven weeks. From there he was sent to Georgia and South Carolina, where he acted as Judge Advocate.
About September 15, 1918, he was notified by the War Department to be ready for overseas service within thirty days, but the armistice was signed prior to his sailing. Consequently he never saw overseas service to his great disappointment, as he, eager to go, gave up his home, packed his household belongings and was ready for any emergency, or any duty which required his services. He was married in 1908 to May Lehman. To them were born two children, Edgar, Jr., and Harry.
Isaac, the third son of Isaac and Lucy Kuykendall at Potomac Academy, Romney, W. Va., was sent to China as a missionary and was there during the Boxer uprising, where he remained eight years after which he returned home and completed his theological course at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va.
His death occurred February, 1913. (Unmarried.)
The youngest son, Samuel McCool, received his education at Potomac Academy, Romney, W. Va., He was married to Anna DeBerry of Garret County, Md. To them was born one son, Dent Kuykendall.
Hannah, the eldest, and Frances, the youngest daughters, received their education at Potomac Seminary. Hannah took a special course in Philadelphia, St. Luke's Hospital, and also New York City and is now a trained nurse. In 1918 she volunteered for Red Cross work at home or overseas, and in November of the same year was called into war work, being sent to Camp Meade, Admiral, Md., where she, with 200 other nurses, were under a severe strain nursing hundreds of soldiers during the epidemic of influenza, and was subject to a sevene attack herself.
In January she and two others were selected out of two hundred nurses and detailed to look after officers and their families at Washington, D. C., and given an automobile and chauffeur for her personal use.
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Frances married Charlie Blue and resides at Hanging Rock, Hampshire County, W.
Va., on a part of the old Blue farm, formerly the property of her ancestors and now owned by her husband.
Nannie and Lucy completed their education at Fairfax Hall, Winchester, Va.
Nannie is principal of the graded school at Keyser, W. Va. Lucy married William Washington, near Springfield, W. Va., and they have one daughter, Lucy Virginia.
Captain J. W. Kirkendall was a brave and efficient officer during the Civil War and did valiant service for his country. His descendants are capable and honorable citizens, filling various useful and honorable positions in life.
See account of his life and activities on pages 269, 270.
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CHAPTER XLV.
DID MORE THAN OHE KUYKENDALL ANCESTOR COME
OVER FROM EUROPE?
I had decided not to discuss in this volume the question that forms the title of this chapter, though the chapter was written to go in the fore part of the book. Various considerations have led me to think that the data herein should be printed. What follows will show some of the reasons for my supposing that our immigrant forefather from Holland was not the only one of the family that came over to America at first, but that there were others who came at the same time.
The publication of the facts of this chapter may lead some future research worker to pursue the subject still further. I believe there are yet records in existence that would show, if they could be found, what was the family name of our first American ancestor's wife. Perhaps such documents may be filed away somewhere in Amsterdam or elsewhere in Holland, and if they could be found, there might be much further light thrown upon the European history of our people, all of which would be very interesting to the descendants of today in America.
As mentioned before, genealogists who have made a study of the ancestry of the Kuykendalls have thought that only one of the family came to America. Reasons will be given why the author is fully convinced that there were others of our Holland ancestors who came over at or about the same time. There has been mentioned before the common tradition among our people, that three brothers came over together, and from these there have come all the living family descendants. I never knew definitely what grounds, if any, there were for such a tradition, since I could not discover any real foundation for the tradition.
Mr. Versteeg, genealogist of the Holland Society of New York, had come to the conclusion that there was only one of the family came over, but further research into the Colonial records of New York, has revealed two powers of attorney, that have thrown additional light upon the subject. One of these was given by Jacob Luursen of Wageningen, August 2, 1647. This was undoubtedly the Jacob Luursen who was the ancestor of the Kuykendall family in America.
It is found recorded in folio 161e, Vol. 2, of the series of Colonial Manuscripts of the State of New York, in the State Library at Albany. It was given to "Aeltje Symons, wife of Symon Jansen Breet, in Amsterdam, to collect 151 guilders, 7 stivers and 14 pence due him, from the West India Company, for wages earned in New Netherland." Wageningen is a place on the Rhine, in the province of Gelderland, not far from Arnheim.
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For this discovery in the old record, I am indebted to Mr. A. J. F. van Laer, State Archivist. This discloses several things: 1st, that our ancestor came from Holland to this country before 1647, or nearly enough in that year to have earned the amount claimed, and it shows that he probably had friends living in Amsterdam at the time.
The other power of attorney was given by the widow of Urbanus Luyersen who was from Wageningen, likewise, to collect wages from the West India Company. This document bears date of September 16, 1648, or about a year later than the other. It was given by "Janette Claes, widow of Urbanus Luyersen Van Wageningen, in his life time a stone mason, in the service of the West India Company beforementioned, for 221 guilders, 1 stuyver and 5 1-3 pence, earned by her deceased husband on the ship Princess," or de Princess.
We have here facts in these two documents that certainly are very interesting, and that seem to be conclusive answer to the question whether there were more than one of the Kuykendall ancestors who came to America. Here we have two people of the same name, coming from the same place, Wageningen; both had been in the employ of the West India Company about the same time. Both were collecting their wages in the same manner. The facts seem to be so conclusive that Mr. van Laer, a very high authorty on New York Dutch Colonial Records says, "This Urbanus was undoubtedly a brother of Jacob Luyersen."
Urbanus seems to have come from Wageningen, and on the ship Princess. He must have died before September 16, 1648, and had probably not lived in this country much over a year prior to his death; this, however, is only supposition. No account of his marriage in New York has been found, but it is possible that he may have been married there and no record made, or if made it may have been lost. On the other hand, his marriage may have occurred in the old country before coming to America.
The New York Dutch Reformed baptismal records show that Urbanus Luursen had a son, who was baptized December 2, 1848, who was named Urbanus, no doubt for his father. We have no farther record of this child until May 21, 1671, when he appears as Urbanus Urbanuszen, or Urbanus, son of Urbanus. We see in the record that later he was a witness on the occasion of the baptism of Thomas Franszen and Neeltje Urbanus. Now this Neeltje Urbanus probably was a sister of Urbanus. Neeltje is stated to be a "young daughter from Amsterdam," and therefore was not born in America. Any one looking for descendants of this branch of the family would probably find them going by the name Urbanus or Urbanusen. It would be interesting to know whether there are now, people of that name living in New York or elsewhere in the country.
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There is much more that could be written on this subject, and further data given in relation to the descendants of Urbanus Luyersen, brother of Jacob, the ancestor of the Kuykendall family in America. Such details, however, would be interesting to but few of our people. Fortunately all this is accessible if any one should wish to know the subject further, by consulting the New York Colonial Manuscripts to be found in the New York State Library, at Albany.
It has now been shown that there were probably two at least of the Kuykendall ancestors who came over to America, at, or about the same time; these were Jacob and Urbanus Luursen.
We find also in the old Dutch Church records that there was a "Charsten Luursen," Charsten being the Scandinavian form for Christian.
The earliest account of him is the record of his marriage which reads as follows:
"1664, April 11, Christaen Luyerszen y. m. van Ley in Stift, Bremen, and Anna Vos, y. d. van Amsterdam." That is, Christian Luuersen, a young man from the bishopric of Bremen, and Anna Vos, a young woman from Amsterdam, were married April 11, 1664." This pair seem to have had two children at least. The first, Aeltje, was baptized May 21, 1666, and Mattheus, Sept. 26, 1668.
Christiaen's wife must have died shortly after the birth of Mattheus, for we find a marriage record reading, "1668, Dec. 1, Carsten Luursen, wed'r Anna de Vos en Gertje Theunis, j. d. van N. Yorck." That is, Carsten Luursen, the widower of Anna de Vos, married Gertrude Theunis, a young woman from New York.
