Burial: 3/9/1923

The Lehi Sun, Lehi, UT, Thursday, Mar 8, 1923, pg 1:

"George Kirkham --- Lehi lost another of her staunch pioneer citizens in the death of George Kirkham which occurred Tuesday morning at sixteen minutes past one a.m. Pneumonia and complications was the cause of his death from which he had suffered for a week. His condition became serious Sunday when his children were all sent for.

"George Kirkham was born in London, England, March 11, 1852. In the year 1859, with his parents, he came to Utah crossing the plains by ox team. The family located in Sugar House Ward, Salt Lake City, where they resided for about ten years. They then moved to Lehi which has been the home of George ever since.

"Mr. Kirkham followed the trade of builder during his entire life. He labored on the Salt Lake, Manti and St. George Temples during their construction and just last summer and fall was called to the Salt Lake temple to do remodeling work. He helped erect the Revere hotel in Salt Lake and built scores of houses in Lehi and vicinity. He was a great lover of music and art, reaching considerable fame in the early days in music. He accompanied the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 and on returning traveled south as far as St. George lecturing on the choir trip. He, with his three brothers, furnished dance music for this section of the country for thirty years. Only a few weeks ago the Kirkham orchestra, as they were known, was gotten together and played for two big dances here. In the art line he followed painting and, although he was never fortunate enough to be able to take lessons, he picked up a lot by study and practice and has a number of commendable paintings he has done. He gave James Harwood his first instructions in the art. Mr. Kirkham was also a member of one of the early theatrical stock companies of Salt Lake.

"As a church worker and believer in the Gospel there are few who can compare with this staunch, faithful member. His church and belief was first with him in every way. He fulfilled a mission to England in 1889 and has sent five of his children, four sons and one daughter, on missions. His youngest son, Raymond, is now laboring in Germany.

"On December 16, 1872, he married Mary Russon from which union ten children were born, three sons and seven daughters, eight of whom survive him. they are George E., Rachel, Eliza, Hyrum R., Annie A. Daisy B., Alvin W., and Ruby L. All are married but Alvin.

"On June 14, 1875, he married Sara Russon. From this union eleven children were born, eight sons and three daughters, eight still surviving. They are: William, Thomas F., Lott, Maude, Oliver G., LaVern, Denzil, and Raymond L. Of these children all are married but the last three. Besides sixteen children two wives, sixty-three grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren survive him.

"Funeral services will be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 p.m. in the High School Auditorium."