Oscar Ned Kirkham and Mark Mercer Kirkham, brothers, sons of Oscar Kirkham and Ida Murdock. Mark passed away in Salt Lake City with obituary appearing in the Deseret News on Sunday March 8. In that obituary I learned of Ned's demise, which occurred in Chico California in January 2015. I need also inform that a nephew, Craig Kirkham, passed away in Hayward California in the fall. Of Oscar's children there remain two daughters and to them we extend deepest sympathy, as well as the many children, nieces and nephews as well as cousins and friends.
Those if you attending the Reunion in 2009 at Lehi will recall Mark as having photographs of the homes in England where our Pioneer grandparents resided, and Craig's sons reported on their efforts to learn more of Ann Jeatt.
I know we have had losses in other lines that I have had reports of, or that I have not. It is the nature of our lives. One family came across the ocean, and then across the prairies and then over the mountains, to have their descendants scatter again across a country they little knew would exist.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
A Passing Is Never A Footnote
The preliminary source for this blog, and the reunion held in 2009 was George (Wm) Kirkham, His Ancestors and Descendants compiled by E. Kay Kirkham and published in 1985. It related the emigration and progress of and English family settling in Lehi, Utah Territory in September 1859.
I learned today that E. Kay Kirkham's widow, Oleve Kittinger Kirkham has passed away in Bountiful, Utah. Aunt Oleve turned 100 last October. I will cherish the last time I visited her (if not the date) and the remaining positivity she displayed. Oleve did suffer extreme memory loss and so I needed to introduce myself throughout the visit. It took mere seconds to do so, and she would delight at the introduction. I showed her pictures of a JMK gathering and she was able to point herself out in the crowd. I believe I received a very important lesson from her in this: we are who we see. The years can wear on us, but we can be sure of ourselves, of what we believe, what we hold dear or true.
As well as helping Kay with his career in genealogy and church duties Oleve also wrote a book of her own family's history: The Kittinger /Davis Families.
I understand that Oleve will be remembered in an obituary to be published in Salt Lake City papers on Sunday the 3d of August.
I learned today that E. Kay Kirkham's widow, Oleve Kittinger Kirkham has passed away in Bountiful, Utah. Aunt Oleve turned 100 last October. I will cherish the last time I visited her (if not the date) and the remaining positivity she displayed. Oleve did suffer extreme memory loss and so I needed to introduce myself throughout the visit. It took mere seconds to do so, and she would delight at the introduction. I showed her pictures of a JMK gathering and she was able to point herself out in the crowd. I believe I received a very important lesson from her in this: we are who we see. The years can wear on us, but we can be sure of ourselves, of what we believe, what we hold dear or true.
As well as helping Kay with his career in genealogy and church duties Oleve also wrote a book of her own family's history: The Kittinger /Davis Families.
I understand that Oleve will be remembered in an obituary to be published in Salt Lake City papers on Sunday the 3d of August.
Updates over the last year
After losing my father, Kirkham Cousin Jim Kirkham on January 28, 2014 to a stroke related to his several year battle with Leukocytic Lymphoma I have finally begun reviewing my Kirkham records.
Dad was a son of James Arno Kirkham and Sylvia Ucilla Gudmundsen. We are familiar with the Kirkham line: Arno was the eldest son of James Mercer and Kate Woodhouse Kirkham, both descendants of Lehi pioneering families; he the son of James Kirkham and Martha Mercer and she of John Woodhouse and Emma Smith Thomas. Sylvia Gudmundsen - always called Gene in my life- had grandfathers Samuel Mulliner, Jr and Gudmund Gudmundsson who were first missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Scotland and Iceland, respectively. I am not sure when the spelling changed in the Gudmundsen line, except that Gudmund emigrated with a group of Saints coming from Denmark, arriving Utah in Christian Christensen's company in 1857. Her parents were Isaac Gudmundsen and Mary Ann Mulliner. Wives of the aforementioned grandfathers were Mary Ann Richardson Mulliner and Marie Jacobsen Garff Gudmundsen.