This couple had seven children, according to the records found. Their names and the dates of their baptisms are as follows: Marritje May 25, 1670,--Karsten July 10, 1672,--Anna, Sept. 19, 1674,--Theunis, Oct. 17, 1676,--Aeltje, Dec. 9, 1678, Johannes, April 19, 1681, Henricus, March 7, 1683. His second wife must have died very soon after the birth of Henricus, for we find that Carsten Luursen and Geertje Quick had four children. I failed to find the record of the third marriage.
The children by this wife were, Belitie, baptized Dec. 20, 1684; Gertruydt, Jan. 14, 1685; Samuel, Nov. 6, 1687; Jacobus, May 9, 1689.
The first Gertrude must have died, for another was baptized and given the same name, March 29, 1691. This last Gertrude was doubtless named for the one that died, in accordance with the old custom. As these baptisms were not found in the Kingston records, but in records of New York, it is probable that Carsten or Christian lived in New York or within its jurisdiction. The last we find of Carsten Luursen and wife Geertje Quick was when they were present and witnessed the baptism, August 18, 1695, of Geertje, daughter of Thomas Quick and Rymeric Westphale, and
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Sept. 11, 1697, when they were witnesses to the baptism of Geertje, daughter of Hendrick Decker and Antje Quick.
It will be noticed that the last previous record of Carsten or Christian Luursen and wife was in 1687, and in connection with baptisms in the New York Church. But it was in Kingston where we find them witnesses to the baptism of children of Thomas Quick and Henry Decker. From this it would seem that they probably had moved to Esopus (Kingston), where Jacob Luursen Van Kuykendael was living at that time. This is conjecture, however, though seemingly well founded. Carsten was then getting to be well along in years, and it is most likely he had no younger children than Gertrude, baptized 1691.
The Deckers, Westfalls (Westphaels), Rutzes and Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendael all lived at or near Kingston at this time, and it is highly probable that Carsten Luurszen's wife, Geertje Quick, was a daughter of Thomas Quick, and if not, she certainly was a near relative. The relationship between the Quicks and Luursens may have had something to do in causing Carsten Luursen to go to Esopus (Kingston), in the later years of his life. It seems to be highly probable that Christian or Carsten Luursen did not come to this country when Jacob and Urbanus came. Yet it is clear that if Jacob was the oldest of the family, Christian may have been a younger brother that came over several years later. We cannot assume that such was the case, but we are surely justified in thinking that Jacob and Urbanus were brothers, and Christian was related and possibly was a brother of the other two.
We are left considerably in the dark on account of not knowing the maiden name of Jacob Luursen's wife. If we knew what it was, it is quite likely we should be able to clear up a number of things that now are obscure. It is definitely settled that there were a number of the Luursens came over from Holland about the time the Rensselarswyck colony was in its early settlement, and a little later.
One more of the Luurs will now be mentioned. Whether she was born in America or in the old country, we have at present no data to establish. In the Kingston Church Records, Styntie Luiers is recorded as having been witness at the baptism of Appolony, the daughter of Dirk Keyser and Agniet Koens, May 18, 1679. The other witness was Gysbert Krom. It would be very interesting to know who this Styntie was. Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, our first born American ancestor, who was baptized May 29, 1650, was at that time living in that vicinity. His mother had probably moved there soon after the death of her husband, Jacob Luursen. Who was Styntie? The question arises, "May she not have been a sister of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, who was born after Luur was?" This is a reasonable inference, since Luur's father lived six years after the birth of Luur. When Jacob, the grandson of Jacob Luursen married, he named his first daughter Styntie, and
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this creates a probability that he had a near relative of that name, for whom he christened this first daughter. This was closely following the old Dutch custom. If this were so, then this might have been the Styntie that witnessed the baptism of the girl Appolony Keyser, in the year 1679. We cannot know certainly whether such was the case, but the inference is very natural and offers a natural and easy way to explain what otherwise would have no explanation, though some other explanation can easily be imagined.
Enough has been shown to make clear the fact that at least three men of the Luursen family came to America at a very early date, and that there may have come women of the family also.
Very careful research has been made, and it is absolutely certain that the descendants of no brother of Jacob Luursen, our immigrant ancestor took or bore the name Kuykendall. The descendants of Urbanus, the supposed brother of Jacob, went by the name Urbanusen, while the descendants of Carsten or Christian, appear to have continued Luursen or Luersen as their family name.
All who now bear the family name Kuykendall, Cuykendall, Coykendall, Kirkendall and other modifications of the original name are without doubt descendants of Jacob Luursen Van Kuykendaal, baptized May 29, 1650, in New York City, and the record still remains in the old church register.
Here is a very interesting field of research, for any one who may desire to pursue the subject further. Any one reading this chapter, in order to get its meaning clearly, must remember that when our people came to America, the family name was Luursen, spelled variously in old records Luurszen, Luyersen, Leursen, Leursen and Luirsen. The subject of the Kuykendall name has been more fully treated elsewhere under the title of "The name Kuykendall and its changes," all of which, and also the foregoing, have been submitted to persons of expert knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch names, as found in the early New York Colonial Records, and therefore much confidence is felt that it is correct. There may be, and no doubt are other old records that have not yet been brought to light, that might throw further light on the subject of the earliest New York Kuykendalls.
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CHAPTER XLVI
ATTEMPTS TO TRACE THE EUROPEAN HISTORY OF THE
KUYKENDALL FAMILY
There is probably with every thinking person a desire to know more of his far remote ancestors. I confess to having this wish, even if Darwin's theory of the origin and descent of man be correct, and we all have come down from monkeys. I should like to trace my progenitors as far back as I can, even though it should be leading to a time when our ancestors lived in trees and clung to the limbs by their tails. My researches so far have fallen a great deal short of that mythic stage of humanity.
Before the late war broke out, and while trying to trace our people in America, attempts were made to carry researches into the old country.
Correspondence was begun with people in Holland, but my inability to write or speak Dutch handicapped me, and I discovered by replies from back there that the Dutchmen were as badly handicapped as I. A beginning, however, was made, and if the war had not hindered, might have resulted in something. After the war started, correspondence soon became impossible and the undertaking had to be abandoned. While investigation in this line was in progress I came across an article in "The Literary Digest" of August 28, 1915, under the caption "Frogs with Hair," which had a lengthy quotation from the "Journal of Heredity (Washington, June). In this quotation there was mentioned the name of "Willy Kukenthal, working in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, at Harvard College." The thought at once came to me, "Here is a name very similar to Kuykendall, borne by a German; might this not be a clue to the origin of our name?" There was an individual in New York City of Holland birth, who was making it his business to trace the European history of old American families. As this person was a Hollander born and educated in Holland, it seemed he should be better able to pursue investigations in that country or Germany than I.
Without much, if any confidence in learning anything of value, I wrote to this man, and a little later received a reply, in which he said that Professor Wilhelm Kuekenthal, M. D. and author on Zoology had been an exchange professor at Harvard College, that he speaks and writes English and resides, when at home, in Breslau, Prussia. "He says he knows the Kuekenthal history back in the 16th century. Since that time they have lived in the Hartz mountains and around Halberstadt, where his father was born. The archivist of Magdenburg, also keeper of the Halbertstadt archives, reports that the name appears frequently in the records together with that of Skierstede or Schirstedt."
He wrote that the Kuekenthals were still living at Halberstadt when the war with Germany began. In Brandenburg, in Saxony, the family existed under the name with the High German Spelling
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Kuekenthal, and that there is, or was, a judge living at Wittstock, Prussia, by the name of Kuekenthal. This same correspondent wrote that he believed that a place in Westphalia, called Chukendale, is the original home of the Kuykendall family. He writes:
"When the Saxons began their eastward course into the interior of Europe, under the leading of Charlemagne and the sanction of the Pope, Halberstadt was founded, in 809, on the borders of the heathen Prussians. The city drew emigrants from Wert, until after the Crusades, as it was a station on the road to the Orient. The Kuekendale family (pronounced Kookendahle) was certainly there about the year 1200. In 1452 a "Johannes Kuekendale" and his sister Gesina possessed land at "Seynstede" near Halberstede.
