FINCH, Ambrose M.

FINCH, PHILIPS, COOK, ELLIS, FOWLER

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 12/30/2001 at 07:47:55

PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF CLINTON COUNTY, IOWA 1886 (CHAPMAN BROS.)
Containing full page portraits & biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county.  (Also available on FHL film 1036331 Item 9)

(P. 392-393) AMBROSE M. FINCH. A large number of the fine farms in Clinton County are owned by gentlemen who, commencing life with but little means, by energy and perseverance overcame all obstacles they encountered until they at last succeeded in securing fine homes for themselves and families. A great many of the farms are owned by men who came here at an early day, settled on a wild, uncultivated prairie, and stuck to their places, engaged in their cultivation and improvement, until the natural development of the country has enhanced their property to such an extent that to-day they are the possessors of a handsome competency. Among the class of citizens referred to is Ambrose M. Finch, who came here in 1845, and since that time, with the exception of four years, has been closely connected with the agricultural development of the county. He is at present residing on his fine farm of 160 acres on section 13, Deep Creek Township, and is there engaged in his chosen vocation.
Ambrose Finch was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, March 28, 1817. His father, James Finch, was a farmer by calling and a native of York State. He was reared on the banks of Lake Champlain, and there developed into manhood. On attaining his majority he moved to Pennsylvania, and was there united in marriage with Sarah Philips, a native of that State and of German ancestry. Some years after their marriage they moved to Ontario County, and from there to Ontario, Canada, where they lived for a number of years, and then returned to Pennsylvania. Later, the parents and a part of their children moved to Whiteside County, Ill., arriving there in 1843, and settling near New Geneseo. In 1844 they came to this county and took up their residence in Lyons, where, the following year, the mother died. Some time afterward the father settled on a farm in Minnesota, whence he came to Lyons on a visit, and while there sickened and died. He and his wife were active members in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was an Old-Line Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks and voted with it until his demise.
Three years after our subject’s parents left Pennsylvania, he came to this State and, locating at Lyons, engaged to work at the carpenter’s trade. March 22, 1852, in company with about twenty other citizens of this county, led by one George Hollis, they set out with ox-teams and crossed the plains to California, the wife and daughter of Mr. Hollis accompanying the crew. The tedious trip was made in safety and they arrived at Placerville, then Hangtown, where gold was first discovered in that State, in 1849. At the latter place they all set out by themselves, and Mr. Finch, in Company with Capt. Cox, formed a partnership and in conducting their business met with moderate success for about eighteen months. Later, our subject became clerk in a mercantile establishment and continued the same for some two years, and in the meantime had become theowner of some very rich hill diggings, which at that time he did not know the real value of, and sold it for a small amount, afterward learning it was very rich and the parties to whom he sold made millions out of it. Disposing of all his interests in the mining business, he returned to this county, and in 1857 purchased his present fine farm of 160 acres. It was at that time an unbroken tract of wild land, and he located upon it with the determination of making it a future abiding-place for himself and family, and since then has been actively engaged in its improvement and cultivation.About a year after his return from California, Oct. 14, 1854, our subject was unite in marriage with Miss Mary P., daughter of B. T. and Matilda (Ellis) Cook. Her mother is deceased, and her father is residing on his fine farm on section 2, Deep Creek Township. Mrs. Finch was born in Lake County, Ill., Dec. 9, 1840. She was twelve years of age when her parents brought her to this county, and lived at home until her marriage. Her parents’ family consisted of nine children, five daughters and four sons, one of the former and two of the latter being deceased. Mrs. Finch was third in order of birth and the eldest daughter now living. Of her union with Mr. F. four children have been born: Benjamin F. married Miss Mary Fowler and they are living in Deep Creek Township, where he follows the vocation of farmer; Emma J. is meeting with success in performance of her duties as a teacher of music; Hattie T. and Charles W. are both residing at home, having received good educatons. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Finch moved on the land he had purchased, and by economy and hard labor have succeeded in accumulating a handsome competency and are enjoying life, as well they may, on their fine farm. The family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.Our subject has held the office of Trustee for some years and has served in the capacity of Assessor, Justice of the Peace, and other minor offices, and is one of the respected citizens of Clinton County. In politics he votes with the Republican party.