Jack (John) FINNIE

[Neil Todd]

Hi Malsie, Your Jack boxed and trained at the same Gym at Hurstville as my Dad and his two brothers Merv and Art Todd. I dont believe "JACK" did a lot of professioanl fights but I know that they were aqainted.

My dad used to regail me about the depression and the Razor Gangs, SP's and sly grog shops. Tough times bred tough people!!

I believe Jack Finnie became embroiled in this era in some of those areas.
Maybe a Mug shot available, seems they had plenty on the two ladies.

Maybe you should watch the last episode of "Underbelly Razor"

Neil

[malsie]

  Thanks folk,

Yes, I received the book "Gangland Sydney" today.
My Grt Uncle Len (L A Stanley) taught me basic boxing as a sm child; I was told he had a gym recently
by an older relative;
maybe the one at Hurstville was it ! I thought it was Rozelle. Jack was definately his cousin.
I have read on Trove that Jack did do a bit of boxing as a f/wt: ads etc. Another relie said he got paid etc...and
a family member used to collect it for him & take it home while he went off to party.

I agree: Hard to judge ppl unless you walk in their shoes.
I'm not too keen on violent shows.

Yes, I read that 'Clarey Thomas' was the youngest WW1 soldier.
But I'm not sure how he's related to the Finnies. Thomas & Abarden are unfamiliar names to me. MAYBE, they just felt like 'kindred spirits'.
Thomas' death gave Finnie an out: he blamed him...and got off the charge - apparently.

Thanks, Neil, Genni and Gerry for info and links.
Particularly interested in the gym, Neil, do you have any photos ? Or info on L A Stanley ?

malsie 

[Neil Todd]

Hi Malsie, The Gym at Hurstville wasn't Stanleys it was as we referred to in Town. It may have well been Rozelle. My Uncles Boxed at lots of places and my Dad was "connected" nice expression isn't it. He was a great Historian much better than me, as for the moment I cannot recall the name of the Gym at Hurstville even though I was born there.

I can place exactly where it was and know that it was where lots of Blokes spent a Ill spent youth. It was also a pool Hall or Snooker Parlor.

No photos except of my relies at different times, not much use!

I am still checking and if I come up with something i will post.

Neil

[malsie]

 
Thanks, Neil,
Probably Len only worked at whereever the gym was !
I'm sure it's a bit of family exaggeration.

I was told - and believed - he liked to go 'dancing' Saturdays;
and he liked the girls, though never married. He lived with his unmarried sister.
It seems that the ladies of the family didn't have a clue about
Jack etc. By all accounts they seem to have been lovely ladies.

Boxing of that era; and the street fighting etc of that time are fascinating.
Will have to explore, eventually !

Both Len's Dad and grand dad died in Hurstville. As a child I was taken to
Hurstville on a regular basis by mum and with nanna for a shopping day.
Indeed, I remember having a doll fixed at the 'Doll Hospital' near the station.
Years later - in my 20s - I rented in the main street of Hurstville but at the very end
in a house !

malsie

[FamilyDet]

Just wondering if your Jack Finnie was the son of Sidney William Finnie.  Our family line comes through Sidney's sister, Emily Jane.  Her son is mentioned in a newspaper clipping in regards to John Joseph Finnie.

[malsie]

Yes, Sidney William Finnie ( ?- 1950) m Mary Bridget (Quin) Finnie (1875-1919). I have his parents as John and Rachael. Sid and Bridget had 8 kids; the eldest, Jackie. I am related to Bridget via my g'ma; Bridget's sister, Adeline. Very intersted in any info, photos.
regards,
malsie

[FamilyDet]

Have lots of information on the Finnies in Australia.  I have an old photo that was given to me of most of Sidney Finnies children at a wedding.  Sidney's father was Laurett Finnie and his mother was Rachel Solomon.  I was interested to read about the boxing and football interests of the family.  One of Jack Finnies cousins was a famous Australian boxer and other played football for South Sydney Football club.  Would love to exchange information with you.  I am new to this Forum, so not quite sure on how to send pics and personal information.

[malsie]

I think there is some rule re 3 x posts first; then you can email...looks like you've done 3, so I think you can send me a messagein rootschat then I'll give you my email address - happy to receive your info!  I have examples of Len A Stanley n'paper ads for him boxing at Sydney stadium; he even boxed Jack Finnie once.
looking forward to hearing from you, malsie

[unclehus]

I remember going to his wife's house as a small child. Grew up with many stories about him. Knew Sid Finnie as well