Predeceased by his wife Joan Backman, of dad's seven children four survive him; Rex, Kee and Jan having passed away. Surviving are Ked, Rob, Jeff and Sue.
In my recent study I learn also of these passages:
Emma Pehrson Kirkham passed away in Farmington, Utah. Her husband Douglas James the younger son of Milo Franklin, youngest of James and Emma Wootton Kirkham. Doug and Arno then were the eldest and youngest grandsons of James Kirkham. Doug survives his wife as do five children.
I have recently learned of the passing of Weston Kay Jones on December 12, 2010 in Spanish Fork, Utah and his wife Norma Bearnsson on October 21, 2011. Weston was the son of Martha Ann Kirkham, daughter of James Mercer Kirkham, and Hyrum Pidding Jones. He was the third grandchild (and grandson) of James Mercer, Lhomond Jones and Jim Kirkham being numbers one and two. Lhomond passed away in 2009.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Passages
We learn of the passing on May 12, 2013 of Gordon Emil Hansen at age 91 in Orem, Utah. Gordon was the loving husband of LeLa Christensen, our cousin through Daisy Kirkham and Louis Christensen, who passed away March 5, 2010. LeLa and Gordon were married in June of 1946. They are survived by their children Kenneth G and Barbara Hansen, JaNae and Stephen Earl, DeLynn and Dolly Hansen and Shellee and Dennis Day. Grieving as well are 23 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. LeLA and Gordon rest at the Orem City Cemetery.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Kirkhams Touch the World
We learn of the loss of Elizabeth Kirkham Ryser in Salt Lake City. I have taken this account from the Deseret News obituary
She is the daughter of Ebenezer John Kirkham and Mary Ethel Wright Kirkham. She married James J. Ryser Jr. on September 4, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had almost 65 years together. She is survived by her four children, Randall James Ryser (Kathryn), Robyn Ryser Nicholas (Peter), David Kirkham Ryser (Antoinette), Rebecca Ryser Jolley (Kevin), and 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Marie Thompson (Robert). She was preceded in death by her siblings, Homer Kirkham (Millie) and Barbara Jolley (Arben).
Elizabeth was a remarkable wife, mother, grandma, counselor and educator who valued service and lifelong learning. After attending BYU for one year beginning at age 16, she attended the University of Utah. She worked as a social worker for the Red Cross duringWorld War II. She subsequently attended graduate school at Tulane University where she met her husband Jim. Elizabeth completed her Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Utah. She worked at Relief Society Social Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Utah Family Court, and was a marriage and family therapist in private practice for 15 years. She served as President of the Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Two of our number have received assignments from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as Mission Presidents. Dale B Kirkham and his wife Jill Hoggan Kirkham will begin serving the Cancun Mexico Mission in July.
Roger L Kirkham and his wife Judy Ann Gowans will also leave in July for the Liberia Monrovia Mission.
She is the daughter of Ebenezer John Kirkham and Mary Ethel Wright Kirkham. She married James J. Ryser Jr. on September 4, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had almost 65 years together. She is survived by her four children, Randall James Ryser (Kathryn), Robyn Ryser Nicholas (Peter), David Kirkham Ryser (Antoinette), Rebecca Ryser Jolley (Kevin), and 16 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Marie Thompson (Robert). She was preceded in death by her siblings, Homer Kirkham (Millie) and Barbara Jolley (Arben).
Elizabeth was a remarkable wife, mother, grandma, counselor and educator who valued service and lifelong learning. After attending BYU for one year beginning at age 16, she attended the University of Utah. She worked as a social worker for the Red Cross duringWorld War II. She subsequently attended graduate school at Tulane University where she met her husband Jim. Elizabeth completed her Masters in Social Work degree at the University of Utah. She worked at Relief Society Social Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Utah Family Court, and was a marriage and family therapist in private practice for 15 years. She served as President of the Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Two of our number have received assignments from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as Mission Presidents. Dale B Kirkham and his wife Jill Hoggan Kirkham will begin serving the Cancun Mexico Mission in July.
