Introduction
This issue contains all information found in Volume 4 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL, from July 1990 to June 1991, including some additional information.Finley Findings Goes International
I have made contact with Berva J. HOWES, RR 4, Picton, Ontario, Canada KOK 2TO, and received a letter from her, which is as follows: "I received your letter of April 30th (1990) just yesterday and I am very pleased to hear of the work you are doing re FINLEYs. It certainly seems to me that we should work together. "I have considered a computer but do not yet have one. This would take time, in fact a lot of time, because I've never used one, and the letters are arriving so a plan must be put into action soon. At this point, it seems to me that it should be divided into two or three groups -- (1) U.S., (2) Canadian, (3) Scotch-Irish and English. One person responsible for each group with complete sharing of all information re the three areas. Would you be interested in taking on the U.S. FINLEYs? "Last week I wrote to Zoe STOUT asking about the work of Albert F. FRANCE and who would have it as I would very much like to have it. I have been working on the Scotch-Irish FINLEYs for eight years, was in Co Antrim for five weeks in '83 and collected much. How large is this collection? Also, who is Carrie A. WOOD and what does her work comprise? "I would be most interested in seeing a few copies of your FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL. I would like to do the Canadian and Scotch-Irish. I expect to find many lost U.S. FINLEYs in Canada as Loyalists. "I will send you a list of material I received from Zoe STOUT and then copy for you anything you don't have. If you are willing to take on the U.S. FINLEYs I would want to send off the letters and queries to you soon. "Trust this letter is not incoherent. I'm writing this as three carpenters tear apart my kitchen! Any ideas or suggestions will be appreciated." HOWES later sent a treasure chest of information about FINLEYs. Thanks to her, I now have in my possession the late Admiral Herald STOUT's original copy of The Clan FINLEY, which was bound in a looseleaf notebook. Included are many antique photographs. Unfortunately, some of those are unidentified. Also included is some correspondence which STOUT received about various lines. In looking through the foot of material, it appears that STOUT began expanding some lines up to the 13th generation. In his last book in his series (Second Edition, Vol. II, 1957), he only goes up to the 10th generation. One area which seems to be lacking in this material is documentation of all sources, although some photocopies of some documents are included. I do know that his widow donated some of his research materials to the San Diego Genealogical Society, so perhaps some of his documents may be found there. HOWES adds, "Regarding Canadian FINLEYs, I am starting from scratch and my first step will be to put out a call for FINLEY genealogies and records. I will send a request to the Ontario Genealogical Society. They publish six times a year. I am fortunate to live in this area because Kingston was the cradle of Canada and most passed through Kingston. The exception would be the Maritimes and Quebec. The Mormons also have a library here. (Picton is 40 miles from Kingston.)" On the other side of the world, I was able to talk by telephone with Robin McNee FINDLAY, who lives in Surrey, England. He also wrote a letter, which follows in part: "I would be happy to help in any way I could, but I must emphasize (as you will understand) that as a working journalist my time for research is limited, and there is no way, for example, that I could or would accept requests to do personal research for other people. "What I could certainly do would be to act as `anchorman' or representative of FINLEY FINDINGS this side of the Atlantic (unless of course you had other volunteers). I could also offer guidance to fellow members in certain areas of research with which I am familiar (though no expert!). This is mainly Ireland, both North and South. "I have a library of some 230 books covering Irish genealogy, emigration, history, etc., many concentrating on the northern province of Ulster, which was settled largely by Scots in the 17th century (and who later came to be called `Scotch-Irish,' though that name is not recognized here). "I also belong to the following societies: The Genealogical Society (covering England); The Irish Genealogical Research Society (whose headquarters are in London); The Irish Family History Society (Tullamore, Ireland); The North of Ireland Family History Society (Belfast); and the Ulster Genealogical and Historical Guild (also Belfast). Through their journals and newsletters I am able to keep tabs on what is happening in genealogical circles on this side of the water. "It must be remembered too that for centuries Ireland was governed from London, and many of the old records remain in the English record offices. I note the reference in your newsletter to the fact that more subscribers want to see actual records rather than the historical aspects of the FINLEYs. However, a knowledge of some history is essential if those records are going to be interpreted correctly. For example, anyone doing `Scotch-Irish' research MUST know something about the Plantation of Ulster in 1610 if they are to make any progress. And anyone looking into Irish emigration in the 19th century must know something about the Irish famine of 1845-50." FINDLAY later wrote the following comments: "1. The efforts of those early FINLEY genealogists to link up with Adam and Eve are, frankly, ludicrous. I think that this may have been the fashion of the time (1930s, 40s) but there has been such an explosion in serious, genuine genealogical studies in the last twenty years or so that such Biblical epics must be put firmly in their place -- as an interesting idiosyncracy of the authors, but no more. Equally, of course, there have been enormous strides made in Biblical studies, with which I am also familiar, having twice visited Israel and stood on the site where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. "2. The same argument must apply, to a lesser extent, to the early Celtic genealogies, where fact, myth and legend are woven together to form an attractive backdrop to genealogical studies. But anyone hoping to prove a blood relationship back to the Middle Ages is deluding themselves. Which is a great pity, because there is still so much to be learned about just the last 300 years of our clan's history and the way its members have forged new lives in all corners of the globe. "3. The reference in Volume 1 to the FINLEY coat of arms interested me. It is not generally known that a coat of arms (or `achievement') is the personal property of the person on whom it is bestowed. I, for example, cannot use the arms depicted on the letterhead as belonging to the family of Kirkman FINLAY of Castle Toward. If I did, his heirs could bring a legal action against me in the Scottish courts. On the other hand, there is nothing to stop me applying to the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh for my own arms, though the fee would be considerable. "4. This brings me to an anecdote which may interest you. As a boy, I lived in the small Argyllshire village of Innellan, five miles from the town of Dunoon, on the banks of the Firth of Clyde (Holy Loch, where the American Polaris submarines are based, is just round the corner). "A few miles further down the road is Toward Point, and it was here that Kirkman FINLAY, an important Glasgow businessman and politician, built Castle Toward. "During the 1939-45 war, Castle Toward was taken over by the Army, and my father, Major Robert John FINDLAY, of the Royal Corps of Signals, was stationed there for a time working on Combined Operations with the Navy and the Air Force before being posted to the Far East. The Castle (more a very large Victorian mansion than a castle) was left virtually derelict after the war. I remember visiting it with a schoolfriend, and finding a basement window open, we crept in and explored the dusty cellars, echoing corridors and vast lofty rooms. It was quite a ghostly experience! Later the Castle became a dancing school, and eventually a school for disabled children. "5. One last comment: There are two references to `The Braces of Mar.' This should be `Braes of Mar', brae being the Scottish word for a slope or hillside (braces are what we hold our trousers up with). I must say that with all those strange and unfamiliar names, you have done a great job in transcription! Keep up the good work!" Editor's note: In light of the above, I must concur with FINDLAY that the lineage probably can't be traced back to Adam and Eve. However, since some of the information from the Middle Ages is apparently supported by documented land records, that should be the starting point for our historical record. The earlier generations shown may or may not be true, so they should be referred to as the "FINLEY legend." This international framework is now in place, with the addition of HOWES and FINDLAY, which is why this organization is now known as FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL.I still have no other evidence to refute my contention that this is the only organization in the world devoted entirely to researching only the FINLEY surname, with all of its derivatives. UPDATE: In 2009, I was informed of the death of Robin FINDLAY.Authorization To Republish Stout's Works
Zoe Anderson STOUT, the widow of the famed FINLEY genealogist Herald Franklin STOUT Sr., also recently wrote to me, endorsing my efforts with FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL. Her letter, in part, states the following:
"As you can see by the enclosed letter to Mrs. HOWES, I am suggesting that the two of you collaborate in your FINLEY genealogy. I am certain that you can (be) mutually helpful to one another. I would like also to recommend a joint effort in publishing your data. I am (receiving) endless requests for The Clan FINLEY. As I have sent to Mrs. HOWES, I also am enclosing a note to you to give permission to use my late husband's FINLEY data in whatever useful way you can. His purpose was to make the information available to those interested in having it and I am certain he would be happy to see it continued and well distributed." The authorization from Mrs. STOUT is as follows: "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: "Mr. Timothy KESSLER has my permission to reproduce in written or other form any and all of the data from Herald F. STOUT, published in The Clan FINLEY or drawn from his personal notes, provided acknowledgement is made of the source of the information and credit is given to him for it." With these important contacts, I feel that I should take some measures to protect our information. I am therefore stating that FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL material may not be reproduced in any other publication with prior written consent from me and that it is intended solely for the use of its subscribers. The following information was researched and written by J. Wayne JOHNSON, P.O. Box 760, Andalusia, AL 36420.Finleys in Early Piedmont, GA
