Elias Kuykendall

Elias Kuykendall, 1767

Elias Kuykendall was born on the old homestead of his father and grandfather before him. He married Elizabeth Gumaer, who was born near Port Clinton, New York state, in the old Gumaer home. After their marriage they lived at the old Pieter Kuykendall home for about twenty years. Elias tore down the old original home building and erected in its stead a new frame house, and when completed he had it painted red. This building was erected in 1812. It was known all up and down the valley as the "Red House." When the village of Machackemeck was changed to Port Jervis, and the place began to grow, it took in the site of old Pieter Kuykendal's home, and the land was laid off in town lots. The old homestead changed hands, and there is standing today in Port Jervis, a house built by Mrs. George Broadhead, something like thirty-five years ago, that was erected very near where the old Pieter Kuykendal home was.