Roger L Kirkham and his wife Judy Ann Gowans will also leave in July for the Liberia Monrovia Mission.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Losses
Susan McKeen Nye reports the passing after an injury of Margaret McKeen Newmaker on October 25 2012 in Savannah Georgia. Born in 1939 at Bridgeton New Jersey she married Richard John Newmaker and was mother of six, with seven grandchildren. Margaret was a granddaughter to Esther Ruth Kirkham Smellie, she a daughter of James Kirkham and Emma Wootton. We extend our sympathy to her immediate family and siblings even as we know the Kirkham family feels her loss, too.
Forgive my lapse in the earlier post re: George Kirkham Family org which IS on facebook.com, it is my typing that claimed it was not. I have corrected the post to reflect that it is NOW on facebook.
Forgive my lapse in the earlier post re: George Kirkham Family org which IS on facebook.com, it is my typing that claimed it was not. I have corrected the post to reflect that it is NOW on facebook.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Passages
We learn today of the passing of Thad Gudmundsen Kirkham, son of James Arno and Sylvia (Gene) Kirkham and a grandson of James Mercer Kirkham. He has been a resident in the St George, Utah area for several years after a career in Southern California. Survivors include his wife Arlene and eight children. I was able to visit Thad and Arlene recently with my father, his brother, and their younger brother Kreg.
Recently, Aunt Oleve Kirkham, widow of E Kay Kirkham on whose book the Kirkham reunion was based in 2009 celebrated her 99th birthday.
Rich Kirkham of Pocatello has informed me that the George Kirkham Family organization is now on Face Book.
All these things have common ground beneath them: that we are a living family, not a chapter in history. We recognize those passages universal, celebrate ordinances of faith and life, mourn and celebrate, reach out and lift up each other daily.
Recently, Aunt Oleve Kirkham, widow of E Kay Kirkham on whose book the Kirkham reunion was based in 2009 celebrated her 99th birthday.
Rich Kirkham of Pocatello has informed me that the George Kirkham Family organization is now on Face Book.
All these things have common ground beneath them: that we are a living family, not a chapter in history. We recognize those passages universal, celebrate ordinances of faith and life, mourn and celebrate, reach out and lift up each other daily.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
We lose one from among us
I have learned of the passing of Miriam Lenore McKeen Fa'atuai on the 2d of July 2012. Susan Nye passed this sad news on about her sister in a short note. Miriam was born Preston Idaho in 1936 and had lived in northern Utah for some time. I believe Miriam- Lee- is survived by one son and several siblings and nephews/nieces. I am not certain where her death occurred. I know that we hold her family near to us as they grieve.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Next Generations
James Arno- I understand he was mostly referred to as Arno, though my grandmother always called him Kirk- was sales rep for the Utah Farmer Magazine. He loved to sing and was associated with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as a singer as well as in their business department. After my grandparents retired to California he attended classes at a nearby college where he studied music, choral and sang in the school's choir. It was in Huntington Beach, California they were living when they passed away, JAK in 1975 and Gene in 1976. They are buried in the Lehi City Cemetery.
Their family, three sons were Jim with wife Joan Backman and seven children; Thad with wife Arlene Peterson and eight children and Kreg with wife Carolyn Thomsen and five children.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Recording A Family Story
My family moved a lot as I grew up and we did not have many of the archival type of photographs. For this reason pictures might not be included frequently. We did have an annual Christmas picture made. A document in itself for family history: who, where, when etc. I will use them as appropriate (I hope).
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Returning To An Idea
I have had the opportunity several times in recent weeks to visit with Aunt Oleve, Oleve Kittinger Kirkham. She is the wife of E Kay Kirkham who compiled the book George (Wm) Kirkham, His Ancestors and Descendents which I used as the foundation for the family reunion of 2009 celebrating the 150 year anneversary of this family's immigration into Utah. I have noted that Kay wrote in his introduction that perhaps subsequent generations would also have their record.
When the reunion was finished I wondered how to utilize the blog, as you can see I have not kept at it very well. I believe I am willing to try anew to use this as the means of making a record of the next generations. Kay's book gave the stories of three generations and named the fourth. I propose to identify the next three, beginning with the great-grandchildren of George and Mary Ann Astington Kirkham.