The research for this paper was done in order to find the father of my ancestor, William FINLEY, who first appears in the tax records of Clarke Co, GA in 1803. He was a carpenter and farmer and lived on Barbers Creek near Watkinsville in present-day Oconee Co. About 1804, he married Elizabeth HAYGOOD, daughter of Benjamin HAYGOOD. In 1820, he lived in Walton Co; 1830 in Monroe Co; and died in Chambers Co, AL, in 1840. There were three other FINLEY men who appear in the records of Clarke Co between 1800 and 1810: Nicholas, Samuel and Thomas. Nicholas and William both lived on Barbers Creek and both attended the Mars Hill Baptist Church. Samuel FINLEY lived in the same tax district with Nicholas for two or three years. In 1805, Samuel sued William for wages due him for work in William's carpentry shop. Part of the payment he received was a note on Nicholas FINLEY owed to William. Nicholas won land in the 1807 land lottery and apparently signed this land over to Samuel as payment for the note. All these relationships suggest these three were related. Since they seem to be near the same age, they probably were brothers. For two or three years, Samuel lived in the same tax district as Thomas, so Thomas was probably another brother. Of these four, only Nicholas appears in the 1805 land lottery, having one draw. This means he was at least 21 in 1803 and had no children when he registered for the lottery in Wilkes Co. Herald STOUT, apparently based on information supplied by a descendant of Nicholas, has his birthdate as 1778. Based on the dates as they first appear in the tax records and assuming they were 21 at the time, William was born in 1782, Thomas in 1783 and Samuel in 1785. To trace these Clarke Co FINLEYs, I have found as much information as I could about their in-laws. Benjamin HAYGOOD, father-in-law of William FINLEY, m in Chatham Co, NC, in 1777. He moved to Hancock Co, GA, after 1790 and to Clarke Co about 1800. Nicholas FINLEY m Mary MIDDLETON, daughter of Holland Middleton, who d in Hancock Co in 1795. The MIDDLETONs lived on Shoulderbone Creek, which before 1793 was a part of Greene Co. From 1808 to 1811, Nicholas lived in Morgan Co, GA, within 1 1/2 miles of George FINLEY II. In 1803, Nicholas registered for the land lottery in Wilkes Co. Aaron GRIER of Warren Co, GA, had a daughter, Katherine, who, according to family records, m a Samuel FINLEY. The only Samuel FINLEY I can find in the area who could have married Katherine was our Clarke Co Samuel. Elizabeth GRIER, another daughter of Aaron GRIER, m John B. FINLEY. John B. FINLEY filed a lawsuit in Clarke Co in 1816. I have been unable to locate him in the tax records, but he may have lived in Clarke Co and may be another brother of William FINLEY. I have no information on Thomas FINLEY which gives any clues as to his origins. Rebecca FINLEY who m Nathan HAMILTON in Clarke Co in 1820 may have been a sister of William FINLEY. Nathan Hamilton was listed three houses from George FINLEY II in the 1820 census of Walton Co, GA. Another probable sister of the Clarke Co FINLEYs was Nancy FINLEY who was m to Parks MIDDLETON in Morgan Co in 1811 by John MC COY. Parks MIDDLETON was a brother-in-law to Nicholas FINLEY. Both Parks MIDDLETON and John MC COY lived near Jacks Creek in the northern tip of Morgan Co. The only FINLEY living in the same tax district about the time was a John FINLEY. I am unable to definitely identify this John FINLEY but he could be the son of Thomas FINLEY (# 6 in the following information). John FINLEY I and George FINLEY II lived about six or eight miles away. Another avenue of research has been to trace the in-laws of the children of William FINLEY. Five of his children married people who can be traced to either Hancock or Warren counties. These offer no help in deciding the ancestry of William because they were probably friends of the HAYGOOD side of the family. Daughter Mary m William FOSTER in Monroe Co. William FOSTER was the son of Jessie FOSTER and the grandson of Kimmey FOSTER. Kimmey FOSTER lived in Craven and Onslow counties of North Carolina in the 1760s. By 1787, he was established on Kettle Creek in the southwestern part of Wilkes Co and also owned land on Hardens Creek. William FINLEY's daughter, Mahala, m Elisha RAY in Monroe Co in 1827. Elisha RAY m his first wife in Oglethorpe Co in 1818. In 1823, Elisha RAY of Oglethorpe Co sold land on Fishing Creek in Greene Co (Greene Co DB JJ, P. 254). In 1825, Elisha was taxed in the Fishing Creek area of Greene Co in the same district with James FINLEY I and with Margaret, the widow of Thomas FINLEY (No. 6). I have also traced many of William FINLEY's early business associates in an attempt to discover his origins. One is Rueben BOOTHE, who, with William FINLEY, borrowed money in 1803, perhaps for some business venture. Clarke Co Superior Court records show Rueben BOOTHE was confined in the Oglethorpe Co jail in 1805. Rueben BOOTHE witnessed a deed in which John BOOTHE bought land on the headwaters of Long Creek in Oglethorpe Co (Oglethorpe Co DB G, P. 4). This land was adjacent to the GILLUMs, who were in-laws of Thomas FINLEY (# 6) and places Rueben Boothe near the headwaters of Little River. Harmon RUNNELS was the man who loaned the money to William FINLEY and Rueben BOOTHE and he lived on Rose Creek in Clarke (Oconee) Co. Rose Creek courses parallel to Greenbriar Creek in the southern part of the county. Court records show Harmon had business dealings in Greene Co. In the 1780s, he witnessed deeds in what is now Oglethorpe Co in the same area of the headwaters of Long Creek and Little River. William FINLEY served as the assignee of Stephen NOBLES to collect a debt in 1805. NOBLES lived on Greenbrier Creek in the southern part of Clarke (Oconee) Co. In 1816, William FINLEY witnessed the deed in which Joseph RAY (Jr.) sold land on Jacks Creek in Morgan Co (Morgan Co DB F, P. 161). Joseph RAY had obtained the land from his father, Joseph RAY (Sr.). The elder Joseph had earlier lived on Freemans Creek in Clarke (Oconee) Co, south of Barbers Creek. It is very likely he is one of the three Joseph RAYs who lived in the Fishing Creek area of Greene Co in the 1790s, the same area in which George FINLEY I and II, Robert FINLEY I, James FINLEY I, John FINLEY I and Thomas FINLEY lived. John BREWER helped William FINLEY pay for his farm in exchange for one-third of the crop. William FINLEY cosigned a note John BREWER made to John HUNTON in 1803 (Clarke Co DB A, P. 117-18). This suggests William and John were close friends at the time William was reaching his maturity and thus would seem to be particularly important. Unfortunately, there is some speculation in tracing John but he seems very likely related to Hundley BREWER and probably his son. There was a John BREWER who witnessed a legal document involving Hundley BREWER in 1811. Hundley BREWER lived on Calls Creek in the same tax district as William FINLEY near Watkinsville. One of his neighbors was a widow HUNTON who also lived on Calls Creek. Edward PAINE, who witnessed the document involving John BREWER and William FINLEY, also lived on Calls Creek. Before moving to Calls Creek, Hundley lived on Greenbrier Creek in the southern part of Clarke (Oconee) Co. In 1793, Hundley BREWER's name appears on a jury roll in Greene Co so he apparently lived there at the time. Hundley was the son of James BREWER, who d in Wilkes Co in 1817. James lived on the headwaters of Fishing Creek in Wilkes Co (a different Fishing Creek from the one in Greene Co). He had a son, Sackville BREWER, who lived in Orange Co, NC in 1780. James had a son, Caleb BREWER, whose estate was administered by Powell STAMPER. Powell STAMPER was probably the father of Daniel STAMPER who moved to the Greenbrier Creek area of Greene Co in the same tax district as George FINLEY II. Daniel STAMPER m Polly FINLEY in 1803, who was likely a daughter of George FINLEY II. In analyzing the above information, we find many of the FINLEY relatives or friends tracing back to either Hancock or Warren counties. However, there are no FINLEYs in those counties, so this does not help us determine the ancestors of the Clarke Co FINLEYs. Some of the relationships point to Wilkes Co. The FOSTERs, who were in-laws of William FINLEY, once lived on Kettle Creek and owned land on Hardens Creek. Perhaps the strongest suggestion the Clarke Co FINLEYs trace to Wilkes Co is that Nicholas FINLEY lived there in 1803 when he registered for the 1805 land lottery. We can pretty definitely rule out James (# 11) and Samuel FINLEY (# 13) who lived on Kettle Creek. The only FINLEY in Wilkes Co we cannot rule out is James (# 16) who owned land on Hardens Creek. We cannot exclude him completely but we have no strong evidence he was related to our Clarke Co FINLEYs. The overwhelming preponderance of evidence points to the first seven FINLEYs in the following paper I call the Fishing Creek FINLEYs since they all at one time lived on or near Fishing Creek in either Oglethorpe or Greene counties. Several associates of William FINLEY trace to the southwestern area of Oglethorpe Co where Thomas and Joseph FINLEY lived. Perhaps the strongest evidence are the connections of William FINLEY with the RAYs. Son-in-law Elisha RAY first lived in Oglethorpe Co, probably the southwestern area. He definitely lived in the Fishing Creek area of Greene Co in 1825. William witnessed a deed for Joseph RAY, whose father pretty definitely traces to Fishing Creek in Greene Co. In addition, the Fishing Creek FINLEYs were very close to the RAYs of that area. James FINLEY was the son-in-law of Isaac RAY of Fishing Creek. John FINLEY, who may have been the son of Thomas FINLEY or John I, m Mary RAY. Several of William FINLEY's friends lived in the southern part of present-day Oconee Co. Thomas FINLEY once owned land on Greenbrier Creek in this area and George FINLEY II rented land in the same area. In addition, William FINLEY lived fairly close to George FINLEY II in Walton Co in 1820 (17 houses removed in the census). Nicholas FINLEY lived within 1 1/2 mile of George FINLEY II in Morgan Co. Nancy FINLEY who m Parks MIDDLETON in Morgan Co in 1811 was almost certainly a sister of the Clarke Co FINLEYs. If we assume her father lived nearby, this narrows significantly the possibilities, one of which is George FINLEY II. All the Fishing Creek FINLEYs except George II can be ruled out as the ancestor of the Clarke Co FINLEYs, which makes us confident George FINLEY II (# 4) is the father of the Clarke Co FINLEYs. The following information contains the best I could find on all the FINLEY families who lived anywhere near Clarke Co who were old enough to possibly be the ancestor of the Clarke Co FINLEYs. The evidence for some is much stronger than for others. Inevitably some guessing is involved and doubtlessly there may be errors. I would appreciate anyone who can correct any errors to write to me at P.O. Box 760, Andalusia, AL 36420. There were many FINLEY men of the same name and for convenience I have arbitrarily numbered them in this paper. Explanation of abbreviations: a = after, b = by or before, c = circa, d = daughter of, m = married, s = son of, DB = Deed Book, WB = Will Book, ? = probably. 1. George FINLEY I (b 1735-b 1794); m ? Jane _________.A. Robert FINLEY I ( -b 1828) (# 2).
