Born Hull 1884. Son of George Vinton (1863-1946) and Caroline Hargrave (1864-1937). Son of a coal trimmer at the Patrington and Manchester coal basins. His siblings, were George, Eva, Charles, Caroline, Emily and Selina. The family left Hull and moved to Cadishead, Lancashire, around 1901. He worked as a labourer at CWS Soap works, before joining he army

He served with the 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers, for several years and became a Reservist in the Territorials, Before war  began, he worked as a canal boat shunter. He married Edith Mary Beck (1885-1934), at Irlam, on 03/10/1908. They had two children, George and Edith. Resided at 2 Works Road Cadishead, Lancashire.

He was a well known Rugby player, who played three quarters, for Cadishead and Broughton Rangers. He was nicknamed "Sugar" for his high energy levels.

He enlisted at Manchester, when war began, re-joining the 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers. Arrived in France, with the British Expeditionary Force, on 13/08/1914.

He was killed in action, at Etreux, on 27/08/1914, aged 30. This was a famous rear-guard action, where the "Munsters", held up nine German Divisions for several hours. he was the first soldier to be killed from Cadishead, Lancashire.

He left widow, Edith Mary Beck and children.