The eldest of this generation was Zelda Kate Kirkham, my grandfather's sister; there followed one hundred and ninetytwo others. Many, like Zelda did not have children. Some did not reach adulthood.
To carry a book with all the information I have on each of these Kirkham descendents would be hard labour. I will try to refresh my knowledge as I go along and where I know there is a record accessible I will include that instead of my own notes. I have tried to do that already.
Kay could not have compiled his book alone, and we are indebted to the cousins that provided information. I will not even try! Indeed I have such small personal knowledge of all of us- I have always relied on others: ward clerks, news reporters, census filers and you. Thank goodness for you all!
When the reunion was finished I wondered how to utilize the blog, as you can see I have not kept at it very well. I believe I am willing to try anew to use this as the means of making a record of the next generations. Kay's book gave the stories of three generations and named the fourth. I propose to identify the next three, beginning with the great-grandchildren of George and Mary Ann Astington Kirkham.
The eldest of this generation was Zelda Kate Kirkham, my grandfather's sister; there followed one hundred and ninetytwo others. Many, like Zelda did not have children. Some did not reach adulthood.
To carry a book with all the information I have on each of these Kirkham descendents would be hard labour. I will try to refresh my knowledge as I go along and where I know there is a record accessible I will include that instead of my own notes. I have tried to do that already.
Kay could not have compiled his book alone, and we are indebted to the cousins that provided information. I will not even try! Indeed I have such small personal knowledge of all of us- I have always relied on others: ward clerks, news reporters, census filers and you. Thank goodness for you all!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
We learn of these losses from our number: Dorothy May Kirkham, wife of Mark Mercer Kirkham passed away April 25 in Salt Lake City, they were married in 2002.
Mark has also lost his brother Norman Cree Kirkham, resident of the Seattle Washington area, who passed away 30 April. Norman is survived by wife Brigette, children Michael, Pia, Patrick, Claudia and Christopher. Predeceased by a daughter Vera.
In addition to Mark Mercer, he is also survived by Oscar Ned Kirkham, Jane Bassler and Kathryn Bird. I recall that Mark and Kathryn were in attendance at the 2009 reunion. These are the children of Oscar Ammon and Ida Murdock Kirkham. Three siblings have passed: Carol Jarvis, Grace Burbidge and Rock Murdock Kirkham.
We cannot reflect on these recent losses without sadness, neither can we say good by without gratitude and pride in the impact they have made in our individual and collective lives.
Mark has also lost his brother Norman Cree Kirkham, resident of the Seattle Washington area, who passed away 30 April. Norman is survived by wife Brigette, children Michael, Pia, Patrick, Claudia and Christopher. Predeceased by a daughter Vera.
In addition to Mark Mercer, he is also survived by Oscar Ned Kirkham, Jane Bassler and Kathryn Bird. I recall that Mark and Kathryn were in attendance at the 2009 reunion. These are the children of Oscar Ammon and Ida Murdock Kirkham. Three siblings have passed: Carol Jarvis, Grace Burbidge and Rock Murdock Kirkham.
We cannot reflect on these recent losses without sadness, neither can we say good by without gratitude and pride in the impact they have made in our individual and collective lives.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Changes and Losses
We learn of the loss of James Joseph ryser, Jr the husband of Elizabeth Kirkham in Salt Lake City on March 2, 2012. The obituary ran in the Deseret News Sunday March 4 page B9. Born November 10, 1918 the second of seven children of James J Ryser and Hilda Schanz, he married Elizabeth Kirkham on September 4, 1947 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were parents of four: Randall, Robyn, David and Rebecca, grandparents of 16 and great grandparents of 7. Online condolences can be made at http://www.larkinmortuary.com/
The world turns only forward. As we watch some pass we reach as others come forth as did Landon Kirkham in Ogden Utah February 9 to Joshua and Amy Kirkham, the fourth grandchild of Jeff and Sheila.
