"I have had very little luck finding my FINLEY family -- maybe you can help! My biggest problem is that my grandmother, who was a FINLEY, and all her kin, are either passed away, or unable/unwilling to talk or unlocatable! So, I have to go with what little I know.

"My grandma was Velma Irene FINLEY, b 1901 in Ashland, OR. Her father was Grant FINLEY (I have seen him listed as U.S. Grant FINLEY also -- don't know if that was a joke or what). He was b 1864 in CA (place unknown), d 1916 and is buried in Fort Rock, OR. He m Jennette HASKINS, who was b 1866 in Wellsville, OR.

"Grant's father was Ebenezer FINLEY, DOB unknown, b in IL and m to Elizabeth Jane _______?, who was b 1836 in IA and d 1893 in Ashland.

"Grant had the following brothers and sisters: William FINLEY, Henry FINLEY, Lucinda Harriett FINLEY, b 1856."

QUERY NO. 8: Sharon Finley SANKER, e-mail at ssanker@mail.win.org, writes the following: "Do you have any information on a James R. FINLEY who was born on July 16, 1806 in Tennessee? His father was from Tennessee and his mother from Virginia. He moved to Missouri around 1840 and died there."

"Do you have any information about an Isabella FINLEY LANDES who was b. about 1830 in Virginia and m. Abraham LANDES on October 25, 1853 in Augusta County, Virginia? I would appreciate any help that you could give me. I am stuck and cannot find any information about the parents of these two individuals."

ANSWER: My database shows the following: James R. FINLEY b. July 16, 1806 in Knox County, TN, d. April 3 1888 in Cullen, Pulaski County, MO, buried in Colley Holler, Pulaski County, MO. Married Phatama B. _______, who was b. April 27, 1817 in Roane County, VA, d. June 20, 1889 in Cullen, Pulaski County, MO and is also buried in Colley Holler, Pulaski County, MO. They had 8 children: (1) Henson Grover FINLEY b. November 14, 1836 in Bradley County, TN. Died November 18, 1913 in Richland, Pulaski County, MO. Spouse was Mary HARBISON and had other marriages. (2) Robert "Bill" FINLEY b. 1839 in Bradley County, TN. (3) Jesse FINLEY b 1842 in Pulaski County, MO. (4) Mary FINLEY b. 1845 in Pulaski County, MO. (5) James H. FINLEY, b. December 28, 1847 in Pulaski County, MO. Died May 10, 1909 and is buried in Colley Holler, Pulaski County, MO. Married Martha ______. (6) Thomas R. FINLEY b. 1850 in Pulaski County, MO. Died in 1930 in Pulaski County, MO and is buried in Colley Holler, Pulaski County, MO. (7) Caleb FINLEY b. 1854 in Pulaski County, MO. Married Mary Ann LOVEL in 1872. (8) William M. FINLEY b January 8, 1858 in Pulaski County, MO. Died May 27, 1943 in Pulaski County, MO and is buried in Colley Holler, Pulaski County, MO. Married Lettia T. _______.

QUERY NO. 9: Dana ODLE, e-mail at 00tjlindley@bsu.edu, writes the following: "I am a descendant of Michael FINLEY who married Ann O'NEILL. Their son George FINLEY m. Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM and then their son George. Unfortunately, I cannot find any information on where either George or his wives are buried. Would any of your resources be able to help me?"

ANSWER: Capt. George FINLEY JR b. December 15, 1757 in Kent County, MD. Died January 28, 1833 in Greensboro, NC. First wife was Margaret _____ died in 1798, cemetery is unknown at this time. They had 2 children: (1) William FINLEY b. January 27, 1797 in Guilford County, NC. He married Dorsey WEATHERBY. (2) Frances FINLEY was b. June 11, 1798 in Greensboro, Guilford County, NC. She married Louis TUMMELSON. George married his second wife, Mary BISHOP, in 1806. She was b. 1778 and died in 1866 in Putnam County, IN. This was her second marriage as well. From the second marriage they produced 9 children: (1) Robert Bishop FINLEY b. 1806 and d. January 1814. (2) Elizabeth Cunningham FINLEY was b. September 7, 1809 in Guilford County, NC. Died August 28, 1861 in Clay County, IN. She married James PHILLIPS on March 16, 1837 in Preble County, OH. (3) John Breadon FINLEY was b. September 7, 1809 in Guilford County, NC. He died January 1, 1858 in Randolph County, IL. He was married to Elizabeth WRIGHT. (4) George Washington FINLEY was b. March 31, 1812. He died September 2, 1879. (5) Araminta Bishop FINLEY b. February 11, 1814 and she died in Muncie, IN. She was married to Harvey HEATH on October 28, 1841 in Preble County, OH. (6) Eleanor Emily FINLEY was b. April 11, 1816 in Guilford County, NC. She was married to David Nelson BARNETT. (7) Mary FINLEY was b. September 18, 1818 and died May 15, 1819. (8) James Milton FINLEY was b. August 29, 1820 in Guilford County, NC and d. December 29, 1907 in Harmony, Clay County, IN. He was married to Esrelda GORDON in 1841. He also had other marriages. (9) Joseph Bishop Younger FINLEY was b. 1826 and died 1848.

QUERY NO. 10: Elizabeth A. DAVIS, e-mail at edavis@mail.llion.org, writes the following: "My grandmother was Bertha Finley HOLMAN b.1881-d.1935, born in Pulaski County, MO. Bertha's father was Nathaniel A. FINLEY b.1856-d.1935, he was born in Ind. His wife Amanda Catherine ROBERTS FINLEY b.1860-d.1943, born in Ind. Nathaniel had a twin brother named Nathan and I have no information on him. Nathaniel's father was Rev. John S. FINLEY b.1829-d.1901. John was born in Bucks County, PA and buried in Laclede County, MO. He was a congregational minister. He married Elizabeth Margaret MCKENZIE b.1826-d.1899.

John S. FINLEY's father was Francis FINLEY and Francis married Martha (Elizabeth) ALBERTSON. Francis FINLEY's father was Rev. Robert W. FINLEY and he married Rebecca BRADLEY FINLEY. According to The Clan Finley, Robert FINLEY's children were: James Bradley FINLEY 1781-1856, John Patterson FINLEY 1783-1825, Samuel Finley 1785-1858, William R. FINLEY 1787-1822, Hannah FINLEY 1789-1856. Now I wonder if this is where Francis FINLEY would fit in. I can't find him anywhere.

Does anyone have any information on Francis FINLEY? What happened to Nathan Finley?

I recently had a book given to me; the author is Martha FINLEY b.1828-d.1909. She wrote several books and this one is Elsie's Children. Does anyone know anything about Martha? I read in some information that I have that her grandfather was Gen. Samuel FINLEY."

ANSWER: The only information that we came across in our database was a Francis B. FINLEY b. about 1800-d. about 1826. He died in Shelby County, IN. He married Martha Elizabeth ALBERTSON. Francis's father was Rev. Robert Wilkes FINLEY and mother was Rebecca BRADLEY. Francis had 1 child: Rev. John S. FINLEY b.1829 in Bucks County, PA and died in 1901 and is buried in Laclede County, MO. He married Elizabeth Margaret MCKENZIE.

Unfortunately I have no information on Nathan FINLEY.

In an antique shop a few years ago we found a copy of Elsie Dinsmore, by Martha Farquharson FINLEY. The front flyleaf says it is the "Complete Authorized Edition," and that it is a Burt Book by Blue Ribbon Books Inc., New York. It was copyrighted in 1893 by Dodd, Mead and Co. and again in 1896 by Martha FINLEY.

Few FINLEYs have received as much recognition as an author as Martha Farquharson FINLEY has. Her books have received widespread acclaim and were used in Sunday Schools across the country for several years. She is also the subject of a forthcoming biography by one of the FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL subscribers, Francis NACZI.

M.F. FINLEY connects with my direct line in the following manner. She was b. April 26, 1828 in Chillicothe, OH; d. January 30, 1909 in Elkton, MD. She was the daughter of Dr. James Brown FINLEY, b. June 7, 1794 in Chillicothe, OH; d. May 14, 1851 in South Bend, IN; m. Mary Theresa BROWN. He was the son of General Samuel FINLEY, b. April 15, 1752 in Cumberland County, PA; d. April 2, 1829 in Philadelphia, PA; m. Mary BROWN (b. 1767; d. 1838) on May 5, 1789. He was the son of John FINLEY, b. May 3, 1713 in Co Armagh, Ireland; d. 1759 in Shippensburg, PA; m. Martha BERKLEY (b. 1716; d. before 1769) in 1734. He was the son of Michael FINLEY, baptized May 7, 1683 in Mullaghabrac Parish, Co Armagh, Ireland; d. 1747 in Sadsbury Township, PA; m. Ann O'NEILL (d. 1758) on July 12, 1712. He was the son of Robert FINLEY, baptized May 4, 1634 in Incharvie Co Fife, Scotland; d. June 18, 1712 in Co Armagh, Ireland; m. Margaret Mary LAUDER in 1680. (This is the last couple joined directly to my line.)

