Biography of Hiason Milton Finch

Hiason Milton Finch
Company A
1844-1934

Hiason Milton Finch was born in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio on September 3, 1884 to John Webber Finch and Esther Boatwright. He was the youngest of eight children born to this union. His siblings were Esther, Lockey, Morton, John H., Hezekiah, Mary Frances, and James Martin. He was known as "Hise" by his brother, Morton.

On October 19, 1861, when Hiason was only 17 years old, he entered into service with the Union Army for a term of one year. He joined Company A of the 60th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as Private. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry by the Confederates and was paroled. He mustered out with his Company on November 10, 1862. Like many soldiers, he re-enlisted. On April 23, 1864, he joined Company C the 11th Illinois Cavalry and was mustered out on September 30, 1865.

A few years later, he came to Iowa where he lived the remainder of his life as a farmer. He married Mary "Fannie" Garrett sometime before 1871. She was born January 16, 1852 to William Garrett. There were six children born to this union: Arthur, E. Stanton, Almira G., Eddy J., Jessie E., and Fannie May. Mary Garrett died December 4, 1879.

A little over ten months later, Hiason married his second wife, Mary Emily Carroll. They married on October 21, 1880 in Lucas County, Iowa. She was born March 9, 1854 near Belinda, Lucas County, Iowa to William E. Carroll and Love R. Meek. There where six children born to this union: Myrtle, Saidee C., Mary Anna, Clark E., Hiason Clinton, and James Garfield. Mary Emily died on February 12, 1894.

About one and one-half years later, Hiason married for the third time. He married Laura Alice Askren on September 26, 1895. Laura was born April 20, 1856 in Tipton, Tipton County, Indiana to David A. Askren and Martha Jane Rumsey. There were at least two children born to this union: Burnice Howard and Ernest Milton.

According to the obituary written by his son, B. H. Finch: "Hiason served in several offices of Public trust, being a member of the Lucas County Board of Supervisors at the time the present court house was erected. About 40 years ago (approx. 1894), he gave his heart to God and the principles of Christian religion have been his guide down through the years. He was a man of strong convictions regarding sin and righteousness and always took delight in contending for the right, as he saw it. He was a member of the Nazarene Church in Chariton. He took great delight in attending church services and was permitted to attend as late as 4 weeks ago (approx. Feb 1934). He had enjoyed hale health until about three weeks ago (approx. Feb 1934) when he was stricken with Brights disease, and fought a losing fight, until death relieved him of physical pain and weakness and he quietly slipped out to meet his saviour." Hiason Milton Finch died March 8, 1934 at 1:35 a.m. near Columbia, Marion County Iowa. His age at death was 89 years, 6 months, and 4 days. He is buried in Columbia Cemetery.

Those left to mourn are the wife, Mrs. Laura Finch, and eight children as follows: Walter A. Garrett of Denver, Colorado; W. A. Finch of Bendelman, Nebraska; C. E. Finch of Seattle, Washington; James G. Finch of New London, Connecticut; Myrtle Finch Lager of Chariton; M. Anna at home of Myrtle Lager of Chariton; Burnice H. Finch of New London, Iowa and Ernest M. Finch of Columbia." Hiason Clinton Finch, Saidee C. Finch, and Almira Finch preceded him in death. Hiason also had 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Laura Alice, Hiason's third wife, died on May 21, 1949 approximately 15 years after Hiason's death.

A special thanks to Janette Lager for contributing this information. Hiason Milton Finch was her husband's great great grandfather. Additional information that was incorporated into this biography was found posted on Rick Flander's site.