Finla Pawling

Finla Pawling

FINLA PAWLING, crpenter and joiner, Woodvile, was born in Steuben Co., N.Y., March 9, 1828, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Dickerson) Pawling. The father was a native of Scotland and a carpenter by trade; the mother was born in New Jersey and both parents are now deceased.

Mr. Pawling began to work at his trade when he was 11 years old, and he resided in his native country until his marriage, which occurred Jan. 14, 1849, to Kate, daughter of James and Margaret (Green) Stamp, born Oct. 10, 1829. Her father was born in Pennsylvania of German origin, and both parents are deceased. Mr. Pawling came West and located at Constantine, St. Joseph Co., Mich. He entered upon the pursuit of his trade, and did his work in the Peninsular State for Gov. John S. Barry. He resided at Constantine three years and went thence to Logansport, Ind. On the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion he enlisted in the 73d Ind. Regt., Co. G, and served three and one half years. Among the important engagements in which he participated were Stone River, Crab Orchard, Decatur and La Vergne, Tenn. His command was first assigned to the 20th Army Corps and after the battle of Stone River he was transferred to the 44th Army Corps, under Gen. Thomas. After his discharge he settled at Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, where he remained but a brief period and went thence to MIddleville, Barry County, and entered the employ of the Grand River Valley Railroad Company, and spent four years building bridges. He came next to Hungerford and worked two years for Captain Ives, and then located at Woodville, where he has been engaged in the interests of the Western Michigan Lumber Company.

Mr. Pawling is a Republican and a member of Wayland Lodge No. 128, I.O.O.F. His family comprises four children: Eddie H., Willie M., and Hattie P. Rosa and John are deceased. While in the service Mr. Pawling had a long and severe illness. His wife joined him in the hospital at Nashville, and after nursing him back to health, joined the hospital service and devoted two years of time and skill, without compensation, to the care of sick and wounded soldiers.

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