The name of Saint Ludiger existed here as Luger or Luyer. In the thirty years war (1618-1648) Halberstad and Magedeburg were the center of the conflict. The Duke Christian of Halberstadt went in 1626 to the Netherlands with an army to help Frederick Hendrik, of Nassau, against the Spanish troops. They had a camp near Wageningen and Rhenen, on the foot of Grebbe Hill. Parts of the house occupied by the duke and the prince of the Palatine can yet be seen. I am sure that Luger Kuekendael, the father of Jacob Luursen Kuyckendal was among these troops from Halberstad, in 1626. When the Duke died, Halberstad came, by the peace of Westphalia, in 1648, in possession of protestant Brandenburg, where the family still exists."
I must confess that I could not see upon what this correspondent based the statement, "I am sure Luger Kuekendaal, the father of Jacob Luursen Kuyckendal was among those troops from Helberstadt, in 1626." It seemed to me we should have to assume entirely too much to accept this Luger as the father of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, the first American born ancestor of the family. If it be a fact that the Kukenthals lived in the Hartz mountains or about Halberstadt, that would not prove that the names Kuykendall and Kukenthal are the same, or represent people of the same ancestry. To accept this would be to assume just what he should prove first. All we could say that it is possible this might be so. It is sometimes much easier for people to accept something to be true, than to produce the evidence to prove it. This is not written to throw discredit upon the party who sent me the statement above. In genealogy, assuming something to be so without good proof is like a man lost in the woods taking the wrong road, the farther he goes the worse he is lost.
As I stated at the outset, I would be willing to trace the family ancestry as far as I could, if I knew I were on the right track, even if the result confirmed the Darwinian theory, fully. The genealogist mentioned above seems to have us well on the way to monkeydom, having traced us, as he thinks, back to mediaeval Europe and ancient heathen Germany, and landed us in Prussia, not so very far from where the Prussian munition factories have
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been trying to invent and make new instrumentalities to kill us all. His correspondence is mentioned here to be taken for what it is worth. It might possibly offer a clue upon which to work, and which, if followed, might result in something interesting being turned up. Certainly, stated as we have it now, it could not be accepted or depended upon. This does not refer to the historical phase of the matter. There may have been such events and such people, but the question is, "Were they of the same blood and ancestry as the American Kuykendalls?" When it is definitely shown that Ludiger, Luger and Luyer, or Luur, are the same name, in different forms, and that the name Kuekenthal of the German or Prussian, is the same as Kuykendal of the Dutch, it would still remain to be proven that the father of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal and the Luger or Ludiger the correspondent referred were the same.
We have a clue merely that might be followed with interest.
ANCESTRY OF THE MATERNAL SIDE OF THE
KUYKENDALL FAMILY
As has been stated before, we are wholly in the dark as to who the wife of the immigrant ancestor of the Kuykendall family was. Her name was not mentioned in the record of the birth of Luur Jacobsen van Kuykendaal, their first born son, and so far as we know, only son. If we knew her name and from whence she came, it might be a very great help to us in the study of our farther back ancestors. We know that Luur Jacobsen van Kuykendaal married Grietje Aertze Tack, daughter of Aart Teuniszen Tack, son of Cornelius Tack, and that of their sons, three married sisters, daughters of Johannes Westphal. The ancestry of the Westphal (Westfall) family runs thus: Jurian Westphal, Sr., married Maretje Hansen, in Westphalia, Prussia. They came to America at a very early date and were among the first settlers in Esopus; the exact date of their going there we do not have, but there is to be found in a description of lands purchased from the Indians in 1654, near Esopus, one of the boundaries of which was "a little kill which separates it from the land where Jurian Westphalin now lives." Just how long this Jurian Westphal and wife, Maretje Hansen, may have lived there before, we do not know. This couple had several children, and among them a son, Johannes, who married Maritje Cool, daughter of Jacob Cool. This Johannes grew up, married and moved from the vicinity of Kingston, N. Y., to Minisink, a little before 1700. They had a son, Jurian, named for his grandfather. This Jurian, 2nd, married Christina van Kuykendaal, eldest sister of Jacob Van Kuykendaal, and Jacob married Jurian's sister, Sarah Westphal. Jacob's brothers, Cornelius and Matthew, married Jurian's sisters also, Cornelius marrying Maretjen
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and Matthew married Jannetjen. The Westphals undoubtedly originated in Westphalia.
The youngest son of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, Pieter, married, as we have seen, Femmetje Decker. The ancestor of the Deckers was Jan Gerretsen (Decker), who came to America from Heerden, a province of Gelderland, Holland. He married Grietjen Hendricks Westercamp, March, 1664. At the time of their marriage they were both living at Wyltwick, and soon moved to what is now Accord, then called Mombaccus, later changed to Rochester. This is where Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal lived. This Jan Decker first married Elizabeth De Witt and second Deborah Van Vliet. The De Witts and Van Vliets were both very prominent families in New York and New Jersey, and there are many now living all over the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Arie Van Kuykendaal, son of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal, married Margrieta Quick, granddaughter of the old Hollander, Teunis Thomazen Quick, who took the oath of allegiance to the King of England in 1664. This was the ancestor of "Thomas Quick, the Indian Slayer," of whom so many stories are yet told today, on the Delaware river in New York and New Jersey. The old Tom Quick home was near Milford, Pa., where there is an imposing monument to the Indian slayer.
While gathering genealogical data for this volume there has fallen in my way sketches of the genealogy of many of the old families of the Hudson and Delaware valleys, who, between one hundred and fifty and two hundred years ago, were neighbors and friends, and in many instances relatives of our forefathers. It had been the intention to publish some of these, but the war and other things have delayed the publication of this work much longer than I had anticipated. Some of the sketches referred to would be full of interest to many of our people. The author has frequently come across descendants of the friends and relatives of our early forefathers, and invariably they have expressed both surprise and pleasure at coming across data pertaining to their ancestors.
It would surprise the reader to know how many years groups of the descendants of the early Kuykendalls and their neighbors seem to have hung together, and how intermarriage have occurred between them, long years after the descendants had lost all trace of the earlier social relations between their forefathers.
In noting these things we get the impression that some great impelling force or influence had moved families along, as flotsam on the seashore or as drift on a great river, and deposited them where they are found. The observation of these things forms an interesting part of the study of family genealogy, and also of the migrations and distribution of humanity over the earth. We get from this study many side lights and clues to aid us in our researches. The descendants of the Deckers, Van Ettens, Kortrights. Westfalls, Bogerts, Brinks, Kittels, Van Aukens, Gonzalus.
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Depuys, Van Vliets, Van Nimwegens, Middaughs, Wintermutes, Wintersteins and scores of others (perhaps I might better say hundreds), are found today scattered all across the continent clear out to the Pacific coast, and are filling positions of honor and usefulness in the communities where they live.
WHY WE HAVE NO MORE COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE
OF ANCESTORS
At first it was difficult for me to understand why our people generally had such an imperfect knowledge of their forefathers and so little record of the past family history. Further investigation convinced me, however, that this is a common thing among all families, of other names, with very few exceptions.
The descendants of those who had remained in the east seemed to have lost all knowledge of the migrations of the Kuykendalls westward, while those of the west had almost lost all trace of those who had remained in the regions nearer the old ancestral home.
When I was in New York and New Jersey, during the summer of 1914, our people back there were generally surprised to learn how many of the relatives of their forefathers had found their way to the far west and south. Diligent enquiry and search were made to discover whether or not there were extant any printed accounts of our people moving to Virgina or regions further west, in very early times. I failed to discover anything very definite relating thereto. Most of those back in the east supposed that the families now there represented nearly all of the descendants left of the old original stock. On the other hand, those in the west supposed that nearly all of the family living were to be found in the west, and none of them had any idea of the great number of the descendants of their forefathers.