The world turns only forward. As we watch some pass we reach as others come forth as did Landon Kirkham in Ogden Utah February 9 to Joshua and Amy Kirkham, the fourth grandchild of Jeff and Sheila.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Note Reviewing Recent Posts
My mother Joan Backman Kirkham passed away July 14, 2011. She had eleven months of resisting and fighting pancreatic cancer. In the end it was clear that even if she would have beaten the disease the toll would have been the woman and the life we had known.
Married to dad, Jim Kirkham February 27, 1948 in Salat Lake City by his grandfather James Mercer Kirkham in the living room of her parents Ralph and Grrace Backman mom went on to have seven children. She made an impression on so many more as Cub Scout Den Mother, 4-H leader, Elementry School Librarian and volunteer for sight through her association with University Women associations.
I did not realize how long I have not kept this site updated. Another loss was my older brother Rex Kirkham in Albuquerque New Mexico on February 9, 2011. He leaves wife Georgia Otero Kirkham of Velencia County and Daughters Jennifer and Janel as well as five grandchildren.
I shall try to maintain a watchful eye on our changes and other events, though often I rely heavily on Salt Lake City papers I hope to catch up on others. Please do include me in your life changes, as this family's story does indeed continue to flourish today from the roots it established here more than 150 years ago.
Married to dad, Jim Kirkham February 27, 1948 in Salat Lake City by his grandfather James Mercer Kirkham in the living room of her parents Ralph and Grrace Backman mom went on to have seven children. She made an impression on so many more as Cub Scout Den Mother, 4-H leader, Elementry School Librarian and volunteer for sight through her association with University Women associations.
I did not realize how long I have not kept this site updated. Another loss was my older brother Rex Kirkham in Albuquerque New Mexico on February 9, 2011. He leaves wife Georgia Otero Kirkham of Velencia County and Daughters Jennifer and Janel as well as five grandchildren.
I shall try to maintain a watchful eye on our changes and other events, though often I rely heavily on Salt Lake City papers I hope to catch up on others. Please do include me in your life changes, as this family's story does indeed continue to flourish today from the roots it established here more than 150 years ago.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
We have lost one of our number
Rich Kirkham contacts us from Pocatello, Idaho with the news of his father's death on February 8, 2012 at age 87. We have Rich's generosity in the pictures from the 2009 Reunion.
Active in business and civic activities in Pocatello, Dale Bruce Kirkham was a veteran of WWII and provides a great account of his service on his web-site:
www.dalekirkham.com
or:
www.lci222.com
Rich and his siblings Kirk and Karol, their 10 children and 13 grandchildren mourn this loss even while honoring the heritage their father embodied.
Active in business and civic activities in Pocatello, Dale Bruce Kirkham was a veteran of WWII and provides a great account of his service on his web-site:
www.dalekirkham.com
or:
www.lci222.com
Rich and his siblings Kirk and Karol, their 10 children and 13 grandchildren mourn this loss even while honoring the heritage their father embodied.
Monday, November 8, 2010
We Say Good-by to These
Ora Hall Kirkham, wife of Milo E Kirkham, died in Farmington; Jan Kirkham Duncan, daughter of Jim and Joan Kirkham, died while hiking with husband Howard near Big Timber, Montana; Brent G Laws, son of Melba Kirkham and Kenneth Laws, died Huntsville, Utah.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Celebration in Lehi: Hard Work Done Well!
It appeared that all seats were sat in. I wondered if there were any SUP members who were not Kirkhams attending. Connie organized the program regarding the Kirkham Family with obvious effort and time put in. Thank you, Connie and also thanks to your troops. Connie's sister Margie lead the musical program with both her voice and her talent for music. The William Kirkham family comprised most of the chorus- and they showed their love for the tunes, the purpose of the evening and the family they represent.
I met Kirkhams I had not before, happily saw some I met first in September last and got to visit with important near Kirkhams that I just don't get to see often enough. And I missed some very special Kirkham kin that I am certain shored us up with their spirits.