B. John FINLEY I ( -c 1829) (# 3).
C. George FINLEY II (b 1760-b Jan 1836) (# 4).
D. James FINLEY I (a 1860-b 5 Jul 1841) (# 5).
3. John T.M. HAILES.
b. William T. FINLEY (c 1840- ); m 19 Mar 1865 w Mary Evelyn SOUTHERLAND.
c. Hiram Crumley FINLEY (c 1846-21 Jan 1916); m Elizabeth HARRIS.
k. John Wesley FINLEY (1846- ).
l. Susan FINLEY (1840- ).
2. Mary Butler FINLEY (27 Nov 1806-28 Oct 1862); m w Henry Hall GUYNES.
3. Nancy FINLEY m 26 Mar 1829, Copiah Co, MS, w Thomas C. SCRIVNER.
4. Elizabeth FINLEY m 14 May 1829, Copiah Co, MS, w Lewis LAMBRIGHT.
5. Nicholas FINLEY (c 1814- ) m c 1845 w Alzada GUYNES.
D. ? Thomas FINLEY (c 1783- ).
E. ? Samuel FINLEY (c 1785- ); m ? Katherine GRIER, d Aaron GRIER.
F. ? Polly FINLEY m 1 Apr 1803, Greene Co, GA, w Daniel STAMPER.
G. ? Priscilla FINLEY m 22 Sept 1806, Clarke Co, GA, w Robert MIDDLETON.
H. ? Nancy FINLEY m 12 Sept 1811, Morgan Co, GA, w Parks MIDDLETON.
I. George FINLEY III (b 1796-15 Jun 1853); m 16 Nov 1826, Morgan Co, GA, w Lucinda AKINS (c 1810-1879). Lived Freedonia, Chambers Co, AL; d Coosa Co, AL.
J. ? Rebecca FINLEY m 17 Mar 1820, Clarke Co, GA, w Nathan HAMILTON.
K. Zachariah FINLEY (c 1803-b 11 Nov 1870); m (1st) Martha ________; m (2nd) Lucinda FINLEY, widow of George FINLEY III. Lived Milltown, Chambers Co, AL; d Coosa Co, AL.
L. Jane FINLEY (c 1805- ).
M. Lockey FINLEY (c 1808-4 Feb 1863).
N. ? Martha J. FINLEY (c 1828- ); m John T. MATHEW.
B. George FINLEY (b 1800- ).
C. James T. FINLEY ? m 29 May 1821, Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Mary WRAY.
D. Nelly FINLEY m 12 Jun 1820 w Allen JOHNSON.
E. Nancy FINLEY m Lewis M. MAXEY.
F. Jane FINLEY m 3 Aug 1830 w Jeremiah MAXEY.
G. Oliver P. FINLEY m 22 Oct 1849, Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Margaret J. CAMPBELL; lived with MAXEYs in Oglethorpe Co.
James FINLEY was a Revolutionary War veteran, according to the 1827 land lottery. Indian depredation claims show he lived in Irwin Co for a short time. His will is found in Greene Co WB F, P. 263.
6. Thomas FINLEY
(b 1754-b 29 Oct 1805); m (1st) Theodosia Elizabeth WHITE; m (2nd) 5 Feb 1801 w Margaret ALLEN, widow of William ALLEN.A. Jane FINLEY (b 1775- ); m b 1790 w Charles GILLUM, s Ezekiel GILLUM.
B. Archibald H. FINLEY m 29 Mar 1824, Granger Co, TN, w Patsey HINES.
C. John FINLEY (c 1780-a 1850); lived in Noxubee Co, MS, in 1850.
D. Lucinda FINLEY m 18 Aug 1803 w Robert FINLEY I.
E. Ireneous (Rene, Rainey) FINLEY (c 1790- ); m 13 Sept 1810, Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Nancy MARTIN; moved to Jasper Co, GA.
1. ? Thomas Patterson FINLEY (13 Jan 1813-9 Jan 1874) m 4 Feb 1838, Butts Co, GA, w Mary Ann MC CLAINE; moved to Chambers Co, AL.
F. Mary FINLEY m Thomas WARD.
G. Dionia (Nicy) FINLEY m 6 Nov 1818 w David ELLIOTT.
H. William C.H. FINLEY II (c 1791-a 1850); m ? in Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Elizabeth SMITH; moved to Jasper Co, GA, in 1815; Alabama Territory, 1819; lived Noxubee Co, MS, in 1850.
I. Elizabeth FINLEY m 12 Nov 1818 w William WAGGONER.
J. Zenious L. (Leroy) FINLEY (c 1792-b 1819); will recorded in Granger Co, TN, in 1819.
K. Fidella (Della) FINLEY (c 1801- ); m 18 Nov 1818 w John SHAW.
L. Thomas P. FINLEY (c 1803- ); m 9 Nov 1823 w Anna WAGGONER; ? moved to Scott Co, AR.
Jane GILLUM is not mentioned in estate records of Thomas FINLEY but she was left a bequest in the will of Anthony ROSS of Mecklenburg (Cabarrus) Co in 1789. Mecklenburg Co DB 13, PP. 694-96, reveals she was the daughter of Thomas FINLEY and DB 16, P. 159, shows she was m in 1790. We feel she had to be born at least by 1775. Incidentally, the FINLEYs and the ROSSes were very close. Joseph Anthony ROSS, brother of Anthony, named a daughter Jane Finley ROSS. Hopefully, this will help trace the FINLEYs closer to their origins.
7. Joseph FINLEY m Martha KENNEDY, d John KENNEDY of Lancaster Co, SC.
Joseph FINLEY witnessed the sale of land on Rocky River in Cabarrus Co, NC, from James FINLEY to Thomas FINLEY in 1777. In 1785 and 1787, he is listed near Thomas FINLEY in Wilkes Co, GA. He was granted 200 acres of land on the North Fork of Little River in what is now Oglethorpe Co. This land was adjacent to land owned by Thomas FINLEY. He apparently did not move in Georgia but county lines shifted and from 1792 to 1795, he lived in Greene Co and from 1796 to 1797, he was taxed in Oglethorpe Co. It seems he lived in present-day Oglethorpe County very near the Greene Co line.
He probably moved to Blount Co, TN, about 1798. He had a brother-in-law, Felix KENNEDY, who lived there. A Joseph FINLEY was taxed there about 1800. A Joseph FINLEY of Williamson Co, TN, sold land in Blount Co in 1816, which was adjacent to F. KENNEDY (Blount DB 1, P. 418).
Joseph FINLEY obviously is related to the Fishing Creek FINLEYs but how is uncertain. He seems younger than Thomas and George I but older than their known children. He may be a younger brother or perhaps an older son of Thomas or George FINLEY I.
8. Jacob FINLEY m 14 Dec 1788, Orange Co, NC, w Catherine RILEY, d Jacob RILEY.
A. ? Mary FINLEY m 13 Apr 1809, Jasper Co, GA, w Joshua MOORE.
B. ? Susannah FINLEY m 25 Jan 1808, Jasper Co, GA, w John MOORE.
C. ?? William FINLEY III m 17 Nov 1811, Jasper Co, GA, w Elizabeth LEE.
D. Riley FINLEY (c 1791- ); m 8 Jul 1823, Jasper Co, GA, w Mary BENSON.
E. Alfred FINLEY m 4 Jan 1827, Jasper Co, GA, w Ruth HOWARD.
F. Ammanuel FINLEY (c 1803- ).
Jacob FINLEY paid taxes in Wilkes Co, GA, in 1787. From 1793 to 1808, he lived on the South Fork of the Ogeeche River in the southeastern part of Greene Co. He won land in Jasper Co in the 1807 lottery and moved there by 1809.
Jacob FINLEY witnessed the sale of land from John MOORE to Riley FINLEY in 1818 (Jasper Co DB 8, PP. 382-83). In addition, his wife's maiden name was RILEY so there is no doubt Riley was his son. Riley and Alfred FINLEY shared ownership of Lot 32 of District 18 in Jasper Co and they had many land dealings in Newton Co in the 1820s, including one between themselves (Newton Co DB A, P. 462) so there is little doubt they are brothers.
Riley signed a bond for Ammanuel FINLEY when he was appointed guardian of Leander MC GLAUGHLIN in Meriwether Co, GA. Also, Riley FINLEY named a son Ammanuel, so Ammanuel FINLEY is likely another son of Jacob.
The inclusion of William FINLEY III as a son of Jacob is more problematic. Uzza FINLEY (see # 9 John FINLEY below) lived in Jasper Co at the time and this William may be his son. If Jacob is the elderly male living with Riley FINLEY in the 1830 census of Jasper Co, he was b between 1760-70. He may be the son of Hugh FINLEY, who lived in Hillsborough, Orange Co, NC, as early as 1771. Hugh lived in the same district as Jacob's father-in-law.
9. John FINLEY II (? 1724-b 30 Apr 1803); m ? Annie ? NORRIS (c 1738-28 May 1785).
A. Charles FINLEY (c 1761-1787).
1. James FINLEY.
B. Linda FINLEY m Theodocia TURK ( -c 1815).
1. John TURK.
2. Laban TURK.
3. Theodocius TURK.
4. Mary TURK.
5. Nancy TURK.
6. Valinda TURK.
7. Thomas TURK.
C. Benjamin Norris FINLEY ( -16 Sept 1825); m 3 Feb 1786 w Ann PHILLIPS (19 Jan 1770- 10 Apr 1844); moved to Clarke Co, AL.
1. Elizabeth FINLEY (25 Nov 1786- ); m ? 8 May 1802 w David BUCKNER.
2. Lindy FINLEY (14 Dec 1788- ).
3. Charles FINLEY (29 Jan 1790- ); m ? 23 Apr 1813, Clarke Co, AL, w Elizabeth WOODWARD.
4. Zachariah P. FINLEY (30 Jan 1792-1838); m Rebecca _________ ; Zach killed by Mexicans in Texas.
a. William (Billy) FINLEY (c 1829- ).
