Notes
Note for: Anna Hay, - Index
Sister of Sir James Hay
Notes
Note for: George Wattles Finlay, 13 FEB 1841 - 3 AUG 1920 Index
Occupation:
Place: Banking, Insurance
Burial:
Date: 7 AUG 1920
Place: Mt. Hope Cemetery
Note:
Civil War Lieutenant, 55th Michigan Infantry, Company H.
Lived in Battle Creek for 7 years, then lived in Independence, KS
From Independence Daily Reporter, August 5, 1920:
Geo. W. Finlay Died Last Night
He Passed Away at West Side Hospital at 8:30.
A PIONEER AND A SOLDIER
The Deceased Was Identified With the Business Affairs of This City Since
1874.
George W. Finlay, pioneer, veteran insurance man and old soldier, passed
away last night at the West Side Hospital at 8:30 o'clock. His death was
not unexpected and his faithful wife and Mrs. Finlay's niece, Mrs. A. H.
Palmer, of Marquette, Michigan, were at his side when the end came.
Active Business Career.
Notwithstanding that he had lived several years beyond the allotted time
of
man up to about a year ago he was an active man and a familiar figure on
the streets of this city every day as he moved about on business errands
with a step that in a large degree still retained the elasticity of
youth.
Never a strong man physically yet it was remarkable how easily he carried
the years even up to four months ago when he was taken ill. Since then he
has been confined to his home for the larger part of the time but when his
condition took a more serious turn a week ago he was removed to the
hospital.
Born in Michigan.
Mr. Finlay was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, February 13, 1841, and spent
his boyhood days in his native state. When 20 years of age he answered
the
call of his country when it was threatened with disunion and served as
first lieutenant of the 25th Michigan division for three years. After
returning from the war he was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Norris,
June 4, 1965. The first years of their married life they lived at
Kalmazoo; but in 1874 they heard the call of the prairies, and came to
Independence where they have resided ever since. When first coming to
this
city Mr. Finlay was bookkeeper for the Hull's banking company, the first
bank to be established in this city and the predecessor of the Citizens
National Bank. He remained with this bank for a number of years, and on
his retirement engaged in the insurance business. About four years ago on
account of advancing years he sold his insurance business but it was not
until just before his last serious illness that he permanently retired as
he was a solicitor for Young insurance company following the sale of his
business. He was an active member of the G.A.R., the Masonic Lodge, the
Eastern Star, A.O.U.W., Degree of Honor and the I.O.O.F.
An Early Attractive Home
Mr. and Mrs. Finlay established one of the early influential and
attractive
homes in this city, where for years a fine hospitality was extended. It
was one of the popular homes of the city which radiated good cheer and
good
fellowship and which exerted a refining influence that was felt and
appreciated in the social and civic life of this city. Their home then
occupied the sightly lots on which now stand the handsome residence of
Fred
Truby and O. W. Compton. People who came here in the early eighties will
recall the attractive yard and splendid blue grass lawn that surrounded
their home. It was the pride of Mr. Finlay. A blue grass lawn was a rare
thing in those days. They occupied this home until the early days of the
oil boom when they were offered what then seemed a very fancy price for
the
property, and sold it, later purchasing the home on Main Street which Mrs.
Finlay still occupies.
Celebrated Golden Wedding.
At the latter home Mr. and Mrs. Finlay celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary five years ago. They were constant companions for more than a
half century and the separation by death now comes with keen sorrow to the
surviving helpmate. Mr. Finlay was the last member of his family although
he is survived, besides his wife, by several nephews and nieces.
The death of Mr. Finlay will come as a personal loss to a large circle of
friends, especially those men and women who have known him all the years
of
his active business life in this city. He was a high class gentleman,
courteous and pleasant in his associations with others, and thoughtful and
considerate of all his neighbors and acquaintances. He always took a
lively interest in the affairs of this city and he and his wife
contributed
largely toward blazing the way for the prospersous city now here, and
which
they selected as their permanent home when it was but a frontier hamlet.
The funeral will take place from the family residence, 324 West Main
Street, Friday morning at 10 o'clock.
Civil War Records:
George W Finlay Claimed Residence in Oshtemo
Enlist Date Enlist Place Enlist Rank Enlist Age
06 August 1862 Kalamazoo, MI 1st Lieut 20
Promoted to Full Sergt Major on 28 April 1863
Promoted to Full 2nd Lieut on 17 June 1863 (As of Co. I)
Promoted to Full Adjutant on 19 August 1863
Promoted to Full 1st Lieut on 31 December 1864 (As of Co. C)
Served Michigan Commission C Co. 30th Inf Reg. MI
Mustered Out at Jackson, MI on 17 June 1865(Commanding Co. 03/07/65.)
Source: Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers 1861-65
Abbreviation: MIRoster
Published by on 1903
Surname Given Name Middle Initial Company Unit Rank -
Induction Rank - Discharge Notes Box # Extraction # Record #
Finlay George W. H 25 Michigan Infantry. 1 Sergeant
2 Lieutenant 30 Mich I. 000545 0014 00000797
Finlay George W. C 30 Michigan Infantry. 2
Lieutenant 1 Lieutenant 000545 0014 00000798