When the family began to swarm out from the ancient home in the Minisink region, on the Delaware river, there were no newspapers there to publish notice of arrivals of new comers or the moving out of old settlers or tell where they were going, how many were leaving, or anything about the movement.
In the very early days, bills of sale and deeds were seldom recorded, and accounts of transfers of property were in this way lost, so that there was little or nothing left to show when citizens sold out and moved away, or where they went. All was left to the fickle memories of contemporary neighbors and friends. For that reason the search of the old records has often been a sore disappointment, because of the meager findings. Occasionally an old paper is found that discloses enough to make us wish, and wish again, that the writer had told us more. When people moved out of a settlement or neighborhood, those who remained spoke from time to time about those who had gone, but soon these things ceased to be mentioned, and passed out of mind.
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In the settlements made in distant regions, by those who migrated from the valley, the friends left behind were frequently mentioned, but in time the older ones died and left their children with very little information in regard to their forefathers, and soon that little was mostly forgotten.
Another reason we have so little account of the colonial times, written by the common people, is the fact of the very scant opportunities they had for education. Any one who has made much search of the old colonial records, and the period following, must have been struck with the frequency with which deeds, wills and other documents were signed by the individual making his mark. This was just as true of the eastern colonies, and was as common in New York and Massachusetts, as in Virginia and the Carolinas. Our Kuykendalls were certainly not behind their neighbors in this respect.
Only a short time ago, I had occasion to write to the county recorder of one of the counties of North Carolina, in regard to early records of the Kuykendalls there. After answering my enquiries the recorder wrote, "I noticed that the Kuykendalls could write their names, which is a little unusual among the older records of the county."
The foregoing facts certainly partly help us to understand why families of the present day, generally know so little of their ancestors.
My investigations have convinced me that by far the larger part of the people of all this country have very little knowledge of their ancestry or family history. I have to confess that this fact was a little consoling to me, since it shows that our family is not alone in this respect. While perhaps it is not very creditable to human nature, we know that as a rule, people derive a crumb of comfort from the fact that the shortcomings of others are as great as their own. A story of the old pioneer days illustrates this trait of human nature.
An old lady of the olden time had always prided herself upon her fine garden patch every year, and was noted in this respect. One day a neighbor said, "Mrs. Armstrong, you don't seem to have much of a garden this year." "No," said she, "everything has dried up and done no good, but thank the Lord my neighbors are all in the same fix. There ain't one of them got any better!"
In early days our forefathers were kept too busy clearing the forests, fighting Indians, trying to protect and support their families and struggling against adverse environments, to find time to write diaries of their doings.
When men and women are in the midst of imminent peril, when dangers surround, when the wolf of hunger howls at the door and life is a constant struggle with hard environments, men do not care much who their great grandfathers and mothers were, where they lived, or what they did. When beset by savage Indian foes, wild beasts, and dread of
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impending ills, these environments are not calculated to stimulate ancestry research or the recording of adventures, for the pleasure or instruction of coming generations. When we come to understand the conditions and environments of our forefathers, we wonder that they did not lose all tradition of the past.
In these days, when the whole land is flooded with books, magazines and daily papers, when we have all the modern processes of making and preserving pictures by photography and other ways, and remember that none of these were in existence, in the times of our early forefathers, we cease to wonder why they left so little to tell of their lives, labors, and of the events passing around them.
Our earliest forefathers knew little of English and whatever diaries were written, were in the Dutch language, and were by the younger generations thrown aside, and in many instances were even burned as rubbish. If we had these old writings today, they would throw a flood of light upon obscurities that we now try in vain to clear up. The use of the old Dutch language was continued much longer among those of our forcfathers who remained in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, than among those who left the old home and went west further. Our forefathers were intensely loyal to the American cause and everything American. They wanted to be American, and the younger generations were very anxious to learn to speak English, because it was the language of their adopted country. There was among the English settlers a sort of prejudice against German and Dutch inhabitants, in some sections of the country. There was a common saying among the English of New York, "Keep crowding the Dutch." History shows that the crowding policy was kept up, and the Dutch were crowded wherever possible, and their rights and authority were usurped. When the English population increased, there came English schools, English school books and English school teachers. The young German and Dutch children who attended these, were frequently taunted with being "Dutchmen." This incited them to make strenuous efforts to acquire the English language, and even to conceal their ancestry.
We thus see that their environments and associations tended to make them try to forget the language of their fathers. This has reference to the younger generations only, for the older ones naturally clung to their mother tongue, both for sentimental reasons, and because they could not easily learn a new language after they had passed their younger days.
In several counties of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania the Dutch language was in quite general use, until as late as 1830, and in parts of Pennsylvania much later.
I happen to have a letter, received some time ago, showing the late use of Dutch in New York. This letter is from a descendant of Wilhelmus Kuykendall, son of Peter, and tells of the moving of the family from Mamakating Hollow, to near Windham, Pennsylvania.
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There is an account of a long, hard journey and the settling of the family, and starting the children to school for the first time, where there was an English teacher, and of the difficulties the little Kuykendalls had in mastering English spelling and pronunciation. This showed clearly that at Mamakating, the family had been accustomed to use the Dutch language only.
In very early days of the colonial settlements, the Dutch and German population were called indiscriminately "Dutch," and the Dutch were classed as high Dutch and low Dutch, so called from the part of the old country they came from. Americans, after a time, came to think of the term high and low, as being applied as descriptive of the character of the people. Hence folks of Holland origin did not like the idea of being mentioned as low Dutch. This all tended to make a prejudice in the minds of the younger people of our forefathers against anything pertaining to Dutch, and on this account, old Dutch Bibles, histories, psalm books, and various old records, received scant courtesy, and were discarded, after the death of the old people, who alone could appreciate them.
The preceding pages explain why a more complete history of our forefathers has not come down to us, and also help to illustrate some of the phases of our forefathers' lives that are too seldom called to memory in these busy, rushing, dollar-chasing days of modern progress.
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CHAPTER XLVII.
MISCELLANEOUS PORTRAITS AND NOTES
In addition to what was said of Dr. William Kuykendall, on page 81, it may be stated that he first began the practice of his profession at Drain, Ore., where he remained ten years, when he removed to Eugene, Ore., where he has continued to reside. He
has built up a large medical and surgical practice, making surgery his specialty.
In 1898 he was elected to the Oregon State Senate, and was re-elected and served continuously for eight years, being president of the senate in 1905.
While in the senate, he was largely instrumental in getting through legislation establishing the present efficient High School system of the state. He has been twenty-one years Head Medical Officer of the Women of Woodcraft, now Neighbors of Woodcraft. He has a hospital in Eugene that has become one of the valued and useful institutions of that part of the state.
The doctor has been a successful physician, has taken a leading part in the enactment of some of the most important legislation of his state, and has reared a family that has taken a useful and honorable position in society.
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Record of Nathaniel Kuykendall, Gainesville, Tex.
Nathaniel Kuykendall, of Gainesville, Texas, sent his family record too late to appear in proper place in this book.
"My father was William Carroll Kuykendall, who came from Red River county to Cook county, and then moved to Montague county, Texas. My grandfather, Isaac Kuykendall, came from Alabama to Red River county, Texas. My great grandfather's name was Jacob Kuykendall. Grandfather married Miss Sarah Smith and moved to Texas, about 1835. They had three sons and three daughters: William Carroll (my father), George, Solomon, Sarah, Jane and Rachel. Sarah Jane married Jim Garrett, had three sons and died in west Texas. Aunt Rachel married John Eatmon, and she lived at Lindsay, Oklahoma, with her son, J. M.
Eatmon. She has two sons and one daughter living. George and Solomon Kuykendall died young.
Father married Eliza Jane McAneer, about 1852, in Red River county. He died in Montague county in 1903 and left children as follows:
William Edward, who married Miss Callie Dishman; they had several children.