1. Sam FINLEY.
2. Mrs. Clara O'QUINN.
b. Robert FINLEY (9 Oct 1838- ).
1. Mrs. Ernest SEOTT.
2. Mrs. Buren SCOTT.
5. Uzza FINLEY (30 Dec 1794- ).
6. Harriet FINLEY (7 Apr 1795- ); m (1st) 9 Jul 1815 w Robert COLLIER; m (2nd) w John S. ROBERTS.
7. Mary P. FINLEY (7 Sept 1798- ).
8. Benjamin Norris FINLEY (25 May 1801-1868); m 29 Apr 1829, Deborah Melisa DAVIS, niece of Jefferson DAVIS.
9. Joseph Phillips FINLEY (25 Nov 1802- ); m 13 Jan 1825 w Aly Boney EVERETT (widow).
a. Sarah Amanda FINLEY (11 Dec 1825- ).
b. William James FINLEY (5 Nov 1827- ).
c. Benjamin Norris FINLEY.
10. William FINLEY (22 Nov 1804- ); m 7 Jul 1829 w Parmelia DANZY; moved to Copiah Co, MS.
11. John FINLEY (20 Jan 1806-10 Sept 1864); m 12 Jul 1833 w Elizabeth Jane NUNN (23 Jan 1814-25 Jul 1891).
a. Mary Eugenia FINLEY (1834-1835); d Stewart Co, GA.
b. George Lafayette FINLEY (1836-1862); d Martin, MS.
c. Margaret Ann FINLEY (1839-1885); d Bowling Green, KY.
d. Edmund Norris FINLEY (1841-1861); d Bowling Green, KY.
e. Sara Almeida FINLEY (1844-1927); d Alvarado, TX.
f. John Hawkins FINLEY (1847-1919); d Estancia, NM.
g. William V. FINLEY (1850-1924); d Santa Ana, CA.
h. Debbie Turissa Geraldine FINLEY (1853-1906); m 19 Jan 1869 w William D. WHITTED; d Estancia, NM.
12. Nancy FINLEY (24 Aug 1809- ); m (1st) 7 Jul 1826 w Richard DANZY; m (2nd) 8 Apr 1847, James C. WORLEY.
D. Uzzah FINLEY (1762- ); m Milly _______ ; moved to Jasper Co, GA, then Izard Co, AR.
1. Nancy FINLEY.
2. Bill FINLEY.
3. Zach FINLEY.
4. Charles FINLEY.
E. Eleven FINLEY (29 Apr 1769-23 Dec 1829); m (1st) ________ WALL, d Arthur WALL; m (2nd) Mary (Polly) TAYLOR; moved to Izard, Lawrence Co, AR.
1. Rachel FINLEY.
2. Rebecca FINLEY.
3. Issac FINLEY.
4. Matilda FINLEY.
5. Linna FINLEY.
6. Nancy FINLEY.
7. John FINLEY.
8. Mary FINLEY.
9. Julian FINLEY.
10. William FINLEY.
F. Rebekah FINLEY m John DEAN.
1. Anne DEAN.
2. Margaret DEAN.
3. Jane Pope DEAN.
4. Rebecka DEAN.
5. John DEAN.
6. Nathaniel DEAN.
G. William FINLEY IV (11 Oct 1772-18 Feb 1826); m 29 Jun 1805 w Polly SHARPE; moved to Morgan Co, GA.
1. Charles H. FINLEY.
2. William FINLEY ( -b 1845).
a. George W. FINLEY.
3. Kossiah FINLEY.
4. George FINLEY.
5. Tyre G. FINLEY.
Willis T. FINLEY of 307 Fairview Dr., Longview, TX 75604, a descendant of Eleven FINLEY, says family history has John FINLEY II b in Glasgow, Scotland. At the time of the Revolution, he lived in Edgefield District, SC (Revolutionary Pension of Uz FINLEY, # R3557). He was granted land in Greene Co, GA, in 1786.
He and his sons lived in the western portion of Greene Co near the confluence of the Apalachee and Oconee rivers. Son Charles was killed by the Indians in the raids of 1787. John FINLEY's will is found in Greene Co Wills 1796-1806, PP. 54-55. Most of the information on the family of Norris FINLEY comes from a family Bible in the possession of Lleta LIGHTFOOT, P.O. Box 432, Alvarado, TX 76009. She has a letter William FINLEY of Copiah Co, MS, sent her ancestor, John FINLEY.
10. James FINLEY II.
A. ? William FINLEY V.
B. Richard FINLEY (b 1782- ); m 15 Oct 1815, Jones Co, GA, w Matilda ELLENSON.
C. ? John FINLEY.
1. ? Elijah FINLEY (c 1814-1849).
The information on this family is perhaps the sketchiest of all in this paper. There were two James FINLEYs in Greene Co, GA, listed in the 1805 land lottery, one of them apparently this James. He was living with son Richard in Carlton's District when he won land in the 1807 lottery.
Carlton's is the same district in which lived the sons of John FINLEY II. I have been unable to find him in the tax lists but son Richard is listed in the same district from 1804 to 1808. I interpret this to mean James lived in the town of Greshamville and paid his tax in town. He lived in Jones Co, GA, in 1808.
There was soon afterwards a James FINLEY in Twiggs Co and we assume it was he. Deeds of Houston Co show in the 1820s, James FINLEY of Twiggs Co bought land and he seems related to a John FINLEY of Richmond Co, who also moved to Houston Co. Information on Elijah FINLEY is found in the 1850 census mortality schedule. Jasper Co DB 3, PP. 445-46 proves James was the father of Richard.
There were two William FINLEYs taxed in the same district as John FINLEY II in 1799, only one of which could be the son of John. Since James II lived in this district later and we have no idea how long he may have lived here, it is entirely possible he was the father of the second William. It is possible this William FINLEY V is the one in the northern part of Clarke in the 1802 tax list and that he moved across the line into Jackson Co where he was taxed from 1803 until 1805.
11. James FINLEY III ( -c 1821); m Isabella __________ ( -b 13 Dec 1848).
A. ? Thomas FINLEY ( -c 1813).
B. Samuel FINLEY (c 1790-a 6 Sept 1873); m 6 Aug 1812, Wilkes Co, GA, w Catherine GREENE; will in Chattooga Co, GA WB 1, PP. 75-78.
C. ? Mary FINLEY m 19 Nov 1818, Wilkes Co, GA, w David LAWSON.
D. ? Margaret FINLEY m 13 Aug 1818, Wilkes Co, GA, w David DANIEL.
E. Elizabeth FINLEY m 16 Aug 1821 w James LYLE.
F. James FINLEY ( -7 Sept 1872); lived Hillsboro, Union Co, AR.
G. William FINLEY VI (a 1803- ); lived Claiborn, MS, in 1836 (Wilkes DB MMM, P. 441).
H. John FINLEY (c 1804-c 1858).
I. David FINLEY (8 Apr 1813-2 Jan 1858); m 7 Apr 1841, Montgomery, AL, w Emily W. GOODE; Presbyterian minister in Montgomery, AL.
J. Jane FINLEY m 19 Nov 1826, Wilkes Co, GA, w Richard SAPPINGTON.
K. Isabella FINLEY (1806-1876); m 29 Sept 1825 w Thomas GREENE Jr. (1800-1864); buried Matthews Chapel Cmty., Talbot Co, GA.
L. Grace FINLEY m 20 Dec 1821, Wilkes Co, GA, w Robert ROUNSEVALLE; lived Summerville, Chattooga Co, GA.
James FINLEY III lived in Wilkes Co, GA, as early as 1778. He fought under Col. Elijah CLARKE in the Revolution. He lived on Little River near Kettle Creek, southwest of the town of Washington. About 1788, he moved to Camden Co, GA, returning to Wilkes Co by 1791. He helped build the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. His son, William FINLEY VI, was a minor as late as 1824, so he could not be the Clarke Co William FINLEY. See below for my belief this James is a brother of Matthew FINLEY and the son of Samuel FINLEY.
12. Matthew FINLEY (1758-b Sept 1819); m Jane MC CORD.
A. Anna FINLEY m _________ SMITH.
B. Nancy FINLEY m _________ WALKER.
C. Samuel P. FINLEY m 17 Feb 1817, Oglethorpe Co, GA, w Sally MITCHELL.
D. Malinda FINLEY.
E. Polly FINLEY.
F. Hariot FINLEY.
G. Jane FINLEY.
H. John J. FINLEY m 8 Nov 1838, Newton Co, GA, w Mary Ann LANE.
I. James M. FINLEY m 25 Feb 1839, Newton Co, GA, w Eliza LANE.
13. Samuel FINLEY.
A. ? James FINLEY III.
B. ? Matthew FINLEY.
C. Elizabeth FINLEY.
D. Mary FINLEY.
From 1785 to 1794, Samuel FINLEY was taxed for 400 acres of land on Little River in Wilkes Co in the same district as James FINLEY III. In 1792, Samuel, Elizabeth and Mary FINLEY sell land to James FINLEY III (Wilkes DB II, P. 536). In 1793, Samuel FINLEY sold 200 acres to daughters Elizabeth and Mary FINLEY (Wilkes DB LL, P. 70).
Later, Mary FINLEY sold her land to James FINLEY III (Wilkes Co DB RR, P. 324). Obviously, all these FINLEYs were related. The deeds also show Samuel had adult daughters in 1792. The most likely interpretation of these facts is that Samuel was anticipating his death and disposing of his property. He must have been the father of the others.