In the Dictionary of American Biography, Vol.3, by CUSHMAN-FRASER, edited by Allen JOHNSON and Dumas MALONE (Charles SCRIBNER's Sons, New York), appears the following information:

"FINLEY, MARTHA FARQUHARSON (April 26, 1828-January 30, 1909), author, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. James Brown and Maria Theresa (BROWN) FINLEY, who were first cousins. Both FINLEYs and BROWNs were of Scotch-Irish descent, natives of Pennsylvania."

"Martha FINLEY's grandfather, General Samuel FINLEY, was a personal friend of WASHINGTON, a major in the Revolutionary army, and a general in the War of 1812, in which his son, her father, also fought. FARQUHARSON which is Gaelic for FINLEY, was sometimes used by Miss FINLEY as a pen name."

"She was educated in private schools in Philadelphia and in South Bend, IN, where her father moved when she was a child. She lived there until she was about 25, then went to NY and Philadelphia. She taught school for a time and in 1853-54 began writing newspaper stories and Sunday school books, published by the Presbyterian Publication Committee."

"Soon her juvenile books of this type became so popular that she gave her whole time to writing them. In 1876 she visited Elkton, MD, the home of some of her relatives, and so liked the place that she settled there, in a spacious house with beautiful grounds. Here all her later work was done and she continued to write almost to the end of her life, in spite of old age and poor health. She was of a social nature and gave much of her time to many of her friends and to the activities of the Presbyterian Church."

"She died at her home in Elkton. Miss FINLEY produced altogether about a hundred volumes, nearly all juveniles, many of them in series. Her greatest popular success was the Elsie series, but the Mildred series, the Do Good Library, the Pewit's Nest series, and the FINLEY series (not juvenile) also had large sales."

"Elsie DINSMORE appeared in 1868. The good little girl portrayed won such approval from parents and Sunday-school teachers that other Elsie books followed rapidly until by 1905 over 25 had been written and Elsie had become a grandmother."

"The Mildred series began in 1878 with Mildred KEITH and extended to seven volumes by 1894. Typical of her Sunday-school books, outside these series are: Grandma Foster's Sunbeam, The Little Helper, Loitering Linus, Milly, or The Little Girl Who Tried To Help Others and To Do Them Good (all 1868), and Willie Elton, The Little Boy Who Loved Jesus (1864)."

"She attempted several novels, among them Wanted-A Pedigree (1871), Signing The Contract (1879), and The Thorn In The Nest (1886), but their success was not striking."

"Miss FINLEY's books are among those which changing standards have thrown into discard. Her Elsie and Mildred, once held up as examples by many parents and beloved by most children, are today considered abnormally docile and unpleasantly priggish. Their psychology is not that esteemed desirable for children, yet for many years Miss FINLEY held a leading place among writers of juvenile books."

Sources for the above material are: Warren S. ELY, The FINLEYs of Bucks (1902), (of which I have a copy); Who's Who in America, 1908-09; Francis E. WILLARD and Mary A. LIVERMORE, American Women (1897); Mildred RUTHERFORD, American Authors (1894); Ruth SUCKOW, Elsie Dinsmore: A Study in Perfection, Bookman, October 1927; and the obituary in the Baltimore Sun, January 31, 1909.

The following section is the beginning of the first chapter of Elsie Dinsmore:

"The school-room at Roselands was a very pleasant apartment; the ceiling, it is true, was somewhat lower than in the more modern portion of the building, for the wing in which it was situated dated back to the old-fashioned days prior to the Revolution, while the larger part of the mansion had not stood more than twenty or thirty years; but the effect was relieved by the windows reaching from floor to ceiling, and opening on a veranda which overlooked a lovely flower-garden, beyond which were fields and woods and hills. The view from the veranda was very beautiful, and the room itself looked most inviting, with its neat matting, its windows draped with snow-white muslin, its comfortable chairs, and pretty rosewood desks.

Within this pleasant apartment sat Miss Day with here pupils, six in number. She was giving a lesson to Enna, the youngest, the spoiled darling of the family, the pet and plaything of both father and mother. It was always a trying task to both teacher and scholar, for Enna was very willful, and her teacher's patience by no means inexhaustible.

'There!' exclaimed Miss Day, shutting the book and giving it an impatient toss on to the desk; 'go, for I might as well as try to teach old Bruno. I presume he would learn about as fast.'

And Enna walked away with a pout on her pretty face, muttering that she would 'tell mamma.'

'Young ladies and gentlemen,' said Miss Day, looking at her watch, 'I shall leave you to your studies for an hour; at the end of which time I will return to hear your recitations, when those who have attended properly to their duties will be permitted to ride out with me to visit the fair.'

'Oh that will be jolly!' exclaimed Arthur, a bright-eyed, mischief-loving boy of ten.

'Hush!' said Miss Day sternly, 'let me hear no more such exclamations, and remember that you will not go unless your lessons are thoroughly learned. Louise and Lora,' addressing two young girls of the respective ages of twelve and fourteen, 'the French exercise must be perfect, and your English lessons as well. Elsie,' to a little girl of eight, sitting alone at a desk near one of the windows, and bending over a slate with the appearance of great industry, 'every figure of that example must be correct, your geography lesson recited perfectly, and a page in your copy-book written without a blot.'

'Yes ma'am,' said the child meekly, raising a pair of large soft eyes of the darkest hazel for an instant to her teacher's face, and then dropping them again upon her slate.'

'And see that none of you leave the room until I return,' continued the governess. 'Walter, if you miss one word of that spelling, you will have to stay at home and learn it over.'"

QUERY NO. 11: Louise E. NELSON, e-mail at lounelson@juno.com, writes the following: "Sarah Agnes FINLEY b. about 1825 in KY, married Dr. Samuel Thomas (or Thompson) REID or REEDS who died about August 1846. Sarah Agnes then married Eli FINLEY August 24, 1854 in Louisiana, Pike County, MO. Eli was the son of William FINLEY and Nancy BARRON. Eli's first wife was Sarah Elizabeth FINLEY, daughter of Dabney FINLEY and Mary LEWIS (which makes him my 1^st cousin 3 times removed, I think).

I have not been able to connect Sarah Agnes to parents. The 1840 census shows that there were 4 FINLEY families in Lincoln County, MO: Andrew, Cyrus, James and Samuel.

FINLEYS in Lincoln County, MO, 1850, old enough to be parents of Sarah Agnes FINLEY, with KY roots include Gilmore (b. about 1802), Cyrus (b. about 1799), and James (b. about 1789).

John C. FINLEY (son of Cyrus) whose will was probated in Pulaski County, MO 1897 shows 2 sons who married REID women and mentions a Thomas REID. Perhaps they were related to Samuel Thomas REIDS.

Do you have any information on Sarah Agnes FINLEY?"

ANSWER: The closest we could find to Sarah Agnes FINLEY was a Sarah Ann FINLEY b. September 17, 1818 in Dearborn County, IN and d. September 21, 1865 in Veedersburg, IN and is buried in Bonebrake Cemetery in Veedersburg. She was married to Stephen REED b.1791 and they were married on June 24, 1841. They had 9 children: (1) Francis Marion REED b. May 5, 1842 and he married Celina GLASCOCK. (2) David Finley REED. (3) Louisa REED was b. May 5, 1845. (4) Elizabeth REED was b. October 27, 1848. She died July 13, 1935. She was married to Joseph JUTTON in 1871. (5) Alice REED was b. February 14, 1851 and d. April 26, 1863. (6) Worth REED was b. December 9, 1853 and died July 23, 1920. He was married to Della H. SHOUP in June 1893. (7) Emma REED was b. August 19, 1855 and died 1897. She was married to De Witt C. FRAZIER. (8) Scott REED. (9) Cass REED.

Sarah was also married to Eli E. FINLEY (parents were William FINLEY Jr. and Nancy (Jenny) BARRON). They had 3 children together: (1) Mary Baird FINLEY b. October 29, 1859 and died July 7, 1881. (2) Fannie Julia FINLEY b. 1863 and died 1937. She was married to _____ HALL. (3) Lucy A. V. FINLEY b. 1865. She was also married to a _______ HALL.

QUERY NO. 12: William H. SMITH, e-mail at TremontLdg@aol.com, writes the following: "Could you Identify the ancestral line of William Marshall FINLEY (1817-1866)?

The family was traced back only to this extent:

Archibald FINLEY/FINDLEY (1749-1809) m. November 9, 1779 Mary POE (1761-1851).

Abel FINDLEY (April 18, 1784-February 5, 1850) m. Mary MARSHALL (October 14, 1789-August 19, 1850).

William Marshall FINDLEY (June 16, 1817-April 28, 1866) m. September 8, 1841 Eleanor Rebecca CARUTHERS (September 1, 1823-July 25, 1886)."

ANSWER: I was able to find information on Archibald FINDLEY and William Marshall FINDLEY. Unfortunately no information could be found on Abel FINDLEY and his wife Mary.

Archibald FINDLEY was born November 8, 1735 in County Antrim, Ireland and died in 1784 in Cumberland Twp., York County, PA. He married Mary POE on November 19, 1779 in Gettysburg, Adams County, PA. They had 3 children: (1) Martha FINLEY, (2) David FINLEY, and (3) Abigail FINLEY. Unfortunately that is all the information that we have on Mary and their children.

