Henry KUYKENDALL

                   A history of Vigo county (Indiana) says "Daniel Kuykendall was the first white child born in the Sugar Creek Township, ."
                  

                   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.
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, Ore., 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 a 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.
SOURCE: History of the Kuykendall Family by George Benson Kuykendall, pp 70-71