Grandchildren of Joseph anad Tyresha C. Kirkham

These sketches come from published obituaries of three fourthers that I drew out of my files after exchanging a few e-mails with Dawn Hair, of the fifth generation from George and Mary Ann Astington Kirkham.

Dawn's father Joseph Stoddart Kirkham comes first of these in my descendants chart for Joseph and Tryphena. Born April 11, 1912 in Garland, Utah, to Joseph Hyrum and Birdie Maude Stoddart. Like so many of our clan he was musical and civic minded, remembered for his loving service to others. Joseph Stoddart Kirkham had a career with the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah, which has had an impact on many lives, but more memorable was his music with the Horst Fidel and Bavarian Band, the Deseret Male Chorus and other groups at public and personal venues. Joseph served as announcer for the Days of '47 committee.

Joseph was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as you will see also was true of his cousins highlighted below, this faithfulness rooted I am sure in the heritage and times of their lives.

Joseph was survived by his wife Doris Stamos Kirkham, who still lives in the Salt Lake Area and their two children Jeffrey Forrest (wife Mari McGregor and two sons) and Dawn (husband Brad Hair and four daughters). At the time of his death his brother and sister Robert Stoddart Kirkham and Venna K Gaddie survived him, but have both since passed away. Two sons from an earlier marriage, Edgar and Stephen Kirkham I have been unable to locate.

Joseph Stoddart Kirkham is buried at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City.

Ina Webb Richardson, daughter of Tyresha Kirkham and George Jesse Webb. She was the sole daughter, with three older and younger brothers. Ina was born in Lehi December 2, 1908 and was laid to her rest there April 22, 1991. Her husband Arthur Merle Richardson followed her on January 13, 1992.

Ina received her higher education at BYU, USU, George Washington University, and the McCune School of Music and Art in Salt Lake City. From BYU she received B.A. and M.A. degrees. from 1931 to 1946 she taught school in Provo and Salt Lake schools and served students in other ways through her involvement with KSL broadcast programs and panels and organizations devoted to enriching the lives of children through music and the arts. Her efforts here reflect what I hope all Kirkhams claim as our family traits: sharing what blessings we have been granted in talent, skill, time and beliefs.

Ina, like her cousin Joseph was active in the LDS Church through ward and stake music activities as well teaching in Primary, Sunday School and YWMIA. Can it surprise anyone that she taught genealogy classes as well! Ina served her sisters in the Relief Society, co-edited the ward newsletter, served a stake mission and as a Temple Square guide.

Ina and Merle did not have children of their own; it is evident that there was love enough for them to share freely with the children they served. At her death Ina was survived by her brother and sister-in-law Fred and Marie Call Webb and their daughter Alyson.

Ralph Nathan Kirkham, son of Nathan and Clara Smith Kirkham was born in Garland, Utah March 20, 1916. He passed away after a short illness in Salt Lake City on January 9, 1975.

Ralph and his sister Melba were the only children of Nathan and Clara to reach adulthood and have families. Ralph left two sons, Richard Nathan and Roger Leslie Kirkham and at the time of his death 7 grandchildren. Ralph was married to Cora Mary Barkdull October 12, 1938 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Ralph retired from the Internal Revenue Service, Salt Lake Division. He was a member of the Top Hatters dance band of Salt Lake City, evidence again of the impact of music upon a child.

My recollection is that Mary Ann Astington Kirkham was steady in wanting music in her home and these three great-grandchildren shared that legacy.