William Marshall FINDLEY was b. June 16, 1817 and died April 28, 1866. He married Eleanor C. CARUTHERS (b. September 1, 1823 in Westmoreland County, PA and d. July 25, 1886) on September 8, 1841. They had 11 children: (1) Richard Ewing FINDLEY b. August 31, 1843 in Cumberland County, PA and died March 16, 1925. He was married to Loretta BARR. (2) John Caruthers FINDLEY b. 1845 and d. 1847. (3) Abel Archibald FINDLEY b. 1845 and d. 1847. (4) Rev. Thomas Haskell FINDLEY b. September 29, 1847 in Mahoning, Armstrong County, PA and d. February 22, 1928. He was married to Abbie RUNNELS and also Lou GREGORY at a different time. (5) James Alexander FINDLEY b. March 8, 1850 in Mahoning, Armstrong County, PA and died in New Orleans, LA. He was married to Amy KILPATRICK. (6) Mary Rebecca FINDLEY b. 1852 and d.1861. (7) Joseph Crouch FINDLEY b. 1855 and d. 1865. (8) Rev. William Townsend FINDLEY b. 1857 in Dayton, Armstrong County, PA and d. December 9, 1903. He was married to Winifred HALDERMAN. (9) George Caruthers FINDLEY b. 1861 and d. July 3, 1926. He was married to Elizabeth PILGRIM. (10) Oliver Marshall FINDLEY b. 1863 and d. 1926. He was married to Lenora MYERS. (11) Ella Catherine FINDLEY b. 1866.

QUERY NO. 13: Charlotte MEEKER, e-mail at charm513@juno.com, writes the following: "My great-grandfather, Andrew M. FINLEY Jr. m. Elizabeth WARD, left 4 children here in Minnesota and went to Oregon about 1873-74 and took the other children with them. We can't find much on these families. Can you help? Daniel (David) b. November 4, 1854 we think was a preacher/teacher and died in Oregon. Sylvester b. May 29, 1858, he was married to Lulu. He was still on the census in 1880. They had 2 children: Ethel and Rita. Edward b. April 1, 1870, he m. Fanny. The last we know they were all in Oregon."

"I found some loose ends, Thomas Jefferson FINLEY of Madison, IL. His father William B. FINLEY b. 1804, he m. Elizabeth OSBORN b. 1809. William was from TN or IL. His father was John b.1760, in Pendleton, SC. He died February 11, 1840 and he m. Mary b. 1761, d. 1851. Do you have any of these names?"

"There was a James FINLEY who migrated from Scotland and died in Basking Ridge, NJ. He had 4 children: (1) Rev. Robert FINLEY who m. Esther CALDWELL. A soldier standing as a sentinel at Elizabethtown Point, NJ on the 24th day of November 1781 shot Esther. Do you have anything on this? Who were James' parents?"

"I also have a Charles Edward FINLEY b. July 8, 1868 in Dayton, OH. He married Lucinda Leifer of Dayton, March 12, 1889. They moved to Minnesota in 1900. Charles parents were John C. and Eliza FINLEY. They had 4 children all born in MN. Do you have any light on this family?"

ANSWER: I was able to find a Thomas Jefferson FINLEY b. May 10, 1855 in Dyer County, TN and d. January 18, 1896 in Key Corner, Lauderdale County, TN. He was m. March 20, 1881 in Dyer County, TN to Jane BAIRD. His parents were John FINLEY b. August 25, 1821 in Robertson County, TN and d. 1871 in Dyer County, TN. His wife was Malinda GIBSON b. November 23, 1828 in TN.

I was also able to find a James FINLEY IV b. November 18, 1737 in Glasgow, Scotland and died October 5, 1808 in Basking Ridge, NJ. He was married to Ann (Angers) ANGRIS. James's parents were James FINLEY III b. August 22, 1708 in Paisley, Scotland and died 1768 in Glasgow, Scotland. He was married to Ann MC DONALD on June 26, 1734 in Glasgow, Presbytery, Scotland. Ann died before 1767.

QUERY NO. 14: Micki J. BURLESON, 5307 Final Approach Ct., Granbury, TX 76049, writes the following: "Information on Thomas FINDLEY family of Greene County, GA. Thomas' will proved 1805. Daughter Fidella (Della or Delia) b. 1798, my gggm, married John SHAW II November 1818 and moved to Claiborne Parish, LA. Who is Fidella's mother? Was Thomas married twice?

ANSWER: I was able to find Fidella "Della" FINDLEY; her mother was Margaret. And Thomas FINLEY, her father, was also married to Theodosia Elizabeth WHITE and they had 11 children together.

QUERY NO. 15: Madylene Elkin FINLEY, 2560 Buenos Aires Drive, Covina, CA 91724-3914, writes the following: "I'm searching for any records on descendants of John FINLEY and wife Elizabeth living in Benton County, Missouri in July 1877. John was b. 1829 in Guernsey County, OH. Moved about 1850 to Gardner, Grundy County, IL. His first wife was Emily who is buried at Wheeler Cemetery in Grundy County, IL."

QUERY NO. 16: Charlotte MEEKER, e-mail at charm513@juno.com writes the following: "I am sorry to say, but there must have been 2 Thomas Jefferson FINLEYs. The one I have was born in 1841 and died in 1864. His father was William Finley born in 1804 in TN or IL, and his mother was Elizabeth OSBORN born 1809. His father was John born 1760 and died February 11, 1840. It's not clear if he was born or died in Pendleton County, SC. John was married to Mary born 1761 and died in 1851, Greenville, IL.

Do you have any of the history or any more information on the James FINLEY IV that was born November 18, 1737 and died October 5, 1805 at Basking Ridge, NJ?"

ANSWER: I was able to find the correct Thomas Jefferson FINLEY and correct the middle name which before we just had an initial for. We were also able to update the records with the information provided to us by Mrs. MEEKER. Also we have nothing further at this time on James FINLEY IV other than what we put into Vol. 11 No. 2.

QUERY NO. 17: William H. Smith, e-mail at TremontLdg@aol.com writes the following: "Of particular interest to us is the information on Archibald FINLEY. Do you have additional information on his father, William FINDLEY and mother, Jane Holland STEELE? We have no records of these folks. We have a slightly different set of children for Archibald and Mary (a printout was sent to us).

ANSWER: William FINDLEY b. 1715 in Ulster, County Antrim, Ireland, died in Westmoreland County, PA. He married Jane Holland STEELE on December 28, 1734, in Londonderry, Ireland. She was christened October 18, 1721 in County Antrim, Ireland and died February 21, 1757 in Belfast, Ireland. They had 7 children.

He also sent us some papers with his wife's grandparent's information. We had the information on file already. Her grandparents were Oliver Marshall FINDLEY b. May 31, 1863 in Indiana County, PA and died February 27, 1926 in McPherson, McPherson County, KS. He was married to Mary Lenora Lena MYERS on April 25, 1888 in McPherson, McPherson County, KS. She was b. January 13, 1869 in Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, IA and died March 22, 1955 in McPherson. They had 8 children: 1) Oliver Archie FINDLEY b. 1889 and married Clara SACHAU in 1916. 2) Howard Wesley FINDLEY born and died in 1892. 3) Paul Levi FINDLEY born 1894 and married Lenna Augusta WELCH in 1920. 4) Edith Geneviere FINDLEY born 1896 and married Doddridge Calvin TATE. 5) Ina Ruth FINDLEY born 1898 and married James Herbert MOYER. 6) Glenn Ewing FINDLEY born 1900 and married Ruth Ann KITTELL. 7) Guy William FINDLEY b. 1904 and died 1913, and 8) Edna Elizabeth FINDLEY born 1908 and married Arthur MEYER.

QUERY No. 18: Maureen Finley SLIVKA of Arlington, VA sends the following questions:

My ancestor, Michael FINLEY (1717-1785), b Co Armagh, Ireland, m w Agnes KENNEDY in 1752, d York Co, PA, had a son, Joseph Lewis FINLEY (1753-1839). The records I have from the DAR from The Clan FINLEY show that Michael FINLEY m an Agnes KENNEDY in 1752. A distant relative of mine has records showing Michael FINLEY was m to an Ann LEWIS, with no date of marriage shown. Would you know which wife is correct?

One of Michael's sons was my great, great, great grandfather, Joseph Lewis FINLEY, b 20 Feb 1753 in Chester Co, PA. Joseph Lewis FINLEY wed a Jean BLAIR in 1782 and one of their children, John Blair (1791-1863) moved to Lewis Co, KY. The record I have shows no other information on John Blair except for the fact that his son, John L. FINLEY, b 4 Oct 1845 in Lewis Co, KY, moved to Rush Co, IN, and d in June 1918 in IN. John L. FINLEY was my great-grandfather. Would you have any information on these two ancestors of mine: Joseph Lewis FINLEY's wife(s) and John Blair's personal information?

