Histories

L. M. FINCH, hotel-keeper, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Indiana, June 25, 1836. In 1866 he moved to Illinois, and came from there to Kansas in June, 1867. He located first at Baxter Springs and engaged in the hotel and real estate business for three years, when he went to Chautauqua County and engaged in farming and stock-raising; and came to Sedgwick and located here in October, 1881. He bought this hotel and also a farm in Illinois Township, Sedgwick county of 320 acres, 260 in cultivation, with dwelling of four rooms, barn and stable combined 16 x 40, double corn crib. Is engaged in addition to hotel in farming and dealing and shipping stock. Raised in 1882, 4,000 bushels wheat and 2,000 bushels corn, has also 125 head of stock on the range.

He was married June 1, 1857, to Miss M. E. Study, a native of Indiana; they have four children -- Francena, Mary J., Ozro and Harry. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.

He has taken quite an active part in educational matters, being a member of the School Board in different localities for a period of twelve years.