Edmund Finn (printer) facts for kids

Edmund Finn was an important Irish businessman. He was a printer, publisher, and bookseller. He also owned a famous newspaper called Finn's Leinster Journal. He passed away on April 5, 1777.

Edmund Finn: A Pioneer Publisher

We don't know exactly when or where Edmund Finn was born. The first records show him working in Cork in 1766. A year later, in 1767, he moved to Kilkenny.

Starting His Business

In Kilkenny, Edmund Finn first worked near St Mary's Churchyard. Later, he moved his business to High Street, where he worked from 1767 to 1777. From this location, he started Finn's Leinster Journal. He was very busy with the newspaper. He edited, printed, and published it twice every week.

Besides the newspaper, Edmund Finn also ran a shop. He sold many different items to people and other businesses. These items included:

• almanacs (books with calendars and facts)
• other books
• lottery tickets
• magazines
• musical instruments
• stationery (like paper and pens)

Family and Legacy

Edmund Finn married Catherine. Her father, Michael Butler, was also a printer in Kilkenny. Edmund Finn died on April 5, 1777. After his death, his wife Catherine bravely continued to run the newspaper. She kept it going until around 1805.

Edmund and Catherine had seven children. Their oldest son was Michael. In 1796, Michael married Sarah Williams. Sarah's father, James Williams, was a bookseller in Dublin. Michael tried to take over his mother's printing business. He changed the newspaper's style. He also asked the government for financial help, but he didn't get it. Michael also tried a business partnership with his brother-in-law, William Williams, in a banking venture in Kilkenny in 1800. This business did not go well.

His Brother's Support

Edmund Finn's business likely received financial help from his brother, William. William was a very successful merchant. He had a business in Castle Street, Carlow. He also owned farms in County Kilkenny. William was a delegate for County Carlow at the Catholic Convention in Dublin in 1792. This was an important meeting for Catholic rights in Ireland.

William was married to Lucinda (whose maiden name was Byrne). They had at least three sons. One of their sons, Thomas, became a journalist. He worked for Irish Magazine, a publication by Walter Cox. Another son, William Francis Finn, became a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Kilkenny.