ANSWER: My records show the following: Michael FINLEY Jr. (s/o Michael and Ann O'NEILL FINLEY), b 3 Feb 1718, Co Armagh, Ireland; d 19 Jun 1785, Hamilton Bann, York Co, PA; bur. 1785, Lower Marsh Creek Cmty., York Co, PA; m 1752, Chester Co, PA, w Ann LEWIS (d/o John and Margaret LYNN LEWIS), bur. Lower Marsh Creek Cmty.

Their children were: (1) Maj. Joseph Lewis FINLEY, b 20 Feb 1753, Chester Co, PA; d 23 May 1839, West Union, OH; bur. 1839, West Union, OH; m 1782, Chester Co, PA, w Jean BLAIR; (2) Michael FINLEY III, b 1755; d before 1785; bur. before 1785, Lower Marsh Creek Cmty.; m w Agnes KENNEDY; (3) Ann FINLEY, b 1757; (4) Capt. Ebenezer FINLEY, b 14 Jan 1763, Londonderry, Chester Co, PA; d 13 Sep 1822, Baltimore, MD; bur. 1822, Westminster Presbyterian Church Cmty., Baltimore, MD; m (1^st) 29 Dec 1784, York Co, PA, w Jane (Jean) MC KNIGHT, b 1764, York Co, PA, d 26 Mar 1809, Baltimore, MD; m (2^nd) 17 Oct 1809 w Catherine ALLEN, b 18 Sept 1775, d 27 May 1864.

Maj. Joseph Lewis FINLEY and Jean BLAIR FINLEY had the following children: (1) Hannah FINLEY, b 1 May 1783, West Union, Adams Co, OH; d 28 Jun 1827, West Union, OH; bur. 1840, Cincinatti, Spring Hills Cmty., OH; m Jun 1802 w Col. John LODWICK; (2) Juliet FINLEY, b 10 Oct 1784, West Union, OH; d 1784, West Union, OH; (3) Michael Lewis FINLEY, b 10 Dec 1787, West Union, OH; (4) Elizabeth Deborah FINLEY, b 17 Nov 1787; (5) Nancy Dean FINLEY, b 27 Jun 1789, West Union, OH; (6) John Blair FINLEY, b 9 Aug 1791, West Union, OH; d 7 Jan 1863, Lewis Co, KY; m 19 Feb 1842 w Rebecca PLUMMER; (7) Joseph Lewis FINLEY Jr., b 2 Sep 1793; (8) James FINLEY, b 21 May 1796, Chester Co, PA; d 13 Jul 1846; m 24 Oct 1833, West Union, OH, w Eliza ROTHWELL; (9) Ebenezer FINLEY, b 7 Jun 1798, West Union, OH; (10) Mary Brown FINLEY, b 7 Dec 1800, West Union, OH; d 8 Feb 1831, West Union, OH; m 10 Nov 1818, James (John) PATTERSON; (11) Samuel Blair FINLEY, b 13 Jan 1803, West Union, OH; (12) Margaret FINLEY, b 2 Apr 1807, West Union, OH; d 11 Oct 1839; m 1836 w John CHIPPS.

QUERY No. 19: Micki J. BURLESON of Granbury, TX is seeking information on the family of Fidella "Della" FINDLEY m w John SHAW Jr.

ANSWER: My database shows the following: Thomas FINDLEY, b 11 Feb 1757, Augusta Co, VA; d bef. 29 Oct 1805; m (1^st) Theodosia Elizabeth WHITE, d/o Archibald WHITE.

Their children were: (1) Jane FINDLEY, b bef. 1775; m bef. 1790 w Charles GILLUM; (2) Archibald H. FINDLEY, b 1777; d bef. 1850; m 29 Mar 1824, Granger Co, TN, w Patsey HINES; (3) John FINDLEY, b ca. 1780; d aft. 1850; m 3 May 1804, Greene Co, GA, w Mary RAY; (4) Lucinda FINDLEY m 18 Aug 1803 w Robert FINLEY; (5) Ireneous Rene FINDLEY, b 1790, Wilkes Co, GA; d 1813; m 13 Sep 1810, Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Nancy MARTIN; (6) Mary FINDLEY m w Thomas WARD; (7) Dionia "Nicy" FINDLEY m 6 Nov 1818, Greene Co, GA, w David ELLIOTT; (8) Francois FINDLEY; (9) William C.H. FINDLEY, b 1780; d 1840; m Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Elizabeth SMITH; (10) Elizabeth FINDLEY m 12 Nov 1818, Greene Co, GA, w William WAGGONER; (11) Zenious Leroy FINDLEY, b 1792; d 1819, Granger Co, TN.

Thomas FINDLEY m (2^nd) 5 Feb 1801, Greene Co, GA, w Margaret _____________. Their children were: (1) Fidella "Della" FINDLEY, b ca. 1801; m 18 Nov 1818, Greene Co, GA, w John SHAW; (2) Thomas P. FINLEY, b ca. 1803; m 9 Nov 1823 w Anna WAGGONER.

BURLESON gives their children, as follows: (1) John Thomas SHAW, b ca. 1819, Greene Co, GA; d bef. May 1887, Clairborne Par., LA; m 31 Jan 1843 w Caroline CULVER; (2) Patrick L. SHAW, b ca. 1821, Greene Co, GA; d 15 Jul 1866, CA; m w Melissa T. ______________; (3) David Alexander SHAW, b 1 Feb 1823, GA; d 1 Apr 1866, Union Co, AR; bur. McKenzie Cmty., Homer, Claiborne Par., LA; m ca. 1848 w Sarah A. ________________; (4) George M. SHAW, b ca. 1826, GA; m w Caroline HARVEY; (5) Mary E. SHAW, b ca. 1829; m 24 Aug 1853 w William W. DELOACH; (6) Seaborn Harris SHAW, b 1832, GA; bur. prob. Leon Co, TX; m 1859 w Lucy Ann Susan ALLISON; (7) Susan C. SHAW, b ca. 1835, GA; m 5 Aug 1860, Claiborne Par., LA, w M.O. SHAW; (8) Fidella Harriet SHAW, b ca. 1838; m 22 Aug 1867, Claiborne Par., LA, w A.T. DELOACH.

QUERY No. 20: Vicky CISKOWSKI sends the following:

My great-grandmother said that her mother, Aldora "Dora" FINLEY was b in Morrill, McCracken Co, KY. The next that I know about her is that she is in Randolph Co, AR, m to John COMPTON. The census says that she was b in TN. Her birthdate is said to be Feb 1851 and d 17 Apr 1916. She had children: Amanda, b 1871; Una Viola, b 1872; William, b 1874; Paralie, b 1879; John, b 1881; George, b 1883. Mary Sue was the daughter of Sarah "Sude" FINLEY and John COMPTON, b 1873, and raised by Aldora and John due to the death of Sarah in childbirth.

I cannot find her on any census as a child and no marriage license. I am thinking that she married in Randolph Co due to the lack of record. I have found on several of my lines, in that county, that the records were never sent to the Capitol.

ANSWER: I cannot find this line in my database. A further check of records in Randolph Co may help. Anyone who has info on this line should contact me.

QUERY NO. 21: Patricia A. ROCHETTE sends the following:

Need info on Malan FINLEY m w Margaret FALL, ca. 1815, in maybe Switzerland Co, IN; Dearborn Co, IN; or even Gallatin Co, KY. Margaret was b to Cathren WITT and Tetrarch FALL, m 1798, Guilford Co, NC; went to KY; then by 1805, in Dearborn and Switzerland Co, IN.

ANSWER: I could not find this in my database. Pedigree charts and/or family group sheets may help to give more clues, if available.

Correcting the record

John E. HILDRETH of Laramie, WY has updated some of the information on his line, with a combination of his information and mine as follows:

Lt. Archibald FINLEY Jr. (s/o Archibald and Margaret KELSO FINLEY), b 8 Dec 1738, New Britain Twp., Bucks Co, PA; d ca. 1797, Harrison Co, VA; m 28 Aug 1761, PA, w Sarah BARNHILL.

Their children were: (1) Sarah FINLEY, b ca. 1765; m (1^st) 24 Mar 1785, Harrison Co, VA, w Bonham STOUT; m (2^nd) 1 Jan 1792 w James MALONE; (2) William FINLEY, b ca. 1768; d ca. 1808, Harrison Co, VA; m (1^st) 13 Nov 1788, Frederick Co, VA, w Rosanna VISE; m (2^nd) 14 Nov 1807 w Margaret STARPOLE; (3) Elizabeth FINLEY, b ca. 1770, Shenandoah Co, VA; d bef. 1804, Harrison Co, VA; m 11 Jan 1794, Harrison Co, VA, w George WYER; (4) Mary FINLEY, b ca. 1773; m 26 Feb 1791, Harrison Co, VA w Benjamin CUNNINGHAM; (5) James FINLEY, b VA; d aft. 1850, Taylor Co, VA; (6) Isabel FINLEY, b ca. 1776; m 11 Jan 1794, Harrison Co, VA, w the Rev. John DRAKE; (7) Jane FINLEY, b ca. 1778, VA; m 28 Nov 1802, Harrison Co, VA, w James DENHAM; (8) Margaret FINLEY, b ca. 1780, VA; d ca. 1810, Harrison Co, VA; m 21 Jan 1809, Harrison Co, VA, w Adam CUNNINGHAM.

