Tonopah in Nye County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
John G. Kirchen
Born - June 13, 1874 Lake Linden, Michigan
Died - March 4, 1931 San Francisco, California
This monument, constructed in 1931 was dedicated in memory of John G. Kirchen. Tonopah businessman and manager of The Tonopah Extension Mining Co. 1906-1931.
The Monument was built over the Denver Load, site of Mr. Kirchens last silver discovery on the 1,800 ft level of the Victor Shaft which is east of here.
John's ashes were scattered at this site on March 14, 1931. His wife Florence's ashes were also scattered here during 1935.
The monument was financed by the Tonopah Extension Mining Co. and constructed out of ore from various Tonopah Mines by Alfred Guintini and the Lambertucci Brothers, Tonopah businessmen.
Erected 1931 by Tonopah Extension Mining Co. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1986.
Location. 38° 3.004′ N, 117° 12.936′ W. Marker is in Tonopah, Nevada, in Nye County. Marker is on U.S. 95, one mile north of US 6 (U.S. 95) when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tonopah NV 89049, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies . County Court House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Tonopah (approx. 1.4 miles away); Silver Top Mine (approx. 1.4 miles away); A Miner's Life (approx. 1.4 miles away); Belmont Mine Fire Mural (approx. 1˝ miles away); "Big" Bill Murphy (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Tonopah Mining Boom (approx. 1˝ miles away); Mine To Market (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tonopah.
More about this marker. Once you know the location, this large stone construction is easy to see.
The marker is best accessed from the east side of U.S. 95 where there is more room to pull out. Once you get across the road, there is a faint track down to the monument.
Regarding John G. Kirchen. Mr. Kirchen was an interesting man. A little digging led to several links of his technical publication, patent for metal extraction from carbonate ores.
Also see . . .
1. Who's Who in Nevada, about 1909. Mr. Kirchen's Who's Who submission from Ancestry dot com. (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona.)
2. John George Kirchen's "Find-A-Grave" Posting. (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona.)
3. Nevada First National Bank of Tonopah. Kirchen was one of the founders of this bank. As the web page says: "The Nevada First National Bank of Tonopah holds distinction as being the first bank chartered in 20th century in Nevada that was mainly focused on mining interests. However, unlike other mining towns, Tonopah established railroads and infrastructure so when other mines faded away Tonopah stuck around." (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. This page has been viewed 678 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. 4. submitted on September 8, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 25, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.