William Finney (1831-1913) was a prominent Brooklyn citizen who lived at 558 Putnam Avenue with his brother, Peter (1833-1902). William was a businessman who, along with Henry Hoffman, ran the Brooklyn company Finney & Hoffman, a manufacturer of steam boilers and engines located on Water Street between Bridge and Jay Streets. Though the collection does not testify as to the degree of William's formal scientific training, it is evident that he possessed significant knowledge of the field, as he was also an associate member of the Department of Microscopy at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. William was also involved in several business ventures throughout Brooklyn, including being a shareholder of the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, the Brooklyn City Railroad Co., and the Long Island Traction Company.
Peter Finney (1833-1902), William's brother, was a shipbuilder and oarsman working under George Steers of New York. He helped build the yacht America, which was the first boat to win the International Cup.
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Sources:
- Brooklyn Institute.
The Second Year Book of the Brooklyn Institute (1889-1890). Brooklyn, N.Y.: The Brooklyn Institute, 1890.
From the guide to the Finney family collection, circa 1865 to 1913, (Brooklyn Historical Society)