Elizabeth FINLEY m w GEORGE WYER, b 1770, VA; d aft. 1840, Washington Co, OH; bur. Washington Co, OH. He m (2^nd) 31 Jan 1804 w Eunice ROGERS. Elizabeth and George WYER's children were: (1) Archibald Taylor WYER, b ca. 1795, Harrison Co, VA; m 5 Jul 1815, Harrison Co, VA, w Elizabeth RITTENHOUSE; (2) Cornelius WYER, b 1798, Harrison Co, VA; d 1842, Ritchie Co, VA; m 1825, Harrison Co, VA, w Elizabeth MALONE.

Archibald WYER m w Elizabeth RITTENHOUSE, b ca. 1797, Louisa Co, VA (d/o Isaac and Elizabeth ZINN RITTENHOUSE). Their children were: (1) Phoebe Jane WYER, b 18 May 1818, Harrison Co, VA; d 3 Nov 1886, Marion Co, WV; m 9 Jan 1840, Harrison Co, VA, w Elias Clark HELDRETH; (2) Cornelius WYER, b ca. 1820, Harrison Co, VA; m 7 Oct 1845, Marion Co, VA, w Cerepta C. MC ZAY; (3) Sonna WYER, b ca. 1832, Harrison Co, VA; (4) Salate WYER, b ca. 1837, Harrison Co, VA; (4) Alpheus WYER, b ca. 1839, Harrison Co, VA; d 5 Jun 1864, Piedmont, VA; m 11 Oct 1860, Marion Co, VA, w Minerva E. MC INTIRE; (6) William WYER, b ca. 1817; m (1^st) 9 Jan 1840, Harrison Co, VA, w Malinda CRIM; m (2^nd) 10 Oct 1872, Marion Co, WV, w Elizabeth GRAY, widow of John W. GUMP; (7) John WYER, b ca. 1823, Harrison Co, VA; (8) Cyrene WYER, b ca. 1831, Harrison Co, VA; m 19 Sep 1855, Harrison Co, VA, w John C. HARBERT; (9) Edward WYER, b ca. 1824, Harrison Co, VA; m 1846 w Ann ______________.

Judge James Finley

John J. HARGREAVES of San Antonio, TX writes the following:

I have been researching my James FINLEY and have changes to make to your previous inclusion of my data to your listings. I am still trying to find James' father. So far I know that James purchased land in Fayette Co, PA, in 1781 at about the age of 25. Since he was born in Ireland, he may have immigrated just before that date. He was well educated and had money to buy the land.

He probably married his first wife, Mary, in Ireland. He was a founding member of the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church of North Union Twp, Fayette Co, PA. He was a justice of the peace for Fayette Co, PA, and a first associate judge in 1791. He was on the tax list in Fayette Co as early as 1785.

He was listed in 1808 when the Union Academy was formed in Uniontown. He was a stockholder in the Union Bank of PA in 1822. He is credited with being the father of the modern American, metal suspension bridge, having built the first suspension bridge in 1801 in Fayette Co, PA, and received a patent for it in 1808. His patent for the suspension bridge was used on several early bridges.

HARGREAVES lists the following info: Judge James FINLEY, b 1756, Ireland; d 29 Feb 1828, age 72; m (1^st) w Mary ____________, d 1 Feb 1817, age 65; m (2^nd) w Rachel _____________. Both James and Mary are buried in Old Laurel Hill Cmty., North Union, Fayette Co, PA. Children are from second marriage: (1) Mary Jean FINLEY, b 4 Jun 1821, Uniontown, Fayette Co, PA; d 20 Mar 1895, Spring Lake, Ottawa Co, MI; bur. 1895, Spring Lake Cmty., MI; m 13 Nov 1841, Uniontown, PA, w Harrison SCOTT; (2) Elizabeth FINLEY, b 1823, Uniontown, PA; m bef. 1844 w _______________ MC CORMICK; (3) James FINLEY, b 1827, Uniontown, PA.

Gloria Findley

Celia CRAWFORD of Burlington, IA sent the following obituary, which appeared in The Hawkeye, Iowa City, IA, on 27 Jan 1999:

Gloria M. FINDLEY, 73, of Fort Madison, died at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1999, at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

Born June 8, 1925, in Dallas City, IL, she was the daughter of Brian and Mary Anvic LAMB. In 1943, she married Jack R. FINDLEY in Canton, MO. Mrs. FINDLEY was a housewife. She was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include her husband; three sons, David FINDLEY of Coralville, Monte FINDLEY of St. Charles, MO, and Jack FINDLEY of Little Rock, AR; five grandchildren; and her mother of Donnellson. She was preceded in death by her father and brother.

Friends may call until the time of service Saturday at Barr Memorial Chapel in Fort Madison. The body has been cremated. The memorial service for Mrs. FINDLEY will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Barr Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Beth DOBYNS officiating. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.

Pension papers

Celia CRAWFORD also sent a wealth of pension papers on her ancestor, Samuel Saffell FINLEY, shown in my database with the following information:

Samuel Saffell FINLEY, b 12 Nov 1838, Blount Co, TN; d 13 Oct 1908, Louisa Co, IA; bur. Oct 1908, Rice Cmty., Louisa Co, IA; m 7 Oct 1865, Burlington, Des Moines Co, IA, w Mary Jane KYLE, b 17 Aug 1840, Madison Co, OH; d 9 Apr 1921, Wapello, Louisa Co, IA; bur. 11 Apr 1921, Rice Cmty., Louisa Co, IA. She m (2^nd) w Thomas GARRETT.

Their children were: (1) John Calvin FINLEY, b 20 Aug 1866, Grandview, Louisa Co, IA; d 5 Sep 1926, Grandview, IA; bur. 7 Sep 1926, Rice Cmty., Louisa Co, IA; m (1^st) 1883 w Clara J. KYLE; m (2^nd) 1905 w Florence DAVENPORT; (2) Wesley J. FINLEY, b 17 Aug 1871; d 21 Dec 1893, Virginia Grove, IA; bur. Rice Cmty., Louisa Co, IA; (3) Eliza Jane FINLEY, b 18 Mar 1874, Louisa Co, IA; d 2 Aug 1954, Muscatine, IA; bur. Aug 1954, Wapello Cmty., Louisa Co, IA; m 25 Dec 1895, Louisa Co, IA, w James Thomas PERKINS; (4) Edward FINLEY, d 1940; bur. 1940, Rice Cmty., Louisa Co, IA; (5) Harry FINLEY; (6) Grace FINLEY m w Warren BOYER.

Samuel Saffell FINLEY's parents were John FINLEY IV., b 28 Feb 1800, Blount Co, TN; d bef. 29 May 1865, Lee Co, IA; m 15 Feb 1825, Blount Co, TN, w Edith "Edy" SAFFELL, b 5 Jun 1806, TN; d 11 Sep 1860, Lee Co, IA; bur. Sep 1860, Clay Grove Cmty., Lee Co, IA. Her parents were James Grimes SAFFELL m w Amy Wheat JACOBS.

John FINLEY IV.'s parents were John FINLEY III, b 17 Feb 1767, Lincoln Co, NC; d 1829, TN; m 13 Nov 1793, Washington Co, VA, w Margaret KENNEDY. His parents were John FINLEY Jr., b ca. 1750/1760, Augusta Co, VA; d Knox Co?, TN; m 10 Apr 1762 w Ann MILLER, b NC? His parents were John FINLEY, b Ireland?; d bef. 20 Sep 1791, Middle River, Augusta Co, VA; m bef. 1 Dec 1740 w Thankful DOAK, b ca. 1703; d aft. 20 Sep 1791, Middle River, VA.

In the pension papers supplied by CRAWFORD, she presents some from a David FINLEY, who she says is the nephew of Samuel Saffell FINLEY and son of Thankful FINLEY, although the connection has not been exactly shown. The papers state that he enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War in Co. B, 3^rd Regiment, Iowa Cavalry, in July 1861 and was discharged at Atlanta, GA, 9 Aug 1865. They also show that he was a wagoneer and that he died in Carleton, NE on 10 Mar 1896.

In an affidavit which David FINLEY had written for him, he states:

"That I am the said David FINLEY who has made application for pension under claim number 873,122 and that I never did serve in either military or naval service of the United States until I volunteered in the Union Army and became a member of Company b, Third Iowa Cavalry and was mustered into service August 27^th 1861. I further say that I am unable to write much by reason of my age and infirmities and that I have had V.O. RUSSELL write this statement for me but that it is wholly dictated by me from my own personal knowledge and that I am in no way prevented by any written or printed statement as recited, prepared or dictated by any other person."

He also said he was "wholly unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of rheumatism and disease of kidneys afflicting right hip down to my knee and in my right shoulder. My hip is shrinking away so that it is almost 2 inches smaller than my left hip. I cannot walk without crutches."

