|
a.
|
Note: The fourth in the family of Henry Kuykendall was John, who was born April 14, 1820, Virginia, about four years after his father located on Sugar Creek, in Vigo County, near Terre Haute, Ind. John inherited a large measure of the generosity that characterized his father, Henry. His father was a leading man in the community, and the work about his mills gave a number of his neighbors employment, and he was thus enabled to help them out while they were clearing up their farms getting ready to produce something for their support. Fortunately, he was somewhat better able financially than some of his neighbors and had the disposition to aid them. On different occasions, when his neighbors were scant of food, he loaded into his wagon provisions, such as flour, bacon and vegetables to tide them over their immediate needs. John grew up under such surroundings and influences. He had an active, inquiring mind, with a decided mechanical genius. He attended the district school of the neighborhood, and studied such books as Webster's spelling book, the old English Reader, Murray's grammar, and such branches as were taught in the common schools of his time. He early acquired a taste for reading and delighted in poring over books of travel, biographies of noted men, history, and later studied with great pleasure such books on science and philosophy as he could procure. When he and his brother George were mere lads only, twelve years old, their father built them a shop at his sawmill, and provided them with tools. They put up a turning lathe and became adept in turning anything that could be shaped on the ordinary lathe from wood. In those days many of the settlers ate out of wooden dishes, and had wooden bowls and cups. They gradually acquired skill and were soon doing all kinds of carpentry building houses and making furniture. They extended their operations over the surrounding country and took contracts in and about Terre Haute. Although John was the younger of the two, he was usually leader in their plans and operations. At the age of twenty-two, John married Miss Malinda Stark, daughter of Jesse Stark, who came of the branch of the family of John Stark of Revolutionary war fame. Their marriage took place Jan. 20, 1842. After their marriage they continued to live at the old homestead of their father, and their first two children were born there. About that time there was much talk of the Wisconsin country. That state was not a forest country like Indiana, where they lived, but there were beautiful prairies with scattering groves of timber, fine springs, creeks and a very fertile soil. John and George Kuykendall were yet young men. John though younger, married first. George married three or four years later, marrying Candace Stark, the next older sister of John's wife. Soon after this the two brothers, with their families, and some of their brothers and sisters, moved, and located at Monroe, the country seat of Greene County, Wisconsin. There they bought lots in town and built themselves homes and at once identified themselves with the interests of the community. They erected the first Methodist church in Monroe and were members of that church during their residence there. Here they lived five years. While they owned comfortable homes and were living happily the extremely cold climate made them think of some place where they could carry on their mechanical pursuits more continuously. They wanted a milder climate, and greater opportunities, and were looking for the future of their families. Along about that time there was much talk of the Pacific Coast and the "Oregon Country," and the discovery of gold in California caused them to center their dreams and aims upon Oregon. They made the big venture and after a long, hard, tedious journey they reached the land upon which their hearts and had been set. It is only the work of a few minutes to record the fact that they crossed the plains in 1852 and reached Portland, Oregon, Oct. 19 of the same year, but these few words cover a span of time and series of events that formed a large chapter in the life of John Kuykendall and his brother George, and also changed the destiny of all their posterity. John Kuykendall was a man of great fortitude, and in time of trial and danger never "lost his head." The little frets and annoyances of life, that so frequently irritate the temper and sour the disposition, only seemed to bring out the finer elements of his character. The families of the Kuykendall brothers spent their first winter in Oregon at Milwaukie, a few miles above Portland, and the following summer not far from Hillsboro, and in the fall of 1853 they moved to Southern Oregon and located in Douglas county at what was afterwards called Wilbur. In looking for a place in which to locate a home, their first thought was not to get where they could make money so much as to get where there would be the best environments amid which to rear a family. Soon after locating, the children were started to school in a little log cabin schoolhouse with very rude and primitive seats and desks but they were looking forward to better things. At this place the Kuykendall brothers soon formed the acquaintance of Rev. J. H. Wilbur, a prominent pioneer missionary of the Methodist church and an ardent worker and promoter of education. This acquaintance ripened into a friendship that lasted through the lives of the parties. Soon plans were formed to erect a two story building for a school, and the organization of "The Umpqua Academy." In this plan John Kuykendall entered with heart and soul. In the face of difficulties almost insuperable, the building was erected; and it was a proud day for Mr. Wilbur and John and George Kuykendall when the structure was completed, for John had planned its every detail and superintended its construction. It was with much satisfaction they saw the school begun under a competent and conscientious corps of teachers. Years went on, the elder children grew up and were approaching manhood and womanhood. A better home was built, with improved surroundings. Mr. Kuykendall had a good home, a good two story shop, with material and appliances for running it. The boys and girls were trained to work and were sent to school, and at home were taught industry and helpfulness. For many years John Kuykendall stood by the institution, was a trustee and an advisor whose opinions always were sought. He contributed of his time and money, personal efforts and influence to make it a success. The home life of his family was such as to be an inspiration to the children and all others who shared its associations. It was the father's custom to read aloud winter evenings from books of travel, exploration and excavations of ancient cities, books on popular science, articles in papers and magazines, and to comment upon them and discuss them with his family. The John Kuykendall home was always a favorite stopping place for ministers of all creeds and denominations, and for lecturers and public speakers. He always encouraged his young people to take an interest in speeches and lectures, and to take part in debates in the school lyceums. These things had a decided influence in moulding the character and in shaping the destiny of the children. Personally he took much interest in reading works upon astronomy, geology, and in antiquarian research. He had strong convictions in regard to morals and religion and as to duty to his family, home and country. After living at the old home about twenty years he accepted a position at Klamath Indian Agency, and there spent about three years. He then went to California, to Santa Rosa, where his brother George had lived several years, stayed there some time but later came back to Oregon and soon went to the Yakima Indian Agency as instructor in mechanical work. After this he located in Drain, Oregon, a few miles north of his old home, where he remained until his death taking an active part in educational interests. At Drain he and his sons owned a drug store and small newspaper. The disabilities of age began to interfere with his active participation in business and he was compelled to retire. He was prominent among the founders of the Drain Academy and was one of its trustees and warmest supporters, giving of his own means, out of all proportion to his ability, as measured by the contributions of others. In his latest activities it was a pleasure to him to be about his place cultivating his flowers and attending to his trees and vines. In the summer of 1892 he died and was interred in the Drain cemetery. But after the death of his wife, March 22, 1911, his body was exhumed and placed beside hers in the Odd Fellows' cemetery at Eugene, Oregon, now the Pioneer Cemetery on the grounds of the University of Oregon. This cemetery is in an elevated, beautiful location, that overlooks the city of Eugene and Willamette valley, spread out beyond, through which runs the beautiful Willamette river. There the mortal remains of John and Malinda Kuykendall sleep side by side, their dust mingling with the soil of the country they toiled so hard to reach, the country to which they gave their hopes, their toils and their tears.
|