My Family: A Story of Heroes, Tears, Love, and War

The Kuykendall family came into the United States in 1741 at New Albany [Fort Orange], New York. My 5th great-grandfather on my mother’s side was Abraham Kuykendall. A Revolutionary War captain, he is buried at Mud Creek Church in Flat Rock; Flat Rock was his land grant for serving. One of his brothers was killed at Kings Mountain. One of Abraham’s sons was John Jacob Kuykendall, a Baptist minister. He ministered to the Cherokees on the Trail of Tears. He took two of his sons with him, Joseph Handley and Jacob John Kuykendall. Now, it happened that a Creek Indian elder and his wife, daughter, and son set out from Alabama on the Trail of Tears. Daniel Johnston, being a proud elder, refused to eat until his people were taken care of. He died on the Trail and soon after his son. After reaching Fort Smith, the mother died. This left one daughter, Rhoda Johnston. Joseph Handley fell in love with Rhoda and took her back to Alabama, where they were married. His brother Jacob John moved with him to Alabama, where both served in artillery units during the War Between the States. At the same time, their cousins were serving in the 25th North Carolina Infantry, of which I am a re-enactor.

-1st Sgt. 25th N.C. Infantry David Patterson