His military and medical history showed that he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, on 18 Aug 1862, was sick on 17 Jul 1862, 31 Aug 1862 and 31 Aug 1863. He was in camp at Vicksburg 29 Feb 1864. Absent on furlough for 30 days, starting on 11 Feb 1864. On 30 Jun 1864, he was in the General Hospital at Memphis.

Pension papers of John H. FINLEY, brother of Samuel Saffell FINLEY, show the following facts. From the Adjutant General's Office: "It appears from the rolls on file in this office, that John H. FINDLEY was enrolled on the 23^rd day of October 1861, at Davenport in Co. D, 14^th Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, to serve 3 years, or during the war, and mustered into service as a private on the 2^nd day of November 1861 at Davenport, in Co. D, 14^th Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, to serve 3 years, or during the war. On the Muster Roll of Co. D of that regiment, for the months of March and April 1862, he is reported present, wounded in battle, Pittsburg, from April 6^th, 1862, right forefinger shot off. On the muster out roll of Co. D valid November 14^th, 1864, he is shown as John H. FINLEY, present, mustered out Nov. 14^th, 1864."

To the Commissioner of Pensions: "Respectfully witnessed to the officers in charge of Record and Pension Division, War Department, for soldier's complete military history. He alleges chronic diarrhea and itching sores contracted at Ft. Donelson, KY, Feb 1862, gun shot wound right hand received at Shiloh, Tenn., Apr. 6, 1862, smallpox and resulting disease of eyes incurred near Corinth, Miss., May 1862, rheumatism contracted at Canton, Miss., Feb. 1864 and disease of throat and lungs contracted at Davenport, Ia., Nov. 1864."

The papers for a "Declaration for Children Under Sixteen Years of Age," state that John H. FINLEY "served at least ninety days in the War of the Rebellion, in the service of the United States, who was honorably discharged Nov. 5^th, 1864, and died Oct. 5, 1896. That he left no widow surviving him. That the names and dates of birth of all the surviving children of the soldier under sixteen years of age are as follows: Lewis H. FINLEY, born Jan. 1, 1881; Goldie C. FINLEY, born April 10^th, 1888; Ernest FINLEY, born March 17, 1886. That the father was married under the name of John H. FINLEY to Lucinda REYNOLDS, there being no legal barrier to such marriage."

For each of these pension applications, there are affidavits from relatives and neighbors which give many facts related to the pensioner. Therefore, pension records can be a valuable tool to find out information about our ancestors.

John Hildreth line

John HILDRETH, 1468 Wyman Ct., Laramie, WY 82072-2993; e-mail at Dhild36710@aol.com sent a wealth of materials which included first the following 2 letters.

First, written June 12, 1998, reads as follows:

"Dear Tim,

Your last issue of 'Finley Findings Int'l' (March/April 1998) reminded me to let you know what I have been able to prove on my Archibald FINLEY line. What I originally believed and as shown on page 3 of the issue, are not now correct as to the origin of my Archibald.

As mentioned to you in my Feb 17, 1992 letter, there was the possibility that my Archibald had a wife Sarah. I have now proved that Sarah was the wife of Archibald as noted in the tax records of Harrison County, WV for 1797. Other records mentioned her name but did not actually point out her relationship.

Second, I was able to disprove that the Archibald FINLEY 1757-1838 (the Rev War Vet) of Shenandoah Co, VA, was not the same Archibald of Fredrick Co, VA and Harrison County, WV. Archibald 1757-1838 never left Virginia and I have proved his offspring and been in contact with several Descendants to add to the proof. This Archibald FINLEY was not my ancestor as proved by the list of children. They show no resemblance to children of my Archibald.

Third, the George WYER shown on page 3 and as sent to you earlier is not my George WYER. The George WYER you show never left Shenandoah Valley and his list of children do not agree with the children of my George WYER. My George WYER went from Loudoun County, VA in 1784 to Harrison County, VA (WV) with his uncle, was raised there and later migrated to Washington County, OH where he died. I have a very good handle on this George WYER family from county and court records, family descendants and cemetery data.

I am quite sure that my Archibald would have been born prior to 1757 to have the children who married as early as 1785 and possibly earlier. That is the reason I think my Archibald is in fact Archibald Jr. born 1738. Tim, if you agree that Sarah FINLEY, wife of Archibald FINLEY, is in fact (as per tax records) the same person as Sarah BARNHILL who married Archibald FINLEY 1738-1797 on August 28, 1761 in Bucks County, PA., then I believe my lineage would go as follows:

Archibald FINLEY 1738 - 1797; m. Sarah BARNHILL

Archibald FINLEY 1686 - 1750; m. Margaret KELSO

Robert FINLEY 1634 - 1712; m. Margaret LAUDER

John FINLEY 1579 - 1670; m. Eleanor FORBES; m. Sarah CRAIGIE

ETC.

Enclosed is a printout of the descendants of Archibald and Sarah FINLEY as far as I have been able to prove."

A portion of the second letter that he sent, dated January 18, 1999, goes as follows:

Several months ago I found a lawsuit in Harrison County, VA (now WV) that showed Sarah FINLEY as the widow of Archibald. This lawsuit was dated:

Court 18 Jun 1804 - Sarah FINLEY vs. John MURPHY - continued..

Court 16 Jul 1804 - Sarah FINLEY vs. John MURPHY - continued..

Court 04 Sep 1804 - Sarah FINLEY vs. John MURPHY - for plf $20 w/interest from 20 Nov 1802 with costs.

In the 4 Sep 1804 papers, Sarah FINLEY is shown as the widow of Archibald. The papers did not explain the nature of the money owed to Sarah by John MURPHY but I assume it was a debt for a loan or sale of goods.

Sarah was not mentioned in any later court minute records in Harrison County or in any other records and I could not find her name connected with any of her children who moved away from Harrison County. Her son William, who I assume she was living with after the death of Archibald, died in 1808. Sarah either died between 1804 and 1808 or moved in with another child and as yet I have been unable to locate her after 1804.

With the information from Harrison County Tax Records showing, Archibald taxed in 1796, Sarah FINLEY taxed in 1797 and William FINLEY (son) taxed in 1798, but Sarah not taxed in 1798 and the statement in the 1804 law suit, I am reasonably sure that Sarah was the wife of my Archibald FINLEY.

That brings me to the lineage of this Archibald and as stated in my letter of 12 Jun 1998, I think the parents of my Archibald were Archibald and Margaret (KELSO) FINLEY.

It is very interesting how family stories get passed down through the generations and many times end up wrong. Family stories about Archibald FINLEY and George WYER are completely wrong. They indicate that both had been in the Rev War. Archibald FINLEY may have been but I have found no record or proof of service and have proved my Archibald to be different form the Archibald of Shenandoah County, VA who was in the Rev War. George WYER made application for a Rev War pension in 1834, when living in Washington County, OH but the application was rejected. I proved that he was born between 1770 and 1773 from Census and several other records as well as from clear proof of birth from depositions in the Chancery Suit involving his Uncle, Peter CORNELISON who raised George and brought him to Harrison County in 1784 at age 14. George's mother was a sister to Peter CORNELISON and left George an orphan about 1773. I have copies of the application and the Chancery Suit including all depositions. I'm afraid that too many people want to tie their backgrounds to some famous person with an outstanding record or service enrollment. I would much rather find that colorful ancestor that was hung or something more interesting.

The following is an update of Mr. HILDRETH'S lineage:

Archibald FINLEY. B. 8 Dec 1738 in Bucks County, PA. Died, circa 1797 in Harrison County, VA. M. Sarah (unknown), they had 8 children: 1) Sarah FINLEY, 2) William FINLEY, 3) Mary FINLEY, 4) James FINLEY, 5) Elizabeth FINLEY, 6) Isabel FINLEY, 7) Jane FINLEY and 8) Margaret FINLEY.

Sarah FINLEY (daughter of Archibald and Sarah), m. first (unknown) STOUT on 24 Mar 1785 in Harrison County, VA. They had 1 Unknown child. M. second James MALONE on 1 Jan 1792 in Harrison County, VA.

William FINLEY d. 1808 in Harrison County, VA. M. first, Rosanna VISE on 13 Nov 1788 in Fredrick County, VA. They had 6 children: 1) John FINLEY b. circa 1788, in Virginia and d. 28 Oct 1859 in Taylor County VA. He m. Sarah CURRY 22 Feb 1810 and they had 3 children. 2) Sarah Elizabeth FINLEY b. 18 Apr 1790 in VA and d. 4 Mar 1845 in Taylor County, VA. She m. John BAILEY 7 Dec 1809 in Harrison County, VA and they had 9 children. 3) Adam FINLEY b. in VA and d. circa 1859 in Taylor County, VA. He m. Jane GOODWIN 9 Apr 1810 in Harrison County, VA and they had 7 children. 4) Rosanna FINLEY b. circa 1791 in VA. She m. James CURRY 13 Mar 1809 in Harrison County, VA. 5) William FINLEY b. circa 1792 in VA and d. 1834 in Harrison County, VA. He m. Sarah ISON in Harrison County, VA and they had 9 children and 6) James FINLEY b. circa 1795 in VA. He married an unknown woman and they had 4 children. Second, William FINLEY m. Margaret STARPOLE on 14 Nov 1807 in Harrison County, VA.

