Etc. -- James Finch's 1903 obituary
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An unedited transcription of a page 1 article in 5 Feb 1903 Simcoe Reformer. 
[All but one paragraph breaks inserted by the transcriber.]

The Late James Finch

In the death of James Finch, which occurred on Jan. 29th, at the residence of Mr. R. Johnson, his son-in-law, wither he was removed a few weeks ago, there passed away another of those land marks which remind us of the past, and who form the links between history that is made, and that which is in course of construction.

Deceased belonged in a family honorable alike for its loyalty, service and integrity. 

A John Finch, way back in 1626, during Charles I's time, was a speaker in the House of Commons, and it is said that when he was about to obey the orders of his King in announcing the dissolution of the unmanageable parliament, two of the members laid hands on him, threw him back into his chair and held him there while the House proceeded with the business at hand.

One of the family off shoots of this John Finch came to Canada in the person of Titus Finch as a British soldier and fought for King George III in the War of Independence. Settling first in Halifax in 1794, this "old soldier preacher"" came to Long Point and settled on land near Vittoria. Here, with four brothers and three sisters, Jas. Finch was born.

Ultimately he married Sarah Ann, daughter of Elder Olney, who survives him, along with two daughters, Mrs. R. Johnson and Mrs. Palmerton.

Born in 1821, he was 82 years of age, and has always displayed wonderful tenacity both in body and mind. In 1857 he joined the Forestville Baptist Church, though for some years before he had been a devoted Christian.

Moving to Simcoe in 1874, he united with the Baptist church here, and has always held tenaciously to the principles of the Baptist church.

Since it is what men are, not what they leave, that makes a nation, James Finch added his part to the up-building of our Country, but better still, he was an honored member of that Kingdom of God whose citizens are from all ranks, and whose title to the Divine inheritance is derived from Jesus Christ.

A brief funeral service was held at the home of Mr. R. Johnson, on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31st. when the Rev. Dr. Fothergill officiated, and gave a brief address, and also announced that a memorial service will be held in the Baptist church on Sunday morning, Feb. 15.

 
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