Lehi, Utah — The Kirton family’s story is one of strength, sacrifice, and perseverance, spanning across generations and touching lives far beyond their hometown of Coalville, Utah. From the devastating tragedy of the Scofield Mine Disaster to the creative spirit brought by an international artist, the Kirton family has built a rich legacy that continues to inspire today.
A Legacy Shaped by Loss: The Scofield Mine Disaster
The roots of the Kirton family’s legacy were established in the early 1900s, when John Kirton was tragically killed in the Scofield Mine Disaster on May 1, 1900. While the family lived in Coalville, Utah, the disaster struck close to home, leaving an indelible mark on their history.
John Kirton had walked into the mine moments before it exploded, an act of bravery that would lead to his untimely death, alongside nearly 200 other miners. The disaster deeply affected the Kirton family, particularly Joe Kirton, who, as a young boy, was suddenly thrust into the role of man of the house. Joe’s early years were marked by sacrifice, as he worked tirelessly to support his Mother, El. J. Mason Kirton, and siblings, ensuring that the family could continue despite the overwhelming loss of their Patriarch.
The Meeting of Two Worlds: Joe Kirton and Adriana Rynhart
While the tragic loss of John Kirton shaped the course of the family’s early years, another defining chapter began when Joe Kirton met Adriana Rynhart (who would later be known as Audrey in Salt Lake City). Adriana, a talented Artist from the Netherlands, had traveled across Canada in the early 1900s, spreading her passion for art and capturing the beauty of the world around her.
Her journey brought her to Salt Lake City, where she adopted the name Audrey and soon crossed paths with Joe, a man forged by the fires of hardship and determination. Their meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Kirton family. Together, they raised a family of five children: Joe Jr., John (born June 26th, 1930), Richard, and two daughters, Audrey and Peggy.
Audriana’s artistic spirit blended with Joe’s resilience, creating a home where both creativity and hard work were valued. The Kirton family grew strong, with each child carrying the legacy of their parents into their own futures.
John Kirton: A Legacy of Hard Work and Creativity
John Kirton, born on June 26th, 1930, was the second-born son of Joe and Adriana. Growing up in a household where both the practical and the artistic were equally celebrated, John inherited his father’s resilience and his mother’s creativity. He became a man who not only carried forward the Kirton name but also added his own contributions to the family’s legacy.
As a Father and Grandfather, John’s influence extended beyond his own children. His Eternal Daughter of Zion, Shimmer, an accomplished Artist, would later give voice to the stories of the Kirton family, ensuring that their history would be shared with future Generations. Through Shimmer’s work, the Legacy of John Kirton and his Ancestors would continue to be told, inspiring new Generations to appreciate the strength and creativity that defined the Kirton name.
A Legacy Beyond the Family: The Kirton Impact
The Kirton family’s impact reaches far beyond their immediate circle. From the bravery of John Kirton, whose sacrifice in the Scofield Mine Disaster marked a pivotal moment in the family’s history, to the creativity of Audriana (Audrey) Rynhart and the continued artistic legacy passed down by her descendants, the Kirtons have shaped the communities they’ve been part of, leaving an enduring mark on the world around them.
Today, the story of the Kirton Family continues to be one of love, resilience, and artistic expression, passing from generation to generation. As the family reflects on their past, they honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before them, while looking forward to a future full of continued growth and contribution.
For generations to come, the Kirton name will remain synonymous with strength, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to family.
Leave a Reply