Mary FINLEY m. Benjamin CUNNINGHAM on 26 Feb 1791 in Harrison County, VA. They had 7 children: 1) Robert CUNNINGHAM b. 9 Dec 1791 in Harrison County, VA and d. 13 Dec 1868 in Harrison County, WV. He m. Sarah ROBEY on 6 Jun 1815 in Harrison County. 2) Edward CUNNINGHAM b 1793 in Harrison County, VA and d. 10 Mar 1875 in Harrison County, WV. He m. Mary HALL on 20 Nov 1816 in Harrison County, VA. 3) Joseph CUNNINGHAM b. 1795 in Harrison County, VA and d. in OH. He m. Jane (unknown). 4) William CUNNINGHAM b. 1797 in Harrison County, VA and d. in Harrison County WV. He m. Mary (unknown). 5) Archibald CUNNINGHAM b. 1800 in Harrison County, VA. He m. Mary ROBEY. 6) Leah CUNNINGHAM b. 1802 in Harrison County, VA. She never married and 7) John Ritter CUNNINGHAM b. 1805 in Harrison County, VA. He also never married.

James FINLEY b. circa 1775 in VA and d. after 1850 in Taylor County, VA. He m. an unknown woman and they had 1 child. Susan FINLEY b. circa 1813 in VA. She married James FINLEY (cousin) on 10 Mar 1840 and they had 3 children.

Elizabeth FINLEY d. before 1804. She m. George WYER (more on this Marriage will follow).

Isabel FINLEY b. in VA. She m. John DRAKE Rev on 11 Jan 1794. They had 1 child, name unknown.

Jane FINLEY b. in VA. She m. James DENHAM on 28 Nov 1802 in Harrison County, VA. They had one child, name unknown.

Margaret FINLEY b. in VA and d. circa 1810 in Harrison County, VA. She m. Adam CUNNINGHAM 21 Jan 1809 in Harrison County, VA. They had 1 child. Mary CUNNINGHAM b. 21 May 1810 in Harrison County, VA. She m. Peter DOPP on 29 Aug 1840 in Harrison County, VA. (Adam re-married after Margaret died and with his second wife he had 9 children.)

 

George WYER b. circa 1771 in VA and d. after 1840 in Washington County, OH.

Research in Loudoun County, VA records and Harrison County, WV Chancery Court records show that George was born about 1771 and was orphaned in 1773 when his mother died. His father (name not known) died prior to 1773. Peter CORNELISON, a brother to George's mother, became his guardian and he and George migrated to Harrison County in 1784. George grew to manhood on Peter's land and was given 400ac at age 21. A supposed daughter of Peter brought suit in 1819 and the ensuing Chancery Court case lasted until 1832 when George was found entitled to all of the estate of Peter. Papers from this case confirm the foregoing statements.

George WYER appears on Harrison Tax Lists 1794-1806 but later tax records have not been searched.

The family is shown in the 1810 and 1820 census in Harrison County, VA and in 1830 and 1840 census in Washington County, OH. Eunice WYER and the children are shown in the 1850 census in Washington County, OH and in 1860 they appear in Athens County, OH. Eunice and several children appear in the 1870 census in Athens County.

The family moved from Harrison County, VA to Washington County, OH in 1828.

George WYER filed a pension application for service in the Rev War stating he was born in 1762 but the application was rejected. All sources, other than this, show his birth about 1771. It is believed that this application was fraudulent and evidently the Court felt likewise.

There are 4 daughters not accounted for, they are shown in the 1810, 1830 and 1840 census. We do not know which mother these might belong but several might be from George's first marriage.

He married, first, Elizabeth FINLEY on 11 Jan 1794 in Harrison County, VA. They had 2 children: 1) Archibald Taylor WYER b. circa 1795 in Harrison County, VA. He m. Elizabeth RITTENHOUSE on 5 Jul 1815 in Harrison County, VA and 2) Cornelius WYER b. 1798 in Harrison County, VA and d. 1842 in Ritchie County, VA. He m. Elizabeth MALONE 1825 in Harrison County, VA.

He married, second, Eunice ROGERS on 31 Jan 1804 in Harrison County, VA. They had 7 children: 1) Garrett WYER b. 1806 in Harrison County, VA and d. 21 Dec 1884 in Washington County, OH. He married Sarah HALL on 8 Dec 1833 in Washington County, OH. 2) Rhodam WYER b 21 Jun 1808 in Harrison County, VA and d. 26 Aug 1882 in Athens County, OH. He married Elizabeth LEEK. 3) John WYER b. 20 Jul 1815 in Harrison County, VA and d. 29 Apr 1884 in Washington County, OH. 4) Benjamin F. WYER b. 23 Jan 1818 in Harrison County, VA and d. 23 Sep 1901 in Knox County, MO. He married Caroline STEPHENS on 14 Sep 1843 in Washington County, OH. 5) James WYER b. 1822 in Harrison County, VA and died in Athens County, OH. He married Elmira P. BALCON. 6) Pierson WYER b. circa 1825 in Harrison County, VA and 7) Hiram WYER b. 1826 in Harrison County, VA. He married Madana (unknown).

If you would like more information on these families please contact either Mr. HILDRETH or myself.

Eli Finley

Louise E. NELSON, e-mail at lounelso@utah.uswest.net, sent us the following on article that she wrote on Eli and Sarah Agnes FINLEY. I am only going to publish part of it, the rest can be seen on our website at www.angelfire.com/biz/finleyfindings/Eli.html.

Eli FINLEY, son of William FINLEY and Nancy BARRON, was born about 1802 in Virginia. He married first, May 1, 1822 in Christian County, Kentucky, to Sarah Elizabeth FINLEY, daughter of Dabney FINLEY and Mary LEWIS. Eli died about October 1872 in Lewis County, MO.

Sarah Elizabeth FINLEY was born November 17, 1803, Christian County, KY. She died between 1846 and 1854, probably in Lewis County, MO.

They had 8 children:

Mary Ann, born about 1822 in Christian County, KY. She married Elias THOMPSON on August 16, 1862 in Lewis County, MO.

America J., born about 1825 in Christian County, KY. She married William B. THOMPSON on February 2, 1843.

Elizabeth Virginia, born April 23, 1827 in Christian County, KY. She married Philip Smith JUDY probably on July 12, 1849 in Lewis County, MO. She died February 10, 1902 in Adams County, IL.

Almyra M.H., born about 1831 in Kentucky, married William SHRADER on December 16, 1866 in Lewis County, MO.

William D., born about 1833 in Kentucky, married Adelia Joy JUDY on March 12, 1859 in Adams County, IL.

Sylvester Mc Grady, born about 1834 in Christian County, KY. He married Louisa C. MERRILL on February 13, 1866 in Adams County, IL. He died January 18, 1906 in Lewis County, MO.

Sarah Eliza, born about 1840 in MO, married William Irwin COX on December 1, 1858 in Lewis County, MO.

Lycurgus E., born about 1846 in MO, married Xantippe JUDY on January 16, 1868 in Adams County, IL.

We know that Sarah Elizabeth was alive in 1844 to release her dower rights in the estate of Dabney FINLEY, deceased, of Missouri. By 1860 Sarah Elizabeth is apparently dead. No burial or death records have yet been located for her.

Eli married second, August 24, 1854 to Mrs. Sarah A. REEDS in Louisiana, Pike County, MO. Both parties were from Lewis County, MO at the time. Sarah Agnes was the widow of Samuel Thomas REED(S). Her maiden name was FINLEY.

Eli and Sarah Agnes had three children:

1. Mary Baird, born about 1860 in Lewis County, MO and died, single, about July 1881 in Lewis County, MO.
2. Fannie Julia, born about 1865 in Lewis county, MO. She married Thomas Steven HALL on December 26, 1900 in Canton, Lewis County, MO.
3. Lucy A. V., born about 1867 in Lewis County, MO. She married Frank R. HALL on October 19, 1887 in Canton, Lewis County, MO.

Eli was a very prosperous farmer and businessman. He speculated in land and apparently was a banker since his name appears as grantee on numerous mortgages and trust deeds. His widow and son, Sylvester, apparently carried on the family business after his death because their names appear grantee on a number of mortgages and trust deeds, as well.

 

Will of Eli FINLEY:

Written June 12, 1872, proven October 3, 1872, witnesses: H. DAVIS, John C. ANDERSON, execs. wf. Sarah A. FINLEY and son Sylvester M. FINLEY.

• To wife Sarah A. FINLEY, lots 1-4, block 14 in Gregory, addition to the town of Canton, Lewis County, MO; all household and kitchen furniture; $6000 in money to be paid to her out of the first money collected in lieu of dower in both real and personal estate.
• The residue of the estate to be divided equally among the following of his children, share and share alike: William D. FINLEY; Sylvester M. FINLEY; Mary Ann THOMPSON, wife of Elias THOMPSON; America THOMPSON, wife of William B. THOMPSON, deceased; Sarah Eliza COX, wife of William I. COX; Mary Baird FINLEY; Fannie Julia FINLEY and Lucy A. V. FINLEY.
• To daughter Almyra M. H. SHRADER, wife of William SHRADER, now give her the sum of five dollars which is all she is to receive.