14. Rev. Robert FINLEY (1772-3 Oct 1817); m 16 May 1798 w Esther Flint CALDWELL (1772-1844).
A. Helen S. FINLEY.
B. James C. FINLEY.
C. Josiah FINLEY.
D. Robert FINLEY.
E. Ann FINLEY.
F. John E.C. FINLEY.
G. Susan FINLEY.
H. Hannah FINLEY.
I. Mary FINLEY m John R. DAVIDSON.
The Rev. Robert FINLEY was a renowned Presbyterian minister from New Jersey. He was appointed president of Franklin College (now the University of Georgia) in Athens. He had been in Georgia only a short time when he died suddenly. His will is located in Clarke Co Will Book A, PP. 74-75. His family apparently moved back north after his death.
15. John FINLEY III m Margaret _________.
There was a John FINLEY with wife and three children who immigrated to Georgia from Ireland in 1772. This is the time Wilkes Co was being settled. The Ceeded Lands Journal for Wilkes Co reveals a Margaret FINLEY, widow of John FINLEY, was granted 100 acres of land on the Ogeechee River in 1774-75. Since this John FINLEY was dead in 1775, he could not be the father of the Clarke Co FINLEYs.
16. James FINLEY IV ( -b 1806).
There was a James FINLEY (often spelled FINNEY so this may not be a FINLEY at all) taxed for 200 acres of land on Hardens Creek from 1794 to 1805. Hardens Creek is on the other side of Little River from where James (# 11) and Samuel FINLEY (# 13) lived. Each year, James PATTERSON acted as his agent in paying his taxes. His orphans had a draw in the 1807 lottery with James PATTERSON as their guardian. James PATTERSON paid taxes for James FINLEY, deceased, through 1809 and we see no mention of this family after 1809.
There was a Howard FINLEY taxed in the Hardens Creek area of Wilkes Co in 1791 and 1792. Since James IV appears in this area in 1794, they may be related. Howard FINLEY is probably the same man of that name who lived in Pendleton District (Pickens Co), SC. This is particularly interesting to me since the Pickens Co, SC, FINLEYs had HAYGOOD neighbors and the FINLEY and HAYGOOD names frequently appear on the same documents. There was even a James FINLEY who was administrator of the estate of Col. Benjamin HAYGOOD in Pickens Co in the 1830s.
There is some suggestion Benjamin HAYGOOD, father-in-law of our Clarke Co William FINLEY, was related to the Pickens Co, SC, HAYGOODs. He had brothers named James and George, which are the names of the earliest Pickens Co HAYGOODs. A George PARTIN witnessed the will of Benjamin's father, James HAYGOOD of Orange Co, NC.
A Partain HAYGOOD (HAGWOOD, which is a variation of the spelling of Benjamin's name) appears in the estate papers of Simeon Williams of Abbeville District, SC, in 1802. Parten ``HAGWOOD'' moved to Decatur Co, TN, where the 1850 census has him b in North Carolina in 1785.
These hints plus the fact Nicholas was in Wilkes Co, GA, in 1803 make us desire more information on the family of James FINLEY IV. All we can say at present is he had children who were still under age in 1806 (b after 1792). Unfortunately, I have been unable to trace the origins of either James FINLEY IV or James PATTERSON. Howard FINLEY apparently is the one who moved to Hopkins Co, KY. Some of his descendants say he was b in Virginia.
17. Amon FINLEY.
There was a blacksmith named Amon FINLEY who had two draws in the 1805 land lottery in Greene Co, GA. I have seen no other reference to him. Since Jacob FINLEY had a son named Ammanuel, this Amon FINLEY may be related to Jacob (# 8).
Andrew Finley (1717-1780)
Nancy MAXWELL, 10299 Alder Ct., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, wrote the following article on Andrew FINLEY:Andrew FINLEY, son of Michael and Ann O'NEILL FINLEY, was b in the Parish of Mullaghabrac, County Armagh, Ireland, on 18 Apr 1717. He emigrated to America on 23 Sept 1734 with his parents and siblings, arriving at Philadelphia, PA, on the brig Eagle Wing.
The family first settled in Bucks Co, PA, then in Salisbury Twp., Chester Co, PA, where Michael FINLEY appears on a 1747 tax list. Michael is supposed to have died about 1750, but no will or administration of estate has yet been located. The writer has been unable to conduct a thorough search of Chester and Bucks counties' records for land records and other proofs of residence for this family at this time.
Many sources state that Andrew FINLEY m Catherine Paul, daughter of Hugh PAUL of Frederick Co, VA, about 1754. According to Elizabeth M. PAULL, Hugh PAUL arrived in this area between 1738 and 1740 and made a "Tomahawk" claim of 198 acres, to which additional land was added later, though Ms. PAUL does not give citations from Frederick Co deeds.
Frederick Co lies in Virginia's Northern Neck, and was formed from Orange Co, VA, in 1738. The first court was held in November 1743. The first grand jury was held in May 1744, with Hugh PAULL serving as a juror. At court on 2 Jun 1747, Hugh PAULL was appointed overseer of a road to be built from "the meeting house at the gap of the Mountain ... to the Warm Springs." His job was to oversee construction from the meeting house to Sleepy Creek, while another overseer took over from Sleepy Creek to Warm Springs.
Hugh PAULL (TORRENCE's spelling) made out his will on 2 Nov 1748, which was probated in the spring of 1749. He includes his daughter, "Catran," who was to receive "five pounds Pennsylvania money" from his son, John, and John's share of the sheep, plus "fifteen pounds Pennsylvania money" from his son, Robert. She was to receive an equal share of the remainder of the estate.
No proof of Catherine's age has been found, but she was most likely still young and unmarried. It is also unknown how she met Andrew FINLEY. However, Jo White LINN, in her Rowan County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. 1, 1753-62, Abstracts of Books 1-4, gives this data:
The first sale of part of Andrew FINLEY's 640 acres took place six weeks after his death. The deed is from Andrew FINLEY to Isaiah MC BRIDE, dated 21 Nov 1780, and is for 150 acres. John, William and "Kathrine" FINLEY signed it.
The slab by Andrew FINLEY's grave in the Alamance Presbyterian Church cemetery has been preserved in cement. It reads "Here Lies The Body Andrew FINLEY Departed This Life The 6th Day of oct A.D. 1780 Aged 66 Years." However, if Andrew's birthdate of 18 Apr 1717 is correct, he would have been 63 when he died.Major Albert Finley FRANCE in his The Clan FINLEY and Robert M. TORRENCE in his TORRENCE and Allied Families name seven children of Andrew and Catherine PAUL FINLEY, to wit: John, Catherine, Samuel, Elizabeth, Ann, William and Michael. E.M. (Elizabeth Maxwell) PAULL in her PAULL-IRWIN: A Family Sketch does the same. This writer has definite proof of all but Elizabeth and Ann.
ISSUE OF ANDREW AND CATHERINE PAUL FINLEY:
JOHN. Guilford County court records of 20 Aug 1832 contain a pension application from John FINLEY, age 77, a resident of Guilford Co, NC. John stated:
... that he was born in Frederick County of Virginia of which a record is made in his Father's Bible, that with his father he moved in 1771 to Guilford, NC, that he has lived in Guilford ever since except five years or thereabouts he spent in Williamsborough Township the State of South Carolina, that he never had a written commission, but Served as a Sergeant, Quarter Master (illegible) Master, that he is known to Revd William D. PAISLY, Revd Eli W. CARUTHERS, Revd John COE, Col. Walter MC CONNELL, Capt Robert GILMORE, Joseph GIBSON esq., Finley SHAW, James THOM, Joseph HANNA, John PAISLEY & David MC ADOW esq. and many other respectable citizens in his neighborhood, who can and are willing to Certify to his veracity and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
John's birthdate is given as 22 May 1755. No source has been found for the month and day. He is said to have married Betty PAISLEY about 1777. No record or marriage bond from Guilford Co has been found, but the International Genealogical Index (IGI) as of April 1988, P. 4,241, shows a marriage between John FINLEY and Betsy PAISLEY THOMSON in Guilford in 1782. E.M. PAULL says John had five sons. TORRENCE gives this information about the sons:
John. IGI gives 1786 birthdate.
William. B 1779. IGI gives 1788 birthdate. TORRENCE says he d 1858, Bradley Co, TN. Silva Dell Wilson PARTRIDGE in her PAISLEY and Allied Families gives William's children as James H., Albert, Sarah, Joseph, Smith, John, William Henderson, Enoch and Louisa.
TORRENCE and PARTRIDGE say William (John's son) m Jane WELDON.
Andrew. No IGI entry.
Samuel. IGI says he was b 1790.
James. B 1782; d 1824, Maury Co, TN. IGI gives marriage of James FINLEY to Rebecca ALLISON in March 1814. Children, per PARTRIDGE: Elizabeth, Rachel Ann, Boles (?).
Deliverance. PARTRIDGE and IGI show her as m 10 Feb 1831, Guilford Co, NC, w Addison WILEY. PARTRIDGE lists their children: John F., Mary M., Elizabeth J., Katherine C., Adeline D., Mary M.F., Deliverance.
The Rev. E.C. MURRAY portrays John FINLEY as an important and vital participant in the life of Alamance Presbyterian Church. John was supposedly with his father at the consecration of the church and continued his devotion to it as he grew up.
The first Sunday school superintendent was elder John FINLEY, who had knelt by the side of his father, Andrew, in that prayer in the woods when the little log church was built. He was now familiarly known as `Old Master FINLEY' because teaching was his life-long work. Devoted to children, he gave his whole heart to these Sabbath services. Dr. [Calvin Henderson] WILEY tells us that during the afternoon devotional exercises, Mr. FINLEY would generally become excitedly happy, and he could well remember the venerable saint's white hairs and tender tones as he passed from pew to pew singing of the better land, grasping the hands of the children, patting them on their heads, and asking them to meet him in heaven. He expressed the wish that all who had ever been taught in his Sunday school should attend his funeral, sing his favorite hymn, and see him laid in the same grave with his honored father. And in all the history of the church, few burials have been so thronged with visitors and so impressive.
