The Colorado Springs Dental Society:

The members of the Colorado Springs Dental Society recall with increasing regret, the passing of our fellow member, Dr. W. K. Sinton on August 4, 1924.

It is not an easy task to fittingly write of our beloved, friend and mentor, for he occupied an enviable place, not only in our midst, but, also in our hearts.

We recall with pride that it was due to Dr. Sinton's love for his profession and his earnest desire for its advancement in this city, that made him the real spirit behind the organization of the first Dental Society of Colorado Springs; and also, that he served as the first President of that Society.

Dr. Sinton's professional interest and activities were not locally confined, however, for in 1897 he was honored by the State Dental Association by being elected President of that body. In addition, he served on many committees of the State Association, and as a member of the State Board of Dental Examiners. His interest in affairs pertaining to the profession was unswerving, and while no longer a young man, his attendance upon the meetings of the Society was faithful. Such was the example he set for others and his faithfulness with his tenderness, and during his later years his fatherliness together with his broad experience in the profession, became an inspiration for his colleagues. We realize, also, that he was not only deeply interested in his profession but earnest and active in all measures, whether, political, moral, or religious that tended for the uplift of humanity and the relief of the oppressed.

The members of the Colorado Springs Dental Society wish to extend their unstinted sympathy to you with the hope that the realization of life lived well, and a deep devotion to both his family and profession, may, in some slight way tend to assuage the grief we know is yours.

Oct. 3, 1924.

William Kelley Sinton died on August 4, 1924, six weeks after a surgical operation. He had not suffered - was indeed quite unconscious of any trouble until there was a slight hemorrhage from the bladder, Cystoscopic examination showed two "cauliflower" growths. These were removed, under spinal anesthesia, and he was apparently progressing well when a secondary hemorrhage necessitated a return to the operating table and reopening the wound. This of course prolonged his convalesence. There threatened some respiration difficulty, but it was overcome by the care and devotion of his physicians, and at the end of four weeks from the original operation he returned to his home, apparently well on the road to recovery. He walked down and up the stairs every day. On the twelfth day after his leaving the hospital, however, his kidneys ceased to function - the strain of the prolonged confinement was too great for them - and uremic poisoning ended his life four days later - just six weeks after the first operation.

Dr. Sinton was seventy years old on March 14, 1924, having been born in 1854, in Buffalo, New York. He came of a long lived stock on both sides, the Kelleys and Daggetts of Vermont on the maternal side and the Sinton-Greeves-O'Briens, Irish Quakers of his father's family. Through his whole life, the quiet, persistent worker for righteousness, his ancestry was reflected.

His education was gained in the public schools of Erie County, New York, and in New York City. He entered Cornell University when he was sixteen years old, but was unable to complete the last year of his course because his help was needed at home. When twenty years old he entered under the preceptorship of Dr. Franklin, a dentist of Ithaca, New York, to study dentistry in Dr. Franklin's office, this being the custom of the day before dental education was as thoroughly organized as now. Dr. Franklin was a widely known dentist and quite a local character in Ithaca. After five years of practice there he accompanied his younger, asthmatic brother west in search of a more favorable climate. An uncle, Harmon Kelley lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and their first stop was made there. Later the brother accompanied a cousin to Colorado Springs where the relief sought from asthma was found. Dr. Sinton stayed in Council Bluffs and formed a partnership with Dr. H. S. West, and practiced there five years. It was there that he met and married Nina Groom, and his first child, a daughter, was born.

Another brother came on to Colorado Springs and with the one already there founded a business which still continues. Later his sister and then the father and mother followed, and still later the family was again complete when Dr. Sinton decided to make his home in that place. Before settling down to practice again he decided to prepare himself in accordance with advanced methods and entered the Dental Department of Iowa University at Iowa City.; Here he was graduated as valedictorian of his class, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, in the spring of 1884.

His first dental work in Colorado Springs was done in the office of Dr. Edwards who was then the best recognized dentist in the region. Soon, however, he bought the office and practice of Dr. Meservey, also a well-known man and dentist. As Colorado Springs grew and more and more modern buildings were built, he made one change of office after another, always advancing to newer and better quarters. At the time of his death his office was located on the seventh floor of the Exchange National Bank Building in a suite both convenient and sightly, where he said he hoped to practice the remainder of his life.

Professionally he strove always to keep abreast with those at the front. His pride in his profession, as one that contributed to the well-being of mankind, made him welcome the decision of both his sons to follow him in it. He was early recognized in his professional organization by being elected to serve them and represent them both in his own state and outside. This, he always did with conscientious pride.

As a citizen he was known always as a champion of the common man, and a worker for progressive and forward-looking policies. Sometimes he suffered for his unswerving support of unpopular causes but he never hesitated to follow when he saw the light. After his death his family received many expressions of admiration from business and professional men of all grades, for this spirit so consistently manifested.

The wife of his early days died in 1884 leaving two children, Margaret - now, Mrs. A. M. Handke of Colorado Springs - and William Eugene - now Dr. W. E. Sinton in charge of the Dental Clinic at the U. S. Veterans' Hospital No. 72, at Helena, Montana. In 1885 he was married to Lulu Bell. Two children survive from this marriage - Bell, the widow of S. N. Willett of Woodbine, Iowa, and James Joseph - Dr. J. J. Sinton, practicing in Colorado Springs. His children are all married and parents, eight grandchildren were his pride and he was intensely interested in their future.

Always he said he hoped to "die in the harness." He had a horror of old age invalidhood. So those nearest him, who remain, are glad to know that at least that wish was granted - he never really knew defeat. They think of him always as.

"One who never turned his back, but marched breast forward,
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed though right were worsted, wrong would triumph,
Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better,
Sleep to wake."
(Part of Epilogue by Robert Browning)

And we take consolation from the fact that he shall thereupon
Take rest, 'ere he be gone