VOL

VOL. 11 FEBRUARY/MARCH 1999 NO. 3

Introduction

As I update this, I would like to announce my marriage to Melinda Kay BARBER on 3 Oct 1999.

Send us e-mail at TMKessler@hotmail.com.

Because of the amount of research information sent to us and the length of space that we felt we needed to devote to it, this and the following issues may be lengthier than usual. We hope by presenting the information in this manner, we will provide the most service for the funding which you have graciously provided. We have spent countless hours correcting the written record in order to preserve our ancestral records in the most accurate and well-documented way possible. Many changes have been made to the Personal Ancestral File database and the addition of new lines has greatly expanded our knowledge. We are in debt to the recent contributions of such subscribers as John HILDRETH, Celia CRAWFORD, Louise NELSON and William H. SMITH, among others.

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.
Queries

Query No. 1: Charlotte MEEKER, e-mail at charm513@juno.com writes the following: "I am sorry to say, but there must have been 2 Thomas Jefferson FINLEY'S. 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: We were 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. 2: 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.

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. We are only going to publish part of it, the rest can be seen on our web site 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: Mary Baird, born about 1860 in Lewis County, MO and died, single, about July 1881 in Lewis County, MO. Fannie Julia, born about 1865 in Lewis county, MO. She married Thomas Steven HALL on December 26, 1900 in Canton, Lewis County, MO. 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: 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.