John FINLEY was ordained an elder on 13 Nov 1820. In Alamance Church's old financial book, by the date 25 Nov 1835, John FINLEY pledged $10 for 1822-1826, $3 for 1827-1833 and $4 for 1834-1837. He also paid $3 for 1827-1833 and $4 for 1834-1837. He also paid $3.50 pew rent for a front row, left side pew beyond the pulpit.
Betsy (Elizabeth) PAISLEY was the daughter of William and Deliverance PAINE PAISLEY. John FINLEY supposedly died in 1839 and Betsy in 1846.
CATHERINE. This writer has more information on this daughter of Andrew and Catherine PAUL FINLEY because the line of descent comes through Catherine. Major FRANCE gives Catherine's birthdate as 10 Aug 1756. This is the only place the writer has seen it and does not know the source. If this is true, Catherine would have been 34 when she m 11 Apr 1791, Guilford Co, NC, w James PYEATT. She had 10 children, the last one b in 1813, and would have been 57 years old.
James PYEATT was b 28 Feb 1768, probably in Rowan Co, NC, to John and Martha or Jane BLAIR PYEATT. It seems unlikely that he would have married a woman 13 years older than himself. Nevertheless, they did marry. James witnessed deeds and deeded land in Guilford with other members of the PYEATT family between 1788 and 1794. He was a bondsman for the marriages of his brother Jacob to Margaret FINLEY (Catherine's sister) and of his brother-in-law Michael FINLEY to Sinai TAYLOR in Guilford.
About 1796, James, Catherine, Jacob, Margaret, Michael and Sinai moved to Logan Co, KY, part of which became Warren Co in 1797. James, Jacob and Michael are on the Warren Co tax lists for 1799, 1801-1803, 1805 and 1806.
The PYEATTs are not on the 1807 list, but Michael is. From research this writer has done, the apparent move was of a religious nature. The beginning of the Great Revival was underway, begun for the most part by the Rev. James MC GREADY, who felt so strongly about the conversion experience that he was compelled to leave Guilford Co for his own safety and settled in Logan Co. These families were of the "New Side" congregation of Alamance Church and many other families in the Alamance neighborhood left North Carolina for a relatively more hospitable area on the frontier.
About 1807, when Cherokee lands opened for settlement in northern Alabama near present-day Huntsville, the PYEATTs moved there and built settlements. The Choctaws still laid claim to that land, and in 1810, despite a petition to Congress, the settlers were forced to move.
According to tradition, Jacob PYEATT rode a good horse westward to Arkansas Post on the Arkansas River, looking for a "goodly land." He reported that this land, then Louisiana Territory, would do them well. In 1811, several settlers reached the Post on the west side of the Mississippi River. In 1812, they moved up the Arkansas River, about 15 miles past Little Rock, and established Pyeattstown. In 1812, this became Missouri Territory, Arkansas Co. Pulaski Co was created from Arkansas Co in 1818. In 1819, Arkansas Territory was created.
Catherine FINLEY PYEATT d 24 Dec 1818, Pyeattstown, Arkansas Co, Arkansas Territory, one week before Pulaski Co was created from it. James PYEATT married twice after her death, to Mrs. Martha WHITE and Mrs. Holly Bagley Saffold HARDIN. He d 24 Apr 1837 in Pyeatt Township.
Children of James and Catherine FINLEY PYEATT:
John. B 15 Jan 1792, Guilford Co, NC; d 18 Apr 1796, Guilford Co, NC; buried in Alamance Presbyterian Church Cmty.
Henry Porter. B Sept 1793, Guilford Co, NC; drowned 1 May 1850 in the American River in California during the Gold Rush; m 10 Feb 1820, Big Rock Twp., Pulaski Co, AR, w Icyphena CARNAHAN.
Martha. B Jan 1796, Guilford Co, NC; d Dec 1819, Pulaski Co, AR; m 2 Oct 1812, Arkansas Co, AR, w John KING.
Mary. Known as "Lame Polly." B 19 Mar 1798, probably in Warren Co, KY; d 1877, Washington Co, AR; m 24 Jun 1824, Pyeatt Twp., Pulaski Co, AR, w the Rev. John CARNAHAN.
Andrew Finley. B 8 Mar 1801, Warren Co, KY; d before 23 Apr 1837; m Jun 1824, Pyeatt Twp., Pulaski Co, AR, w Mrs. Martha Carnahan PYEATT.
John Rankin. B 12 Dec 1805, Warren Co, KY; d 5 Jan 1897, Cane Hill, Washington Co, AR; m 16 Mar 1831, Fort Smith, AR, w Elizabeth BUCHANAN.
Margaret. B 12 Dec 1807; d 1877; m (1st) John PIERCE; m (2nd) Thomas Jefferson CABE.
James. B 12 Jan 1810.
Jemima. B 29 May 1813, Crystal Hill, Arkansas Co, AR; d Cane Hill, Washington Co, AR; m _______ SCOTT. She was baptized by the Rev. John CARNAHAN in the home of her uncle, Jacob PYEATT at Crystal Hill.
Peter Paulus. B Apr 1803, Warren Co, KY; d 10 Mar 1884, Polk Co, MO; m (1st) 15 Jan 1827, probably in Crawford Co, AR, w LaVina COX; m (2nd) between 1860 and 1863 w Susan C. ________ .
SAMUEL. He was b 20 Oct 1757, according to Major FRANCE, and d in Warren Co, KY. This writer has no proof of either statement. Samuel did convey land with his mother to David YOUNG in Guilford Co, NC, on 1 Aug 1793, and witnessed a deed from Michael FINLEY to David YOUNG on 2 Jul 1794, along with his brother, William. He appears in a Warren Co court record of 1800 which will be discussed more fully later. This writer has not searched other Warren Co records for Samuel. No record of marriage has been found. He is on the 1799 and 1801 tax lists.
MARGARET. Her name is not found in FRANCE, TORRENCE or PAULL. All three name Ann and Susanna as children of Andrew and Catherine FINLEY PAUL. This writer does not know if Margaret was a first or middle name, thus making either Ann or Susanna the same person as Margaret.
Margaret FINLEY m Jacob PYEATT in Guilford Co, NC on 8 Mar 1791, according to the marriage bond. James PYEATT and Michael FINLEY were bondsmen. This union produced these children:
John. B 1792 in Guilford Co, NC; d 28 Jan 1823, Pulaski Co, AR, from the effects of severe frostbite. He m Martha CARNAHAN in Pulaski Co.
Peter. B 1793, Guilford Co, NC; known as "Big Peter" to distinguish him from his cousin Peter Paulus PYEATT (Paulus = "little" in Latin); d 1856, Washington Co, AR; m 31 Dec 1822, Independence Co, AR, w Mary MILLER.
Catherine. B 1795, Guilford Co, NC; m Pulaski Co, AR, w Samuel GATES; moved to Texas.
Mary. B 9 Feb 1798, probably in Warren Co, KY; d 3 May 1879; m 10 Dec 1818, Arkansas Co, AR, w Samuel CARNAHAN.
Andrew. B 1800, Warren Co, KY.
Jane. B 1802, Warren Co, KY; d 9 Dec 1839, Pulaski Co, AR; m 17 Jul 1822, Pulaski Co, AR, w Smith KELLUM.
Jacob. B 1804, Warren Co, KY; d young.
Margaret and Jacob PYEATT followed the same path as their sister and brother, though Jacob seemed to be the leader. Margaret d Jan 1822, Pulaski Co, AR, and Jacob did not remarry. He did move to Washington Co, AR, when that land opened for settlement in 1827, along with a large contingent of Crystal Hill dwellers. His name was first on the list of charter members of the Cane Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Washington Co. He d and is buried in Washington Co as a Revolutionary War patriot, having served in Clark's Regiment, Virginia State Troops. He also served as coroner in Pulaski Co in 1822.
This writer has much more material on these PYEATT brothers than is within the scope of this article, concentrating on Andrew FINLEY's family.
WILLIAM. PAULL and TORRENCE say he was b in 1767, and if so, probably in North Carolina. He was executor of his father's estate along with his mother, and also witnessed deeds in Guilford Co. When he moved to Chatham Co, NC, is unknown, but he was there in 1793 and d there in 1798, according to one index of Chatham Co wills. No will or estate administration has been found. However, this record serves as "extra" proof of his residence and relationship:
Know all men by these Presents that we Jacob PEYATT, James PYATT and Samuel FINLEY of Caintucky State and County of Warren has Constituted made and appointed and by these Presents do Constitute make and appoint our trusty and loving Brother Michael FINLEY of the County and State aforesaid our true and Lawful Attorney for us and in our names and stead and to our use to ask Demand Sell for levy recover and receive all Such sum and sums of Money debts rents Goods wares dues accounts and other Demands Whatsoever which are or Shall be due owing payable or belonging to the estate of William FINLEY deceased of the State of North Carolina and County of Chatham ...
No proof of marriage has been found for William FINLEY.
MICHAEL. He was b 2 Feb 1768, according to TORRENCE and the IGI, probably in North Carolina in either Rowan or Orange Co. He also witnessed deeds and bought and sold land in Guilford Co between 1790 and 1796. On 21 May 1795, he m Sinai TAYLOR in Guilford Co, NC, with Jacob and James PYEATT as bondsmen. Michael and Sinai moved to Kentucky with the PYEATTs. They had three children:
Andrew. B 8 Apr 1796, Guilford Co, NC; d probably in Bond Co, IL; m Rebecca __________ .
Elizabeth. B 5 Sept 1798, probably in Warren Co, KY; m 5 Sept 1820, Bond Co, IL, w John TROUTMAN.
William. B 30 Nov 1800 in either Logan or Warren Co, KY; d 23 Nov 1870, Salem, Marion Co, IL.
Sinai TAYLOR FINLEY d the same day William was born, and Michael FINLEY m Eleanor (Nelly) PAISLEY about 1803 in either Logan or Warren Co, KY. Their children:
Peggy. B 8 Apr 1804, probably in Warren Co; m William HAMPTON.