I was delighted to learn of a site I think we will all enjoy. When I opened it up I was immediately embarrassed by my humble efforts (which is wholly unnecessary, I know, and the feeling passed as I was again filled with pride for the family we are, where we came from and where we are going). Give yourself the gift of seeing this blog: www.lottsarahwrigleykirkham.blogspot.com
And keep in touch.
I met Kirkhams I had not before, happily saw some I met first in September last and got to visit with important near Kirkhams that I just don't get to see often enough. And I missed some very special Kirkham kin that I am certain shored us up with their spirits.
I was delighted to learn of a site I think we will all enjoy. When I opened it up I was immediately embarrassed by my humble efforts (which is wholly unnecessary, I know, and the feeling passed as I was again filled with pride for the family we are, where we came from and where we are going). Give yourself the gift of seeing this blog: www.lottsarahwrigleykirkham.blogspot.com
And keep in touch.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Community Celebration in Lehi
That celebration that we have always thought an idea worth pursuing has come to fruition with the apt enthusiasm of Connie Kirkham Nielsen and the brigade she has mustered.
Sons of Utah Pioneers is fundraising to be able to place historical plaques at remaining sites of the original Kirkham family. Connie would like us all to feel the sense of pride she does and to come help accomplish this goal. It will be a celebration bearing Kirkham hallmarks of song, music and patriotism. Contact information is listed below in previous blogs.
Sons of Utah Pioneers is fundraising to be able to place historical plaques at remaining sites of the original Kirkham family. Connie would like us all to feel the sense of pride she does and to come help accomplish this goal. It will be a celebration bearing Kirkham hallmarks of song, music and patriotism. Contact information is listed below in previous blogs.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Passages and Advances
We release with love Emerson Dale Kirkham and Joy Marsh Kirkham.
Joy, wife of Hugh P. Kirkham passed away in Price, Utah May 17, 2010. She leaves also six children, 21 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Her obit was carried in the Sun Advocate www.sunad.com Hugh and Joy's family were under the second pavilion at the reunion in Lehi. Perhaps you tasted the home brew root beer they had. Hugh is a grandson of James Mercer and Kate Woodhouse Kirkham and it was through 'cousin' parties I got to know my dad's and grandfather's Kirkhams. Hugh's father Elbert Charles and my grandfather James Arno were brothers.
Dale was represented at the reunion by his son and daughter-in-law Richard and Joyce Kirkham. A son of Hyrum Kirkham and Mabel Lenora Woolf, his Kirkham grandparents were George and Mary Russon.
Dale was one of the fourthers I have been grateful to get to know. When I visited his room on Thursday he was shedding this world where he has been loved deeply and slipping into his rest with those he loved deeply and has missed so keenly.
I try to keep aware of the many changes a family as ours experiences. We have the fortune of watching our children walk aisles of graduation ceremonies, and aisles of marriage ceremonies; not all events make it into news releases and I am not on everybody's guest list (which is not a hint) so I know there are passages and advances that I rely on others to inform. Rock J Kirkham has done just that this past week.
Rock and his brothers were before us in September to talk about Ann Jeatt Kirkham. They have been diligent in their search for more information on this ancestor, the mother of George (Wm) Kirkham.
Rock sent me an image copy of a 'family pedigree with details' page from the LDS Church New Family Search program showing Ann Jeatt with parents William and Mary, paternal grandparents, maternal grandmother and her parents. Additional generations are indicated.
This online resource is currently restricted to members of that church with membership number required to access it. I do not have such a number. I look forward to hearing more on this research and am glad to relay it. Rock tells me that the submitter is one Mike Kirkham whose research he has seen before. I send him my deep - and excited- appreciation for his research and sharing. I have also sent Rock my thanks.
Share your history. This was the thesis of a talk I heard a while back when I sat in on a Sacrament meeting at the Veterans' Nursing Home Branch. Sharing is our history, isn't it.
Joy, wife of Hugh P. Kirkham passed away in Price, Utah May 17, 2010. She leaves also six children, 21 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Her obit was carried in the Sun Advocate www.sunad.com Hugh and Joy's family were under the second pavilion at the reunion in Lehi. Perhaps you tasted the home brew root beer they had. Hugh is a grandson of James Mercer and Kate Woodhouse Kirkham and it was through 'cousin' parties I got to know my dad's and grandfather's Kirkhams. Hugh's father Elbert Charles and my grandfather James Arno were brothers.