Isaac Alexander, married Eliza Gound and had several children.
Solomon, married Nannie Harrison, and has a big family.
Nathaniel (myself), married Mattie I. Derryberry, July 30, 1883.
George Houston, married Eliza Harrison, and has a family.
James Monroe, married Ella Yearwood, and has a big family.
Sarah E., married A. H. Albert and lives at Nocona, Texas, R. 5.
Nancy Alabama, married William H. Piland, and lives at Weatherford, rural route 4.
Ida Jane, married Jude Bonner, and lives at Forestburg, Texas.
Of those mentioned above, William E., Solomon and George H. live at Forestburg, Texas. Isaac A., lives at Utica, Oklahoma. James Monroe lives at Saint Jo, Texas.
I, Nathaniel Kuykendall, was born in Young county, Texas, May 24, 1863. The names of my children are:
Ella Mae, born August 12, 1885; Nellie Claude, born October 24, 1887; Charles Sawyer, born October, 1889; Carroll Arthur, born September 7, 1891; Riley Nolen, born October 4, 1893; Clarence Ralph, born March 24, 1895, Berdic Anna, born March 26, 1899; Calvin Columbus, born July 24, 1901; Wade Willia, born October 23, 1903; Joseph Thomas, born November 3, 1907; Lola Elizabeth, born July 23, 1909; Clarence Berada, born August 8, 1912."
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Judge A. B. Kirkendall belongs to a branch of the family that has been strong in the advocacy of morals, education and progress, and has stood firmly for the principles both political and religious that were believed to be right, not being swayed by a desire to be on the popular side. This branch of the family has made vigorous efforts to educate the children and make them intelligent and useful citizens. The Judge has one son who was peculiarly helpful in devising amusements and recreation for the boys in the American encampments on this side of the ocean, and thus contributed to the comfort and morale of the soldiers.
On page 256 there appears the picture of Mrs. Huldah Jane Kuykendall Frisbie and her sons. At the time that page was printed and placed in this volume, the names of her sons were not at hand, but now are here given. Reading from left to right, in front row: Benjamin L. Frisbie, Mrs. Huldah Kuykendall Frisbie, Fred Frisbie; back row: George McClellan Frisbie, Frank Frisbie, William Kuykendall Frisbie.
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The family of Andrew Briggs Kuykendall have the distinction of being able to trace their ancestry farther back, perhaps, than any other of the Kuykendall families in Texas. On page 216, the family history is traced directly back to Abraham Kuykendall, in North Carolina. Sufficient facts are given elsewhere in this volume to establish the identity of this Abraham ancestor and his connection with the early Kuykendall families in New Jersey. The date of the baptism of this Abraham is given in the Dutch Reformed Church registers. The picture of this interesting family was not secured until after this volume was nearing completion, and when it was too late to go in its proper place with the family history.
This energetic and adventurous branch of the Kuykendall descendants has caused its spread far and wide over the country, and where they have gone, they have made their impress upon society and the affairs of the community. (See group, opposite page.)
Referring to the family history of Samuel D. Coykendall, which appears on pages 137-142, it will be seen that a full family record was not at hand, and could not be obtained until after those pages had been printed. The family record below is printed here to complete the record, and is supplementary to what appears upon the pages referred to. The names of Samuel Coykendall's children are as follows:
Thomas Cornell Coykendall, born December 8, 1886.
Harry Sheppard Coykendall, born June 25, 1862, died October 22, 1914.
Edward Coykendall, born April 6, 1871.
Frederick Coykendall, born November 23, 1872.
Katherine Coykendall, born November 25, 1874.
Frank Coykendall, born October 14, 1876.
Robert Bayard Coykendall, born July 26, 1878, died September 13, 1913.
Mrs. Harriet R. Frisbie has been mentioned several times in this work and her valued aid acknowledged. It is proper that some notice should be given of her war work activities. She has been chairman of the Supply Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of the Roscoe, N. Y. Red Cross Branch, since its organization, May, 1917, shortly after the United States entered the great world war. In the Liberty Loan drive, as chairman of the Women's Committee, she has been very active in helping to secure subscriptions to meet the quotas assigned to her district, which were oversubscribed each time, and did splendid work in securing data relating to the services of the Kuykendall soldier boys, in the late war. She is recognized as a live, progressive and capable woman.
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Mrs. Mary Kuykendall Weaver
This intelligent lady comes of excellent parentage and ancestry. Her great grandfather and grandfather were among the pioneers of Kentucky, where they had commodious homes. They lived in those romantic days when the noted pioneer preacher, Lorenzo Dow was preaching in the states bordering the Appalachian range and
other parts of the newly settled country of the middle west. The Rev. Dow was a man of far more than the ordinary education among the pioneers, and some of Mrs. Weaver's Kuykendall fathers were named for him. Her people always had the "latchstring on the outside," for all ministers, who
found a welcome and shelter under their hospitable roofs. Mrs. Weaver has been an interesting correspondent, much interested in the history of the Kuykendall ancestors. See her letter on page 229.
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Mr. Charles A. Kirkendall belongs to a family that has a record for loyalty and distinguished service for their country. His father, Captain James W.
Kirkendall was an efficient officer in the Civil war, and one of the sons of Mr. C. A. Kirkendall has been in the service of his country in the late war.
The family record is found on pages 269 and 270.
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Mrs. Collins is a daughter of Rev. Elijah R. Kuykendall of Grand Saline, Texas, and the wife of V. A. Collins, a prominent lawyer of Beaumont. She belongs to a branch of the Kuykendall family that has been quite prominent in Tennessee and Texas and is a woman of great vivacity and fine social qualities and of superior intelligence. She has taken a great interest in the preparation of the Kuykendall history.
Mr. Collins a few years ago was a candidate for congress, in his home district, and made a good race, but failed of election. Mr. Collins has always held that it is more honorable to be beaten for standing for what one believes is true and correct in principle, rather than to win by truckling to the wrong. That this view is correct will hardly be disputed. No one can show his moral stamina to a better advantage than by staying with the right when it is unpopular to do so.
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CHAPTER XLVIII.
AUTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF THE EARLY KUYKENDALLS
AND SUNDRY OTHER TOPICS.
After the lapse of from one hundred to nearly two hundred years, the way our ancestors wrote their names, becomes of considerable interest to us. All the more so when we know the great changes that many or most names have undergone in that time.
A careful study of the autograph reproductions found on page 25 reveals to us many things which at first sight do not appear. While some of the signatures indicate that penmanship was not an art in which writers excelled, it gives a little satisfaction to know that in those times, even among the foremost people of the land, there were comparatively few who wrote better, and a great many could not write anything, persons of considerable prominence signing their names with a cross.
Noting the signatures on page 25, the first is that of Pieter Kuykendal, date of October 31, 1731. This I found attached to a bond that was in possession of Hon. W. H. Nearpass, of Port Jervis, N. Y. It, with a lot of other ancient manuscripts and documents, had been consigned to an old worn trunk or box as worthless rubbish, only fit to be burned. He recognized the value of these old papers and rescued them from destruction, pressed and flattened them out, and has carefully preserved them. It will be noticed that the writer of the first signature spelled his first name Pieter. This is the way his name is written in many documents that have come down from that period, and is the way Peter's name was written in the record at the time of his baptism, as found in the old Kingston, N. Y., Church Register, May 1, 1698. It was written by either the dominie of the church, or by the church clerk. We notice also that the first syllable of the name is somewhat separated from kendal, the last part of the name.
The next name is that of Solomon Kuykendal, written Salomen Kuyken Dal, there being an umlaut over the y. I am wholly unable to explain its use in this position, and do not know just what sound it was intended to represent.
