Philip John Finch

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Maureen Withey on 24th August 2021

DEATHS. FINCH.— On May 29th, at his residence, Richmond, after a long and painful illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude, Philip John Finch, aged 69 years, much respected by all who knew him. Empire, Sydney, 8 Sep 1866.

341

Maureen Withey on 24th August 2021

It is likely that this incident involved this Philip Finch. At the inquest held on Wednesday, on the body of Patrick Keelan, said to have been murdered at one of the notorious brothels in Elizabeth-street, it appeared that the deceased had been too drunk to fight, he fell, and his head, coming with great violence on the ground, caused apoplexy. The person accused of killing him was therefore discharged. CORONERS INQUEST.-The neighbourhood of Castlereagh-street, was excited on Tuesday morning, in consequence of an alarm that a man named Patrick Keelan, was murdered in one of the brothels on the race course, and a man named Philip Finch, a free journeyman baker, in the employ of Edward Burk of Castlereagh street, baker, was taken into custody on a charge of murder. An inquest was held on the body of the deceased, on Wednesday, at the sign of the " Queen Caroline." (Castlereagh-street, when the following particulars were elicited. Mr. Edward Wallace who lodges at the "Queen Caroline," stated that between seven and eight o’clock on Tuesday morning last, the prisoner Finch and the deceased went into the house together, and had something to drink; a man named Geddings, a carpenter was in their company; the prisoner and deceased were drunk. They quarrelled and deceased reproved the prisoner for having taken the liberty to propose a present of a bonnet. The prisoner struck the deceased with his head in a scuttle, but was prevented from further violence by Geddings, who pulled him out of the house; the nose of the deceased was then bleeding from an old wound, in consequence of the blow given by the prisoner. The prisoner came again into the house, and the fight was renewed; they were unable to strike from intoxication, but they closed and fell together, the head of deceased falling violently on the floor. Deceased said, “Oh! My poor head," or something to that effect. Deceased appeared insensible when lifted up, and in that state languished until ten o'clock, when he expired. Several witnesses gave evidence to the same effect. Mr Surgeon Hoskins certified that the death of the deceased had been caused by extravasation of blood on the brain, to the extent of four ounces, which might be caused by intoxication or excitement. The jury returned a verdict of Apoplexia - and the prisoner was discharged. Sydney Monitor, 30 Dec 1836.

341

Maureen Withey on 24th August 2021

On Monday last eight male convicts were removed from our gaol to the Hulks at Portsmouth, viz. James Smith, William Smith, John Smith, and Wm. Pale, to be transported for life; and Henry Felton, Philip John Finch, Wm. Fitch, and Wm. Payne for seven years. Bury and Norwich Post, 9 May 1827.

Philip was transported for stealing feathers from George Finch, a higgler. Philip was described on the muster roll as, 25, able to read and write, protestant and married with no children, 5' 3 1/4" tall, dark sallow complexion, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, small scars on his left eyebrow and over right brow, crucifix tattooed on his right arm and men, a flower-pot, an anchor and P John Finch on his lift. Philip was assigned to John Hely, a baker of Castlereagh Street. 3/10/1834: COF 1866: Died Richmond River and was buries in Lismore.