Finch, John N. 1861-1934

FINCH, DAMON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 11/4/2016 at 21:17:04

Source: Boyden Reporter (8-8-1934)

Born: February 19, 1861
Died: February 22, 1934

John Nelson Finch, the son of Isaac and Katherine Finch, was born at Spring Valley, Minnesota, on February 19, 1861 and died at his home near Spirit Lake, February 22, 1934, aged 73 years and 3 days. He was next to the youngest in a family of five children, only one, the youngest sister Mrs. W.T. Price of Sheridan, Wyoming, survives him. When he was two and a half years of age his mother passed away and his grandmother came to maintain the home and care for the children. When 14 years of age he came with his father and grandmother in a covered wagon from Spring Valley, Minnesota, to Boyden, Iowa. This continued to be his home for 28 years.

The community was shocked on Thursday morning when the news became prevalent, John Finch had suddenly passed away about 9:30 that morning. While it was known Mr. Finch was not well and for the past three weeks his condition was considered serious yet he was about his daily tasks.

Following breakfast he took a pail of water to his cow and as he did not return as quickly as it was thought he should his wife went to the barn and upon receiving no answer to her call she ran next door to her brother, Clyde Sharp, who hastened to the barn and upon opening the door found he had passed away a short time before.

He was married to Mrs. Nora Damon, April 13th, 1899 at Boyden, Iowa. Following his marriage they continued to reside at Boyden until the spring of 1903, when he moved with his wife and two step-daughters to Yorktown, Sask., Canada, where he took a homestead. They suffered many hardships and privations while pioneering in this new country and as towns came near and better days approached, because of ill health he was obliged to give up farming. Mr. Finch served his country in the Spanish-American and was enlisted at Sheldon, Iowa, and was a member of Co. M 4th Regt. He never saw active service but was stationed at Chickamauga until the close of the war.

Mr. Finch was a faithful attendant of the Methodist Church and a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. He was a good neighbor, a devoted husband and a loving father to his two step-daughters. He gave liberally for every good cause and was a friend to man.

He leaves to mourn his death his devoted wife, two step-daughters, Mrs. Euha Shylock of Kansas City, Missouri, and Mrs. Arthur Border of Glendale, California, three grand-daughters, two grand-sons,2 great-granddaughters, several nephews and nieces, and a host of friends. One brother and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church in Spirit Lake on Monday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. and in Boyden on Tuesday. Interment was made in the family lot at Boyden, with military honors.