Separating the last syllable from the other part of the name, which occurs in two instances on this page, may possibly have been to carry out the traditional idea that the name is that of a dale, daal or valley, where the family lived some time in the past. In regard to the umlaut over the y, as said before, I cannot give any reason for its use. In times past in the Dutch language, y was sometimes umlauted, but I am not familiar with the language, and do not know what change in the sound was intended to be shown. That the name was a puzzle to a large part of those who wrote or spoke it, there is every evidence to show.
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In the name of Hendrik Kuykendal we do not have the separation of the first syllable of the name to any appreciable extent, but the last syllable of the name is spelled dael, and has also the umlaut over the y. As Hendrik was a son of Pieter, it is quite likely he was taught this orthography of the name by his father.
The next name is Martinus, and he spells the family name Cuykendal. The cutting long words and names up into syllables or parts, is quite common with people not accustomed to much writing. Martinus was not inclined to write much, for some years later, when he bought a new Bible he had one of his sons transcribe the family record into it, as is related in the chapter on "Kuykendalls in the Revolution," where the service of Martinus or Martin in that war is considered.
Solomon, whose signature comes next, seems to have been a little better penman. The little curl at the end of the 1 is perhaps a mere flourish or ornament.
Wilhelmus Kuykendall still retained the Dutch or German form of the name instead of William. He lived in a decidedly Dutch community, at Mamakating, where everything, almost, was Dutch. The author failed to note the date of this signature, but thinks it was signed when Wilhelmus made application for a pension. We have his name cut into three parts, Kuy-ken-Dalle. I was in doubt whether this was aimed to be an e at the end of dalle. It looked more like a little flourish or attempt at ornamentation. Nowhere else where I saw the name was there the final e. The signature of Elias Coykendall was written a generation later, and appears as Coykendall. Coykendall was a later form of the name than Cuykendall, though it appeared in the same branch of the family.
A number of Elias Coykendall's descendants spell the name Cuy.
All the signatures that have been mentioned were made by descendants of Pieter Kuykendal. I found no early Kirkendall signature.
Mathew Kuykendall and Benjamin Kuykendall were descendants of Matthew and Jacob Kuykendall, sons of Luur Jacobsen Van Kuykendaal and brothers of Pieter.
Matthew's signature was found attached to his application for a pension, and Benjamin's was appended to court records of Virginia. Everywhere I found his autograph it was as it is here written, Benja. Kuykendall. Jacob Kuykendall's signature, (not here reproduced), was found on his deed made 1731, given to the heirs of Jurian Westfall, and was spelled Kuykendall.
SUNDRY NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS
We have seen in the letter of Charles Kikendall, of Virginia, Ill., shown elsewhere, says that his Uncle Asa died near Oskaloosa. Iowa, and his Uncle Sam died at Perrysville, Ky. Further that
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"We lost track of Uncle George, nearly 60 years ago, never heard from him or his family since." Query. Might not this have been the George Kuykendall, ancestor of Elijah B. Kirkendall, of Douds-Leando, Iowa? He says he lost track of his relative, Mrs. Kirkendall Klingensmith, about 60 years before. The fact that Mrs. Klingensmith, of Oskaloosa, and this Asa Kikendall living at the same time would suggest the possibility that these Kentucky, Iowa and Kansas people were all of the same family, especially when taken in connection with all the other facts related.
The fact that some of them spelled the name Kikendall and some Kirkendall, forms no bar to this conclusion, for we have seen that the Kikendalls, a good many of them, later spelled their name Kirkendall.
Mr. H. J. Kirkendall, of Berwick, Pa., wrote, under date of September 11, 1916:
"My father, during his school days, signed his name Kikendall, but some time afterward changed it to read Kirkendall."
In the Deerpark, N. Y., church registers there is recorded the baptism of two daughters of Andrew Cuykendall and Sarah Tomsen, December 2, 1786. In the New Jersey records of Revolutionary soldiers there is mentioned Andrew Kirkendall, of Sussex county. This soldier was most likely the first Kuykendall to bear the name Andrew. The name was not common in the Kuykendall family, and after this mention of the name Andrew, I do not find it anywhere among the New York or New Jersey Kuykendalls, but it is found in Pennsylvania and then further west. This would lead to the surmise that the New Jersey Andrew went to Pennsylvania, and perhaps further west. Having been born in 1786, his father would have been born perhaps somewhere about 1758 to 1762, and he would have been about 14 to 18 years old at the beginning of the Revoluitonary War. So it looks as if the father of this Andrew may have been the Andrew in the Revolutionary War. This is all pure hypothesis, but we have to form hypotheses, very often in genealogy, as a working basis, if we make any progress. Andrew's wife was said to have been Margaret Tomsen. This might be a clue to the family to which Andrew Cuykendall belonged.
In the correspondence printed in this volume, we find a letter from Mrs. Belle Klingensmith, in which she says her father was Andrew Kirkendall, born in Allegheny county, Pa., who moved to Washington county. Was this Andrew who married Margaret Tomsen and the Andrew who was father of Mrs. Klingensmith of the same family? All through the history of these Kirkendalls and Kikendalls there are indications that they are closely related.
John Isaac Kikendall, of Bowling Green, Ky., says his wife's name was Laura Creasy. Cornelius Kikendall, son of Emanuel, born 1766, progenitor of the Kikendalls and Kirkendalls about Nescopeck, Pa., married Susannah Creasy, so here we have another thing
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to show the kinship of the Kentucky and Pennsylvania branch of Kikendalls. And some of the Illinois Kikendalls, we have seen, are of the same family as those of Kentucky. These notes and suggestions are to aid those who would wish to investigate the subject farther. It is my conviction that a full investigation by these Kikendalls and Kirkendalls would clear up all obscurities in their lineage and put them in line with the first ancestor of the family born in America.
There are many of the Kuykendall descendants herein mentioned of whom it would have been a pleasure to give a more full account. Many have had but little more than a mention of their names and places of birth, who were worthy of more attention. Their lives and labors were worthy of being written up and would have been interesting and inspiring to read about. I regretted that some were so diffident and reluctant to give data concerning themselves and their experiences. I could mention many of those who have been prominent in the communities in which they lived as business and professional men, as captains of industry and leaders in society, education and undertakings for the public welfare.
The late Judge W. L. Kuykendall, of Saratoga, Wyo., mentioned on page 202 is one of these. In looking over clippings from the public prints sent me by some of his friends, after his death, I find a number of lengthy notices giving accounts of his career, that show the character, solidity and real worth of the man. A less complete account was given of him, where he is mentioned in this volume, because I was expecting soon to see the published history of his life, with reminiscences from which I might quote. For some reason the work did not appear, and I, as well as numerous others, have been deprived of reading the autobiography of a man of wonderfully varied experiences in the west. He went to Wyoming Territory in the year of the close of the Civil War, and at once began a history making career. He was a typical rustling business man of the "Westerner" type. Full of vim as a charged battery, he was a prospector, miner, explorer, scout, and leader of the people in everything from fighting Indians, to legislator and judge. When civil government was first organized out in that "wild and woolly" western region, he was judge of probate of Laramie county, serving several terms in that position, then was elected to the legislature, serving several sessions. After his election to the state legislature he removed to Cheyenne. He believed in action and was not afraid of physical exertion, and so let the Fire Department of that city have the benefit of his superabounding energy and became the foreman of the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, and set the pace for management of such organizations.
After an active and energetic life at Cheyenne he removed to Deadwood, S. D., where he was again in the midst of reckless frontier environments, where drinking, gambling, "shooting up the camp" and such little pleasantries were common pastimes. It was
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out there in 1876 that the murder of "Wild Bill," by Jack McCall took place.
There were no laws, no courts or officers, but the better class of citizens of Deadwood felt that there should be some vindication of common law and the feelings of law abiding citizens. Mr. Kuykendall was asked by the citizens to act as judge, impanel a jury and organize a people's court for the trial of McCall, the murderer. The outcome of the trial proved, however, that there must have been a strong undercurrent of sympathy with him among the jurors, or some mysterious influence had biased their decision. They failed to convict, and the prisoner was turned loose. Afterwards, however, he was arrested, and was tried and convicted and hanged at Yankton, S. D. In a newspaper sketch of Judge Kuykendall, commenting upon his life, reminiscences and writings, the editor wrote: "If it were possible for a great many of the old-time men who have the gift of expression, to be persuaded to set down upon paper, their reminiscences and recollections of their lives, the United States history would be materially augmented."
