History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1145

Earl P. Finch, lawyer; was born in the town of Jay, Essex Co., N.Y., October 27, 1828. He was employed in the nail factory and iron works of J. & J. Rogers, at Au Sable Forks, N.Y., for three years prior to his removal to Neenah, Wis., in 1849. He was employed by John and Harvey Kimberly as a clerk at Neenah, and was Deputy Postmaster there. In 1851, he entered the preparatory department at Beloit College; spent one year there; then entered Middlebury College, in Vermont, where he remained until the beginning of the last term of junior year. He then went to Union College, and graduated from that institution in 1856. In 1857, he was appointed Entry Clerk of land office of United States Register for this district. In 1859, he came to Oshkosh, and entered the office of Judge Edwin Wheeler, where he continued the study of law, which he had commenced while in the land office. In 1860, he was admitted to the bar, since which time he has practiced in Oshkosh. He is a member of A., F. & A. M. and K. of H. He was married, at Menasha, Wis., to Anne E., daughter of Judge John A. Bryan. They have seven children living- Herbert G., Earl P., Edgar Bryan, Fannie E., Mary, George C. and Julia. Lost one child, which died in infancy.