Son of Patrick and Kate Finn, Bridgegate. John had several brothers and sisters, including Sergeant Major Patrick Finn.
John was married to Ada Finn.
Prior to the war John had worked as a dyer in the flax factory.
In October 1916 it was reported that he had arrived in England suffering from shell shock. He suffered wounds in December 1916 and, after recovering in hospital, spent a short leave of absence at home.
Teesdale Mercury-04/10/1916: Local and other notes: Suffering Shell Shock
Teesdale Mercury 08.11.1916 - Page 5: Column 1
Private J Finn and Lance-Corporal P Finn (Brothers) wounded
Teesdale Mercury-13/12/1916: Local and other notes: On leave after wounding