The Judge left in his son, John Montgomery Kuykendall, of Denver, whose portrait appears upon page 203, a "live wire" representative of his family who is not yet done with making history, though he has cut a large figure in the business enterprises of Denver, Colo., and also of other states.
The family of J. B. Kuykendall, of Vienna, Illinois, have for many years been leaders in business and society in their town and community and in southern Illinois, where this branch of the Kuykendall family has many representatives, and also in southern Indiana. It has been difficult to engage the interest and cooperation a good many whom I should like to have been able to give my readers more full information. The story of men whose lives have been a success, has always been an inspiration to others. The examples of such men are found in all of the branches of the family, however they may differ in name formation or spelling; the Kuykendalls, Coykendalls, Kirkendalls and Kikendalls, all these have people of education, culture and business ability who would be a credit to any community or state. As I write, there come to my mind many fine old families of all these different name variations, that have representatives all across the continent from ocean to ocean. They all seem to have acted in accordance with the advice given years ago by Horace Greeley, "Young man, go west," only that they got as far west as they could go without homesteading a margin of the Pacific ocean, and they got there long before Greeley's slogan was invented; indeed, before old "Horace," the great editor, ever saw the far west himself.
Since my investigations into the history of the early Kuykendall settlers of North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky began, it has been my confident expectation that the connection between them and their Delaware valley ancestors would be fully established, and clearly proven. Those who have carefully noted the quotations
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from the old Colonial Records of North Carolina, the baptismal records of the early Kuykendalls of the Delaware valley, have read the letters of the descendants of those first Carolina Kuykendalls, must have been convinced that we have these people connected. It remains for them to continue the work, and they will find the further they pursue it the more clear it will become. Many more proofs will be found, many confirmatory evidences. It is the expectation of the author that the publication of this work will create a desire on the part of our people to know more of their ancestors and that future investigations will meet a more ready and hearty response, and that work will be easier. I certainly hope so.
ORGANIZATION OF A KUYKENDALL FAMILY
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
While engaged in researches into the past history and genealogy of our family, the author came across accounts of several families of other names having organized associations for promoting interest in family history, and for making and preserving records pertaining to their families, also for promoting sociability and friendship and a common interest in the family history and genealogy.
It seemed to me this would be a most excellent thing for the descendants of our own forefathers to do, and that such an organization would prove to be of great value, and would result in benefit to those who would join in such organization and cooperate with its purposes.
Our family is so widespread over the country that local organizations could be formed in a large number of places, for there are many places where there are enough members of the family to form a good working society. The author has no set plan, and has only given the subject slight thought, but will suggest a few things that may awaken an interest among our people and lead to action. In the first place, it would be necessary to see or correspond with members of the family living near enough to take part in the organization and keep it up.
The object would be the promotion of social relations among members and branches of the family, that they may know more of each other and learn more of the family history of the past, also to gather genealogical information, and preserve it, to assist the members in tracing clearly and accurately their genealogical lines, and to learn more of the times, conditions and environments of our forefathers in America. Further, to promote a feeling of fellowship and kinship, to incite in the members a pride in family history and traditions, and to inspire in each and all the desire to be true men and women, loyal to their country, to right and justice, to live clean and wholesome lives, to promote in the family the highest standard of physical health, and thus preserve and promote the
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physical, mental, and moral nature of our people, and enable them as a family to maintain all the higher and better attributes of the human race.
To successfully carry on such an organization, it would be necessary to have a set of officers. These might be a president, and one or more vice presidents, with secretary, treasurer, and historian or archivist, with an executive committee, and such other committees as time and experience might prove to be useful or necessary.
Of course all this would make necessary some kind of constitution and bylaws, or working program.
There might be provision for annual reunions, picnics, camp meetings, with prearranged plans for social amenities, exchange of ideas, reports from historian or archivist and other officers, upon genealogical, or historical subjects pertaining to the family.
There are members of the family who are connected with newspapers and publishing houses. These could easily see that interesting or useful information was published. There might be a section or committee in each association whose business would be to collect data pertaining to the family, such as court records, papers, clippings from newspapers and magazines, and preserve them, and read any of special interest at meetings of the society or association.
County associations could see that all county records of the localities were searched for any data that would add to our knowledge of the past of the family, in different counties. Whatever information was thus gathered should be put into shape for permanent preservation. No full history of the family can ever be made without such search of the records of the sections where our people have lived.
These local county or regional associations might cooperate with more central pioneer associations and historical societies in different parts of the country, if there were such there, and interesting and useful data collected in regard to the family could be preserved in the archives of these associations, or be sent to genealogical or historical societies for preservation. All valuable data should be published in the Historical Quarterlies, so as to become permanent, and where access could be had to it.
There are some places where family reunions are held, as before stated, in outdoor meetings, during the pleasant weather in the spring or early summer, but too little attention has been given to collecting and preserving family history data. The meetings have been mostly of a social and friendly nature, where there has been comparatively little discussion of genealogy, and no records have been published of any such discussions or the facts brought out.
An account of all meetings of family associations should be published in the local papers, with a list of the names of persons in attendance, who they were, how related, their business and residence. An important
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feature of the meetings of family associations should be papers, giving the past history of families and branches, telling where they lived, their connection with industrial, educational, moral and political history of the communities where they resided. These papers should be printed, and numerous clippings of the articles preserved. These would make a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the family.
Of all civilized people the Americans probably are the most negligent about genealogy, family history and traditions. The time is near at hand when it will be expected that intelligent, progressive people will have some knowledge of their ancestry.
Upon the letterheads of the State Department of Archives and History, at Charleston, W. Va., there is this legend, "A people that have not the pride to record their History, will not long have the virtue to make History that is worth recording. And no people who are indifferent to their past need hope to make their future great." I confess that this statement in the corner of this letterhead of the Historical Soicety of the old state where my own ancestors lived for generations, made a deep impression upon me. In keeping with this sentiment, there is upon the opposite side at the top of the sheet another admonition, reading, "Rescue the history of the Past. Preserve the Records of the Present." This is the object of my speaking of organized effort by societies of the Kuykendall descendants. Many other families have secured very valuable results in this way, and "put themselves on the map" permanently. The greatest objective with all should be to have lives whose records would be worth preserving.
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CONCLUSION
With mingled feelings of regret and relief I bring this volume to a close. It is a gratification to know that, after much toil and weariness, it is finished, that its contents are to be put into a permanent form for preservation, and that it will go out among our people. It is a matter of sincere regret to me that there are many intelligent and worthy members of the family who have not, up to the present time, been able to trace their lines of descent back to our first American ancestor. Many of them have been most anxious to be able to do so, and, in a very large number of cases the gap has been almost bridged; we know how the line runs, and almost absolutely certainly through what ancestors, but cannot complete the line for lack of a missing given name, or the date of birth of one far back ancestor. It is certain the complete record of all these persons and families could be worked out. To do so, however, would take labor, and there are few who have the faculty or taste for this kind of work, and what is still more required, patience and perseverance to accomplish the task. The correspondence that appears in this volume is a small fraction only of what the author has on file. There must be a large number of descendants who have not been directly heard from, and perhaps some of these could give valuable facts and data, to show relationships, that would clear up many doubts and obscurities.
During my correspondence, I came across several families and branches, whose grandfathers had written down what they knew of their ancestors and left the record in the hands of their descendants. This custom is to be highly commended, and it is hoped that the example will be more generally followed.
Human memory is a very treacherous thing, especially in the matter of dates and names. Records made at the time the events took place have a value that cannot be attached to the recollections of even comparatively recent events.