Sinai. B 13 Aug 1805, Warren Co, KY; d 1852; m 14 Apr 1831, Bond Co, IL, w James Edmondson RANKIN.
Catherine. B 20 Dec 1806, Warren Co, KY; d 1889; m (1st) 2 Mar 1830, Bond Co, IL, w Samuel DENNY; m (2nd) 1847 w Thomas PAISLEY.
Polly. B 10 Oct 1808, Warren Co, KY; d 1843; m 10 Sept 1829, probably in Bond Co, IL, w Calvin NELSON.
Eleanor. B 29 Jun 1810, probably in Warren Co, KY; d 11 Sept 1889, Bond Co, IL; m 11 Mar 1834, Bond Co, IL, w Robert W. DENNY, M.D.
Jane. B 11 Mar 1812, probably in Robertson Co, TN; d 31 Jul 1900, Donnellson, Bond Co, IL; m 8 Oct 1833, Bond Co, IL, w Thomas Carson DONNELL.
Martha. B 12 Apr 1816, Robertson Co, TN; d 9 Sept 1903; m 25 Mar 1841, Donnellson, Bond Co, IL, w John KNIGHT.
Michael. B 12 Apr 1816, Robertson Co, TN; d 21 Apr 1867; m 20 Aug 1839, Bond Co, IL, w Nancy Jane DONNELL.
Nancy. B 2 Oct 1818, Robertson Co, TN; m 23 Nov 1843, Bond Co, IL, w Isaac J. KNIGHT.
Michael FINLEY received two grants of 200 acres each as a headright from the state of Kentucky, the surveys being done on 13 and 14 Jul 1799. They were a part of the South of the Green River Series, which required a year's residence on the land and an improvement, such as a cabin or crop. In 1809, he was executor of Robert BAKER's will in Logan Co.
By 1812, Michael and Eleanor were in Robertson Co, TN. Between 1812 and 1818, they sold all their land, plus the land that was assigned to Michael by his mother, Catherine. Catherine received a headright grant in 1798 for 200 acres by virtue of Certificate No. 2057, south of the Green River, in Warren Co. Her interest in this land ended after the survey.
TORRENCE, PAULL and FRANCE say that Ann FINLEY was a child of Andrew and Catherine PAUL FINLEY and m a Mr. YOUNG, but no proof is cited by any of them. PAULL says it was a John YOUNG. This writer has not found any marriage record of this kind. Since the FINLEYs sold so much land in Guilford Co to David YOUNG, there may have been more than real estate transactions between the FINLEYs and YOUNGs. Coincidentally, there was a marriage between Jacob PYATT and Jane YOUNG in Philadelphia, PA, in Jul 1734. This couple is thought to have been the parents of John PYEATT, who was the father of James and Jacob PYEATT, who m Catherine and Margaret FINLEY. If there is a relationship between these families, it is unknown to this writer. The IGI shows a marriage between a Mary FINLEY and a David YOUNG on 18 Mar 1786.
This concludes my story of Andrew FINLEY and his family. If anyone would like additional information, or has corrections, please contact me. I am a charter subscriber, and so far I appear to be the only one researching Andrew FINLEY's line. I would very much like to hear from anyone working on it as well.
LIST OF SOURCES
Hugh PAUL's will, Frederick Co, VA, Will Book 1, P. 306.
RAVENSCROFT, Ruth Thayer. PIATT-PYATT-PYEATT and Allied Families (Colorado Springs, CO, 1958?). Unpublished manuscript.
PARTRIDGE, Silva Dell Wilson. PAISLEY and Allied Families (Cour d'Alene, ID: Oscar PAISLEY, 1972). Unpublished manuscript.
LINN, Jo White. Abstracts of the Minutes of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, Rowan County, North Carolina 1753-1762, 1977, and 1764-1774, Vol. 2, 1979.
_____ . Rowan County, North Carolina Deed Abstracts, Vol. 1, 1753-1762, Abstracts of Books 1-4.
SELBY, Robert E. and Phyllis J. Bond County, Illinois Marriage Records 1817-1850.
FRANCE, Major Albert Finley. The Clan FINLEY (unpublished manuscript), PP. 36-37.
PAULL, Elizabeth Maxwell. PAULL-IRWIN: A Family Sketch, 1936.
TORRENCE, Robert McIlvaine. TORRENCE and Allied Families, 1938.
Guilford Co, NC, deed books.
Warren Co, KY, tax lists.
Chatham Co, NC, will index, 1790-1800.
MC CULLY, Mrs. Lalla. Logan County, Kentucky Records, Vol. 1, 1969.
LINN, Jo White. Rowan County, North Carolina Will Abstracts, Vol. 1, 1753-1805, Abstracts of Books A-F, 1970.
Marriage bonds for Jacob PYEATT, James PYEATT and Michael FINLEY from North Carolina State Archives.
Session Minutes of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cane Hill, Arkansas 1828-1843 (Bulletin No. 12, Washington Co, AR, Historical Society, 1955).
International Genealogical Index, April 1988.
CARTER, Clarence E. The Territorial Papers of the United States (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1936).
MURRAY, Joyce Martin. Deed Abstracts of Warren County, Kentucky 1797-1812 and 1812-1821.
JOBE, Mrs. Edna, chairwoman of the Alamance Presbyterian Church Historical Committee, Greensboro, NC, 7 Jul 1977.
MAXWELL, Nancy. "The PYEATTs & FINLEYs of Rowan and Guilford Counties, NC," The Guilford Genealogist, Vol. 16, No. 3, Spring 1989.
RANKIN, S.M. History of Buffalo Presbyterian Church and Her People, Greensboro, North Carolina.
CAMIN, Betty J. "Revolutionary War Pension Applications at the NC State Archives," North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3, Aug 1986.
Guilford Co, NC, County Court Minutes, 1832-1837, PP. 18-21. John FINLEY's Revolutionary War application.
HOFMANN, Margaret M. The Granville District of North Carolina 1743-1763, Abstracts of Land Grants, Vol. 2, 1987.
BENNETT, William D. Orange County Records, Volume I, Granville Proprietary Land Office, Abstracts of Loose Papers, 1987.
Office of the Secretary of State, Frankfort, KY. Catherine FINLEY PAUL's land patent, South of the Green River Series.
PYEATT Bible Family Record (typed manuscript), Washington Co, AR, Historical Society.
Searching for Finleys
QUERY: Virginia Lewis HUNT, 4505 St. Landry Dr., Dallas, TX 75214, sent the following query: "Seeking information regarding parents of Lucinda FINDLEY, wife of George FINDLEY, b GA, ca. 1808, d Coosa Co, AL, m Morgan Co, GA 1826. Family tradition gives her name as Lucinda CONNALLY, b SC 1810, d TX ca. 1875, daughter of George CONNALLY (b Ireland) and Nancy SNODGRASS (b PA). Marriage license Morgan Co, GA issued to George FINDLAY and Lucinda AKIN."
