James Finn (died 1953)

FINN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/27/2022 at 07:25:04

19 October 1953 - The Anamosa Journal

ROCK ISLAND, ILL. - Death of a former Anamosa man at Rock Island is being investigated for the possibility of murder.

James Edward Finn, 70, Marion, who lived in Jones county until about 12 years ago, was found dead in the Mississippi river here Monday, Oct. 12. Recommending a thorough investigation, a coroner's jury determined the death was "by drowning in a manner unknown."

"Evidence indicated there was presumably foul play as the man supposedly was carrying a large sum of money when last seen," the verdict read.

A Marion cab driver reportedly took Finn to Rock Island Saturday, Oct. 3. No marks were found on the body. Two empty whiskey bottles were found in his pockets and a blood test showed he had been drinking.

Finn's body had been in the water about 10 days, according to the coroner.

Services were held at Thursday, Oct. 15 in St. Joseph's Catholic church will burial at Cedar Rapids. Finn was born in Jones county and lived there for 58 years before moving to Marion. He was unmarried, made his home with a cousin and worked as a farm hand.