Finnie, John 1846-1914

FINNIE, CHAMBERS, WHITTINGTON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 11/8/2016 at 23:35:53

Source: Hawarden Independent (7-9-1914)

Born: January 17, 1846
Died: July 6, 1914

John Finnie, one of the pioneer homesteaders of Union County, South Dakota, died at his home a few miles north of this city Monday, July 6th, at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 2 days. He had been ailing for some time from pernicious anemia and his demise was not unexpected to those about him. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in this city yesterday afternoon and interment was made in Grace Hill Cemetery. There was a large attendance at the services.

John Finnie was born January 17, 1846, at Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. On March 4th, 1872, he was united in marriage to Harriet Chambers. The same spring they came to Union County and located on the homestead which has since been the family home. Nine children were born to them, three of who died in early childhood. In January 1896, he met with a great loss in the death of his wife. On October 30, 1900, he married Miss Sarah Whittington at Chatham, Ontario, who with his sons, Fred, William, Edward and Robert, and his daughters, Mrs. D.O. Miner and Mrs. Ralph Olson, survive him. He also leaves three brothers and three sisters.

Mr. Finnie was widely known throughout his home county in South Dakota as well in Sioux County as a public spirited man. He served from Union County in the South Dakota legislature during the session of 1911, but he was never a seeker after political preferment. For thirty-two years he has been prominent in the religious life of this community, having united with the Presbyterian Church of Calliope, July 29, 1882. When the Presbyterian Church of Union County which was a part of his parish, was organized near his home, he became a charter member and was made an elder and has served in that capacity for more than twenty years, being chosen an elder here after the disbanding of the Union County Church. He was a member of the Session at the time of his death. His death is a great loss to this community.