Finch Hannah
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Hannah Finch was the daughter of Gawler Undertaker John Finch and the sister of Gawler Councillors Joshua and Stephen Finch.
From The Bunyip:
The Late Miss Hannah Finch.—On Saturday night last Miss Hannah Finch passed away somewhat suddenly at her residence, Gawler South.
Miss Finch had lived in this neighbourhood for nearly 56 years, and was highly esteemed for her intelligence and lady-like qualities. She was a daughter of the late Mr. John Finch, who was for many years Gawler's principal undertaker, and who arrived in the State in December, 1849, and came, with his family, to this town a few weeks later. Miss Finch early developed a talent and liking for school work, and she was a teacher in the old school kept by Mrs. Murphy in Schiebner-terrace and which was burnt down. She started a school on her own account in the Congregational schoolroom in January, 1865, and obtained the Government grant in October of the same year. She continued there till December, 1870, when the room being too small she removed to the Methodist Lecture Hall, which place she occupied till December, 1877.
When the school had closed in Todd-street it had reached the number of 150 on the roll. The late Mr. L. S. Barton during a long period had a large boys' school. These schools being closed on account of alteration in the Government system were merged into the present public school, the late Mr. Burton being appointed head master, and Miss Finch taking the position of first assistant, where she remained till July, when she applied for the Roseworthy, which she conducted for 19½ years. Conscientious' and skilful as a teacher and sympathetic and kind hearted as a woman she won for herself the affection of her scholars and the respect of their parents. About five years ago unsatisfactory health compelled Miss Finch's retirement from the Education Department, and she had since then lived at Gawler South. The deceased lady was a great reader, and could discuss intelligently on many subjects out of the ordinary range of conversation. Messrs. Joshua and Stephen Finch, of Gawler South, are brothers, and Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. P. Gartrell, of Gawler South, and Miss Finch, of Gawler South, are sisters.
The remains were interred in the Willaston cemetery on Monday afternoon. The scholars and teacher (Miss Parnell) of the Roseworthy School attended as a mark of respect to the memory of one who was so long connected with that school.1
[Researched by Allen Tiller]
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