Dale was represented at the reunion by his son and daughter-in-law Richard and Joyce Kirkham. A son of Hyrum Kirkham and Mabel Lenora Woolf, his Kirkham grandparents were George and Mary Russon.
Dale was one of the fourthers I have been grateful to get to know. When I visited his room on Thursday he was shedding this world where he has been loved deeply and slipping into his rest with those he loved deeply and has missed so keenly.
I try to keep aware of the many changes a family as ours experiences. We have the fortune of watching our children walk aisles of graduation ceremonies, and aisles of marriage ceremonies; not all events make it into news releases and I am not on everybody's guest list (which is not a hint) so I know there are passages and advances that I rely on others to inform. Rock J Kirkham has done just that this past week.
Rock and his brothers were before us in September to talk about Ann Jeatt Kirkham. They have been diligent in their search for more information on this ancestor, the mother of George (Wm) Kirkham.
Rock sent me an image copy of a 'family pedigree with details' page from the LDS Church New Family Search program showing Ann Jeatt with parents William and Mary, paternal grandparents, maternal grandmother and her parents. Additional generations are indicated.
This online resource is currently restricted to members of that church with membership number required to access it. I do not have such a number. I look forward to hearing more on this research and am glad to relay it. Rock tells me that the submitter is one Mike Kirkham whose research he has seen before. I send him my deep - and excited- appreciation for his research and sharing. I have also sent Rock my thanks.
Share your history. This was the thesis of a talk I heard a while back when I sat in on a Sacrament meeting at the Veterans' Nursing Home Branch. Sharing is our history, isn't it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sons of Utah Pioneers Honor Our Kirkhams
Connie Kirkham Nielsen sends updated information on the honor the Lehi SUP is showing the families of George and Mary Ann Kirkham:
"Announcing 2010 Lehi Sons of the Utah Pioneers Annual Fundraiser Event, Monday July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Event will be held at Mellor Hidden Meadows, 877 N. 100 East, Lehi.
"This year we will focus on Mary Ann Astington and George Kirkham, their four sons and all living Kirkham descendants.
"Announcing 2010 Lehi Sons of the Utah Pioneers Annual Fundraiser Event, Monday July 19 at 6:30 p.m. Event will be held at Mellor Hidden Meadows, 877 N. 100 East, Lehi.
"This year we will focus on Mary Ann Astington and George Kirkham, their four sons and all living Kirkham descendants.
- We will be placing historical plaques on selected still-standing buildings in historic pioneer Lehi.
- The final decision on concepts on the plaques will be determined by the SUP Board.
"Significant contributions to Lehi from the Kirkham history:
- Mary Ann Astington had many spiritual experiences in England including dreams, visions, and speaking in tongues; George was told by 18 medical specialists in England that he was on his death bed and would die. Charles W Penrose administered to him and he lived to settle in Lehi.
- Mary Ann was blessed with the talent for music, which she said was a gift from God.
- All four of the boys were gifted in music. In Lehi the four performed together 4 to 5 times a week, from Tremonton to St George. George played seventeen instruments. For years they provided musical entertainment in the first Recreation Hall in Lehi.
- The Kirkhams have always been involved in the media and writing history. George wrote an 800 page journal covering 69 years. He witnessed the stage coach massacre west of Lehi.
- George was a master carpenter and his hand work can be seen on dozens of pioneer homes in Lehi.
"This year we will limit the fundraiser to 240 ticket holders. Tickets will cost $20.00 per person. Individual tables will be reserved for ten people, costing $200.00 per table. Reservations will sell fast. Call Carl at 801-768-8665. "
Connie adds that additional donations will be accepted. Contact Connie for more specifics. Her phone is 801-768-9624. She says a lovely meal will be served and as well as the program honoring the Kirkham Family. Our appreciation to Connie for letting us know about this special event.
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