In the study of the history of the family, large fields of enquiry have been left almost entirely untouched. There is a considerable amount of material that is within comparatively easy reach, while there is also much more that would take hard work and research to obtain.
It was not possible to secure full history of those of the family who had part in the great war just closed. It has been the aim in this work, as far as possible, to go back to first things, to the earliest possible dates and events, to records and history that have not heretofore been accessible to our people. To have written exclusively of later generations and of more recent events, would have been a far easier task.
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It had been my intention to give a bibliography of the data contained herein, showing the original sources from which the information was derived. The delay in getting out the work has caused this to be left out, unless it may be printed in an abbreviated form. Connected with the old home of the Kuykendall family in the Hudson and Delaware valleys, there are many beautiful stories and legends, going back to before and about Revolutionary War times. It was hard to resist the temptation to narrate some of them. A very fascinating book could be made of these alone. Then there was a wealth of romantic and heroic tales of old Virginia days of our people, also of pioneer times in Kentucky and Tennessee and in the Appalachian regions. A considerable amount of data and material came in too late to be used and other data could not be put in where it should have come. The late and irregular sending in of promised matter has caused much work, in making interpolations, and of rewriting parts to adjust them to matter previously brought in, and causing changes in order of arrangement. This has detracted from the connectedness of the work, and has, to some extent, given it the appearance of having, like Topsy, "just growed." Indeed, it has been a growth by accretions, facts and data being added little by little, and from here and there. Even after much of the book was in type, there came to hand much data that should have appeared in chapters already set up. This necessitated leaving it out entirely, or of adding it where it would come out of its proper connection. It was thought better, in a number of instances, to print a certain amount of this matter, even if it had to be awkwardly placed, so that it could, some time in the future, be better arranged in another edition of this work or a new one, by some one else.
In regard to the illustrations in this work, it was impossible to have much uniformity in size and shape, for various reasons. Some of them were made from old, faded ambrotypes or daguerrotypes, dinged and defaced; others from very old photographs that had lost much of their distinctness and detail. Some had to be made smaller, to cut out defects. A good many photographs were sent in that could not be used because of one or more of these reasons. This explanation is given so that some may know why some of the pictures in the book were not better. Many photographs were sent that had been promised me long before, and only came at the very last moment, a number so late that they could not be used. Some, after pictures had already been made, wrote asking whether these could not be left out and others substituted in their place.
These are some of the things that have had to be met, and have added materially to the toils and exactions upon the author.
During the progress of gathering material for this volume, I have corresponded with many hundreds of people, very few of whom I have ever seen. When we read letters, we unconsciously form a mental picture of them and their surroundings. As I pen these concluding lines, there float before my vision the pictures
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imagination had formed of faces, figures and homes of our people, in all parts of the country, from the landing place of our first ancestor in New York, to the everglades and palms of Dixie, clear across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Vancouver and Seattle to San Diego. Our people represent all kinds of conditions and environments, but I think of all, from the humblest or highest, as my own people, and as such, I wish for each and all the very best things possible. This wish does not mean that you should necessarily have wealth or social or political preferment. There are other things of infinitely more value than these, and happily these more desirable things are within the reach of all. These best things are real character, qualities of mind and soul, true manhood and womanhood. With these in your possession, no man can make you poor.
The difference in men is largely to be attributed to their circumstances and environment, but there is a will power and determination that often overcomes adverse circumstances and makes them stepping stones on the way, or rungs in the ladder up to success. Napoleon was once in council with his leading generals, as to the feasibility of a certain military move. One of his marshals said "If circumstances are favorable, it would be a success." The military peer of the world said, "I make circumstances, move on." Often you can make circumstances, and very commonly can choose environments, and these will to a large exent decide the destiny of yourselves and children.
I hope that the reading of this book will arouse among our people more of a family pride, something akin to what the French call the "esprit de corps," to bind the members and branches together and cause them to take more interest in their past history and give more attention to collecting, writing down and preserving the records of their fathers. We shall all be forgotten soon enough, no matter what we do. In these busy, rushing, dollar-chasing times, sentiment is too much submerged, and we tend to forget our fathers who have gone before us. We should not be ancestor worshippers, like the Chinese, neither should we be like the cattle of the fields, or savages, thinking nothing and caring nothing about our ancestry. Those who are wholly regardless of their ancestry are likely to not think much of their destiny. We should not forget that our destiny was to a great extent stamped upon us by our ancestors.
In giving you, my readers, my concluding message, I would say to those of you who have families, you fathers and mothers, the biggest, and by far the most important job you have in the world, is the training and education of your children. You cannot do more for the world in any other way. Their welfare and the destiny of your branch of the family, and perhaps that of thousands of others, who are not related to you by ties of kinship, depend upon your work.
It is not enough to give your children as good a chance as you or your fathers had, to raise them up as your fathers
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and mothers raised you. It is not enough that they grow up as you did, with the same degree of education and kind of training you received. The world today is not the same world your fathers and mothers came into; it is progressing, and he that does not keep step with its march will drop back in the rear of the procession. Our children today must have more education, must see things from a more lofty point of view, and have larger aims than our fathers had, or they cannot hold their own in the battles of life. Educate your children, train them, lead them and point the way, by your own example, in particular. Awaken their energies, arouse their ambitions, urge them to try to be of service to humanity and the world. Our children are going to have different conditions and environments from those of our fathers. It does not depend today so much upon brawn and muscle, as upon brain power, mind, intellect and moral stamina. It is going hereafter to take intelligence, energy and trained powers to compete with others in the race of life. Old times and old ways have gone by, never to return. The world will continue to have plenty of the "has beens," the "used to bes," but the prize takers are not going to be the people of the past tense or subjunctive mood. If I could, I would sound it in the ears of every Kuykendall descendant, educate and train your children and begin early to set before them some particular field of action in life.
Remember that environment means everything almost in the outcome of the young person's life. One might as well expect a sponge immersed in a sewer to come out clean and aseptic, as to expect the young people in some of the homes of this country, with their present surroundings, to grow up to be decent, useful and honorable citizens. You would not expect a tender plant or a beautiful flower to come to anything if placed in the driveway for hogs and cattle, or expect a person to retain health and vigor, if confined and surrounded with a lot of diseased lepers. Think of these things and determine that your children shall have the very best environments and opportunities you can possibly give them. No more momentous truth was ever uttered than the words, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The training and education of children is the kind of sowing that offers the most rich, beautiful and glorious harvest, or the saddest and most terrible reaping.
I would impress upon all of you the fact that, to a large extent, the destiny of your descendants for generations depends upon you. What you would like to see in your children, be sure that you have in your own self, or are doing your best to cultivate. Remember that physical soundness is the basis of intellectual and moral soundness. The hope of the world for intellectual and moral advancement lies in the fact that acquired traits or faculties can be transmitted to the child, and therefore parents can make the future of their children, by "making good" themselves.
I wish that I could, in finishing this book, write something that would, long after I have ceased to write or speak, be an
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inspiration and help to every one of our people who may read it. It is not likely that I shall ever have an opportunity of again addressing so many of you. I wish that I could inspire in every one of you the wish to be and do all that is in you that is worthy and noble. Among the most pleasing things said to me in the many letters I have received, that which I regarded as the most complimentary, was from a young lady Kuykendall school teacher, whom I have never seen, and of whom I only recently have heard. She wrote, "I like to read your letters, for they always make me feel as if I should like to be a better girl." It is my wish that every descendant of our forefathers might make it a matter of pride to make and keep the family name the synonym of character, probity and honor. As I now come to the end, it is my sincere wish that this book may contribute to the pleasure and information of all those who read it, that it may give them a better knowledge of their ancestors and awaken a desire and purpose to sustain the character and best traditions of their fathers.
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to Part 1 of 3, Chapters 1 - 20
to Part 2 0f 3, Chapters 21 - 29