Ada Florence Kinton facts for kids

Ada Florence Kinton (born April 1, 1859 – died May 27, 1905) was an artist, teacher, and newspaper editor who was born in England and later became a Canadian citizen. She was also an officer in The Salvation Army.

Early Life and Education

Ada Florence Kinton was born in Battersea, London, England, on April 1, 1859. Her father, John Louis Kinton, was a college teacher, and her mother was Sarah Curtis Mackie. Her family followed the Methodist faith.

After finishing high school, Ada went to art school. She earned a special certificate that showed she was a master in art. She taught art at a girls' boarding school in England. Later, she continued her own studies at the South Kensington School of Art.

Joining The Salvation Army

In 1883, Ada met General William Booth, who started a group called The Salvation Army. This meeting was a big moment in her life.

In 1886, Ada moved to Canada. She taught art in cities like Kingston and then Toronto. In 1889, Ada decided to join The Salvation Army in Toronto.

She worked in different places run by The Salvation Army. These included homes for children and places that helped women. In 1891, she became a captain in The Salvation Army.

Editor and Illustrator

In 1892, Ada became an associate editor for the Canadian version of The War Cry newspaper. This newspaper was published by The Salvation Army. Ada wrote articles for the paper and also drew pictures to go with them.

In 1893, Herbert Booth, the new leader of The Salvation Army in Canada, asked Ada to be a private secretary for his wife. Her duties also included looking after the Booth children.

Later Life and Legacy

While traveling with the Booth family in Australia, Ada became sick with tuberculosis. She rested with her sister in Huntsville, Canada. After feeling better, she continued to travel with the Booths in the United States.

However, she became sick again in 1903 and returned to Huntsville. Ada Florence Kinton passed away in Huntsville in 1905, at the age of 46.

In 1907, a book about her life was published. It was called Just One Blue Bonnet: the Life Story of Ada Florence Kinton, artist and salvationist. Her sister, Sara Amelia (Kinton) Randleson, helped edit the book.