AMOUNTS ALREADY ADVANCED TO CERTAIN CHILDREN TO BE CONSIDERED IN DIVISION OF THE ESTATE:

• Heretofore to son Lycurgus E. FINLEY the sum of $2300 in stock, farming implements; now to him the sum of $5, all he is to receive.
• Heretofore to daughter Elizabeth V. JUDY, wife of Philip S. JUDY, the sum of $203 in stock, money, household furniture; now give her the further sum of $5, all she is to receive
• Heretofore to Daughter America THOMPSON, wife of William B. THOMPSON, deceased, $870 as household furniture, stock, etc., including negro girl valued at $400, one jack valued at $250, note of William B. THOMPSON for $35 dated March 26, 1851 which is to be delivered up.
• Heretofore to daughter Mary Ann THOMPSON, wife of Elias THOMPSON, $1283 in stack and money, including negro girl valued at $400, note of Elias THOMPSON for $88 dated April 22, 1857, to be given up to him, $500 cash given to her about April 1, 1872.
• Heretofore to son William D. FINLEY, $2880 in land.
• Heretofore to son Sylvester M. FINLEY, $2880 in land.
• Heretofore to daughter Sarah Eliza COX, wife of William I. COX, the sum of $2278 in money, stock, household and kitchen furniture.

Estate of Eli FINLEY:

Will book:

Eli FINLEY is said to have died intestate; Sarah A. FINLEY appointed admr. October 1, 1872.

Sylvester M. FINLEY appointed executor October 3, 1872.

Probate records:

• First annual settlement $29,624+; exec. Ordered to sell Lewis County Savings Bank stock belonging to the estate; Mary Baird FINLEY (minor over 14), Lucy A. and Frannie J. (minors under 14); curator Sarah A. FINLEY; final settlement 12,002+.
• Because of threatened suit by Elizabeth V. JUDY and her Husband Philip C. JUDY, and Almyra M. SHRADER, children and heirs of Eli, against the other heirs, a compromise was reached by which Sarah A. FINLEY would be required to pay $1781 out of the estates of her wards Mary B., Lucy, and Frannie; court ordered to be done.
• 2^nd annual settlement of Sarah A. FINLEY curator of Lucy A., Mary B. and Fannie FINLEY, minor heirs of Eli FINLEY dec'd February 14, 1875, other settlements 1879-81 mention Kansas land and Shannon County, MO land, costs for schooling and music lessons.
• Final settlement to Fannie J. FINLEY paid July 10, 1881 and curator discharged; final settlement to Mary B. FINLEY paid October 17, 1881; and final settlement to Lucy A. V. FINLEY paid November 19, 1883.

Will of Mary Baird FINLEY:

Daughter of Eli and Sarah A. FINLEY; written March 2, 1878, proven July 30, 1881; Sarah A. FINLEY exec.

"To my mother and sisters of half blood" $5 each; to mother Sarah A. FINLEY all real estate, notes, bonds, and money; "sisters Fannie J. and Lucy A. V. FINLEY of the whole blood" residue of the estate; if mother is dead Fannie and Lucy to share her part.

Estate of Mary Baird FINLEY:

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August 21, 1878, Mary Baird FINLEY declared to be of unsound mind and unable to manage her own affairs; Sarah A. FINLEY appointed guardian of her estate.

Will of Sylvester M. FINLEY:

Written January 13, 1906, proven January 21, 1906, he died January 18, 1906, exec Louisa C. FINLEY.

• He deeded property where he lived to his wife Louisa C. FINLEY to be held in escrow until his death; SE 15, E1/2MWSW 15, E1/2NW 15, W1/2NE 15, SESW 10, NWSW 10, SWSW 14, E1/2SW 14 all in Tp 60 R 6W.
• To grandson Finley WELLMAN and granddaughter Helen WELLMAN $4000 each, to be held in savings until they reach 22; if either grandchild should die before age 22, the other is to inherit; if both should die, the money goes to wife Louisa C. and daughter Jessie E. WELLMAN.
• Wife and daughter to share rest of estate equally.

County Kilkenny

Charlotte Carpenter SMITH, 2791 Walker Lee Dr., Los Alamitos, CA 90720-4935, phone (562) 431-0010, sent family group records showing the following:

"Michael FINLEY, b ca. 1808, Queens Co, Ireland; m 11 Nov 1833, Clough, Co Kilkenny, Ireland, w Julia O'BRIEN, b ca. 1809, Pair, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, Ireland, d 17 Feb 1865, Rising Sun, Crawford Co, WI; he d 1 Jun 1881, Rising Sun, WI; both bur. Rising Sun Cmty., Rising Sun, WI.

"Michael FINLEY was listed as an original first land owner in Lake Co, IL, and purchased land there before 1840, when the first deeds were given by the state of IL. A check of the IL Land Office Archives showed the following: Michael FINLEY, purchaser, on 13 Nov 1843 of 40 acres at price of $1.25 per acre at Federal Land Sale. Lake Co, Sec. 21, Twp. 44N, Meridian 3, in Vol. 686 of the state records. Sec. W2, Lot 1NE, Range 11E.

"Michael FINLEY and Julia O'BRIEN were married in Clough, Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1833. Records are not available for that date for Clough so far.

"Clough was a village in the parish of Castlecomer, barony of Fassadin, Co Kilkenny, Ireland. It stands at the NE extremity of the county, 3/4 of a mile north of the dinane rivulet and 4 miles NNE of Castlecomer. The site of the Roman Catholic chapel has an altitude of 469 feet above sea level, yet is quite low in relative position to the cirumjacent upland country. The Clough brewery stands on the dinane rivulet. The village gives its name to a Roman Catholic parish. All of the village is 70 acres; population in 1831 was 582 and in 1841, 525. It has 106 houses."

Michael and Julia FINLEY had five children: (1) Martin, b 14 Aug 1834, Ireland; m 1860 w Margaret MALONE; he d 7 May 1916, Crawford Co, WI; (2) Margaret, b Feb 1836, NY; m 8 Nov 1851, Waukegan, Lake Co, IL, w Patrick MEAD; she d 13 Jul 1913, Olathe, Johnson Co, KS; bur. 15 Jul 1913, Calvary Cmty., Olathe, KS; (3) Julia Ann, b 1838, Lake Co, IL; m w Philip WISER; (4) James, b 1839, IL; m 11 Nov 1861, Prairie du Clien, Crawford Co, WI, w Ann O'DONNELL; he d 11 Nov 1861, Prairie du Chien, WI; (5) Michael, b 2 Feb 1846, Libertyville, Lake Co, IL; m 16 Oct 1862, Prairie du Chien, WI, w Elizabeth Lizy DUNNE; he d 6 Feb 1904, La Crosse, WI; bur. Rising Sun, WI."

Information from Anne NERE, 701 Highway 212, P.O. Box 146, Danube, MN 56230-0146, relative of Martin, gives the following:

"According to 1870 Census in WI, Martin FINLEY was b in Ireland. Their gravestones in Rising Sun, WI, gives Martin's b as 14 Aug 1829 and d as 7 May 1916. A smaller gravestone right next to theirs reads: 3 children of Martin FINLEY -- Michael, 5; Julia, 1; and infant. Martin FINLEY was a farmer and in 1860, his real estate was valued at $400 and personal property at $150. In 1870, the value was real estate $1,500 and personal to $500. They owned 100 acres of land."

Ruth Findley obituary

This is an obituary sent to us by Geraldine N. FINLEY of Deptford, NJ. The clipping was taken from a New Jersey paper on November 18, 1998; name of the paper is unknown at this time.

"Ruth L. FINDLEY, 77, of Fairmont, died in her home, Friday, November 13, 1998.

She was born in Pt. Pleasant, January 20, 1921, a daughter of the late Amon and Florence Ethel Weigle FINDLEY, Sr.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Jean HAROLD, with whom she made her home; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Wilma FINDLEY, Kirtland, OH; three sisters and brother-in-law, Minerva Marie LANTZ, Belington, Mary Rosaliea and Elwood POLING, Montrose, and Francis June JONES, Moundsville; three grandchildren, Robin Rochelle DAVIS, Joseph J. HAROLD and Robert Amon HAROLD and one great-grandson, Joseph J. HAROLD II; and two sisters-in-law, Rebecca FINDLEY, Philippi, and Carol FINDLEY, Moundsville.

Mrs. FINDLEY was a former member of the Valley Bend Baptist Church. She retired from the Anchor Hocking Glass Company. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Hershel J. HAROLD, Jr.; three brothers and one sister-in-law, Bill FINDLEY, Bryan W. FINDLEY and Nelson and Marcelle FINDLEY; and two brothers-in-law, French C. LANTZ and Merle D. JONES.

Funeral services were held at a Fairmont funeral home on Monday, November 16, 1998, noon, with Pastor Ron BLACKBURN officiating. Interment was in the Valley Bend Cemetery."

© 2010 Finley Findings International

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