She adds Wayne JOHNSON shows James FINDLEY, Coosa Co, AL, 1850, to have married Mariah AKIN. HUNT adds, "Lucinda was only 16 in 1826, and while this seems very young to have been previously married, stranger things have happened. My husband's paternal great-grandparents married ca. 1790, when he was 47 and she 14. They had six children, lived together for 54 years, and he drowned at age 102, when his horse threw him into the swollen waters of Appalachie River in Gwinnett Co, GA. (The Athens newspaper gave his age as 107.)" QUERY: Franklin E. POWERS, 10869 La Terraza, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, says: "I am searching for the ancestors of Thomas FINLEY, perhaps born in Ireland and married to Mary (maiden name unknown). They had six known children, all born in Kemptville, Grenville, Ontario, Canada. They are Phillip, Mary Ann, John, Hugh, Eliza and Thomas, born Sept 1848." QUERY Mary Jo YANCY, 1730 W. Grand, Porterville, CA 93257, sends the following query: "I am sending my pedigree chart to you as I know it now. Something is very wrong when we get to James FINLEY and Jean MC QUISTON FINLEY GILKEY. You probably have the answer to this problem. "According to the MC QUISTON family history and Admiral STOUT's FINLEY history of 1940, James and Jean should be my ancestors. However, according to DAR papers on Robert GILKEY, he and Jean FINLEY were married approximately 1776. My James FINLEY did not die until about 20 May 1834 in Guilford County, N.C. I have the following facts on my FINLEYs: "1. According to RANKIN's History of Buffalo Presbyterian Church (page 26), Jean MC QUISTON, daughter of Robert and Anne MC QUISTON, married James FINLEY, son of George. Page 29 of the same book lists George's children, among them James (page 30), who married Jean MC QUISTON, daughter of Robert. James and Jean had children: Polly Cunningham MC IVER, George B., Sarah REED, Nancy FINLEY, and one who seems to be my great-great grandmother, Elizabeth (Betsy) FINLEY who married John WALKER. "2. Guilford County Will Abstracts for James FINLEY shows the same children as above. "3. I feel sure that the above family is mine, because of a probate record for Polly MC IVER, in which her heirs are listed as: Sarah REED, Betsey WALKER, Polly OSBORN, William and John WALKER, Nancy FINLEY, Letty FINLEY, Sarah FINLEY, Margaret LYNN, John P. CUNNINGHAM, and George FINLEY. The only thing confusing to me there is why my great-grandfather, George Finley WALKER and his brother, James WALKER, are not listed as heirs, but Grandpa WALKER did have brothers William and John who stayed in Guilford County. Also on the 1850 Guilford Co. census, my family did have an OSBORN family living with them and they did have a daughter, Mary (Polly?). "Are there two James FINLEYs of the same age? According to Adm. STOUT's book of 1940, my James would be #8-2-9 (page 139) and son of #7-3-2, John FINLEY, son of 6-2-3 Michael FINLEY. As you can see by my pedigree chart, I think it more likely that my James was son of George #7-3-10 and Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM. That George would also be a son of Michael FINLEY. What do you think? I have a feeling that you know, and can straighten me out." ANSWER: YANCY shows on her pedigree chart the following lineage (as continued from the main genealogical chart in Volume 1 of FINLEY FINDINGS ): (130) Michael FINLEY, bapt. 7 May 1683; m 12 Jul 1712, Magherienten, Ireland, w Ann O'NEILL; (131?) George FINLEY, b 4 Jun 1723, Co Armagh, Ireland; m Jun 1752, Lancaster Co, PA, w Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM, b 1728, d 1800; d 1802, Greensboro, NC; (132?) James FINLEY, b 1740; m 2 Mar 1763, Carlisle, PA, w Jean MC QUISTON, b 1 Apr 1745, PA; she m (2nd) w Robert GILKEY; Jean MC QUISTON FINLEY GILKEY d Rutherford Co, NC; James FINLEY d ca. 20 May 1834, Guilford Co, NC; (133) Elizabeth FINLEY, b 16 Feb 1786, Guilford Co, NC; m between 1800 and 1810 w John WALKER, b 1778, Guilford Co, NC, d 7 Nov 1850, Guilford Co, NC; d 19 Mar 1883, Guilford Co, NC; bur. New Garden Friends Cmty., Greensboro, NC; (134) George Finley WALKER, b 11 Nov 1833, Guilford Co, NC; m (1st) 29 Sept 1853 w Darius CROSBY, d 13 Oct 1896; m (2nd) 5 Dec 1859, Shelby Co, IN, w Varlena HENDERSON, b 29 Oct 1844, Johnson Co, IN, d 14 Dec 1928, Indianapolis, IN; d 29 Jul 1909, Shelby Co, IN; bur. Boggstown Cmty., Boggstown, IN; (135) Mary Katherine WALKER, b 13 Jun 1867, Shelby Co, IN; m 4 Sept 1886, Shelby Co, IN, w Townsend Landon SHAW, b 1 May 1858, Boggstown, IN, d 26 Sept 1938, Boggstown, IN; d 29 Sept 1941, Boggstown, IN; (136) James Roy SHAW Sr., b 20 Jun 1892, Boggstown, IN; m 8 Aug 1923, Indianapolis, IN, w Edith Mae MC BURNETTE, b 3 May 1905, Clarksville, Wagoner Co, OK; d 17 Jan 1979, Boggstown, IN; (137) Mary Jo SHAW, b 24 Dec 1932, Boggstown, IN; m 13 May 1961 w Elmo Earl YANCY, b 16 Apr 1923, Somerton, Yuma Co, AZ. In Vol. 1 of The Clan FINLEY (1940), STOUT shows James FINLEY who m Jean MC QUISTON to be the son of John FINLEY and Martha BERKLEY. He says James FINLEY was born in Chester Co, PA, 6 Feb 1740; 1775, served in Capt. Adam ALEXANDER's company, NC Militia; m 2 Mar 1763, Carlisle, PA, w Jean MC QUISTON, who m (2nd) Robert GILKEY and had four more children. STOUT says James FINLEY d 1775 of a snake bite in Tyron Co, NC. He lists as their children: John, b 1764; Samuel, b 1766; Barclay William, b 1770; and James, b 1775. In Vol. 1 (Second Edition), he adds a fifth child, Martha, b 1774. Albert Finley FRANCE lists James FINLEY as b 10 Mar 1735. Other information in my files shows James FINLEY, b 6 Feb 1740, Bucks Co, PA; d Jun 1775, Tryon Co, NC; m 2 Mar 1763, Carlisle, PA, w Jean MC QUISTON, b 10 May 1744, PA. Children: John FINLEY, b 10 Jan 1764, Tryon Co, NC, d 1806, Logan Co, KY, m 1772; Samuel FINLEY, b 6 May 1766; Barclay William FINLEY, b 5 Feb 1770; Martha FINLEY, b 1774; James FINLEY Jr., b 2 Feb 1775. Jean MC QUISTON m (2nd) 1777, w Robert GILKEY. Their children were Sarah, Letitia, Jeanette and John. On a separate line, STOUT (Vol. 1, Second Edition) shows the son of Michael and Ann O'NEILL FINLEY to be George FINLEY, b 4 Jun 1723, Co Armagh, Ireland; m Jun 1752, Lancaster Co, PA, w Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM, b 1728, d 1800. George FINLEY is shown to d 1802, Greensboro, NC. Their son, James, b 8 Mar 1754, Kent Co, MD; m 6 Jun 1778 w Elizabeth BRISBANE, b 1758, d 1830. James FINLEY d 1832, Greensboro, Guilford Co, NC. James and Elizabeth BRISBANE FINLEY's children are shown as follow: Ann FINLEY, b 1779, m 1800 w Joseph WALKER, she d 1845; Mary FINLEY, b 16 Mar 1782, Greensboro, NC, m 1801 w Samuel MC CORKLE; Sarah FINLEY, b 1786, m 1807 w Joseph REED, she d 1858, Jefferson Co, TX; John Riley FINLEY, b 1789, Greensboro, NC, d 1832, Sonora, Mexico; Jane Moore FINLEY, b 1790, d 1834; George Brisbane FINLEY, b 15 May 1792, Greensboro, NC, m Frances MILTON, he d 1879, Clay Co, MO; Riley FINLEY, b 21 Sept 1793, Greensboro, NC, m 1815 w Catherine OLIVER, d 16 Dec 1871, GA. I cannot tell from the conflicting information who is right. Any subscribers who can shed light on this dilemma should contact me. QUERY: Verlene Vaughn WEBER, 12376 Upton, Bath, MI (Michigan) 48808-9487, requests information on James FINLEY, b 1757, VA?; m 1787, Fort Wheeling, WV, w Elizabeth DEMENT. WEBER has information on the children of this couple. ANSWER: Mary MORRISON, 3209 Saddleleaf, Albany, GA 31707-2952, provides the following information on this family: (1) James FINLEY m Elizabeth DEMENT; (2) William FINLEY, b 4 Mar 1788, Wheeling, WV; m 18 Dec 1811 w Margaret WALKER, b 3 Aug 1793, Westmoreland Co, PA, d 2 Dec 1883, Delaware Co, OH; d 4 Jul 1881, Delaware Co, OH; (3) Nancy Ann FINLEY, b 23 Jul 1828, Delaware Co, OH; m 5 Apr 1848, Samuel Jordan Winston ELLIOTT, b 25 Aug 1823, Franklin Co, OH, d 1 Feb 1901, Whitley Co, IN; d 19 Feb 1889, Whitley Co, IN; (4) Lidia Helen ELLIOTT, b 7 Sept 1852; m 1 Dec 1874 w Leander Firestone LOWER; d 4 Oct 1940, Whitley Co, IN; (5) James King LOWER, b 5 Dec 1888; (6) Mary Helen LOWER, b 27 Jan 1914. MORRISON also shows the children of William and Margaret WALKER FINLEY as (1) James, b 7 Nov 1812, Wheeling, Ohio Co, WV; m (1st) 13 Jun 1848 w Jane GILLIS; m (2nd) Mary Nancy LINDSEY; d 19 Aug 1874; buried Liberty Presbyterian Church Cmty., Delaware Co, OH; (2) John, b 6 Feb 1815, Ohio Co, WV; m w Mary WATERS; (3) Elizabeth, b 13 Nov 1816, Ohio Co, WV; m 16 Sept 1841 w Hugh K. WATERS; (4) Mary, b 3 Jan 1819, Delaware Co, OH; m 9 Nov 1848 w William A. YATES; (5) Samuel, b 11 Dec 1820, Delaware Co, OH; m 4 Nov 1845 w Elizabeth JONES; d 21 Dec 1896; (6) Alexander, b 17 Jan 1822; d 25 Feb 1823; (7) Jane, b 21 Sept 1824; m 5 Apr 1846 w Richard WESTLAKE; (8) Thomas, b 19 Aug 1826, Delaware Co, OH; m 27 Jan 1850 w Jane HILL; (9) Nancy, b 23 Jul 1828, Delaware Co, OH; m 5 Apr 1848 w Samuel Jordan Winston ELLIOTT, b 25 Aug 1823, Franklin Co, OH, d 1 Feb 1901, Whitley Co, IN; d 19 Feb 1889, Whitley Co, IN; (10) William Jr., b 12 Jun 1830, Delaware Co, OH; m 6 Mar 1857 w Margaret E. LOTT; d 12 Jul 1881; buried Troy Presbyterian Cmty., Whitley Co, IN; (11) Margaret, b 2 May 1832; m 5 Nov 1850 w the Rev. James FERGUSON; d 23 Nov 1891; (12) Sarah, b 7 Mar 1834; d 7 Apr 1839. QUERY: William A. LA BACH, 3006 Ash Grove Pike, Nicholasville, KY 40356, sends the following query: "Desire any information about Michael FINLEY (son of John FINLEY and Martha Berkley) b 16 Oct 1742, Westmoreland Co, PA; allegedly d at Mud Lick, Fleming Co, KY in 1812. He is known to have had two children: Martha Berkley FINLEY, b 1783, Big Springs, Cumberland Co, PA; m 1805, Chillicothe, OH, w Joseph Scott, M.D.; d 1808, Chillicothe, OH; and another daughter, Mary, who m a Mr. BROWNING, and had one child, name unknown. Mud Lick is believed to be the name of a tract of land. I can't find any evidence that Michael FINLEY ever lived in Fleming Co, KY. There was a Michael FINLEY in the 1810 grant in KY due to having failed to take an oath of allegiance. He probably had more children. His wife was Sarah THOMPSON and she is believed to be a close relative of Brig. Gen. William THOMPSON of PA. She was kidnapped by the Indians as a child. Any help appreciated." ANSWER: From J. Wayne JOHNSON comes the following letter, which was also sent to Mary Jo YANCY: "I am sending below this letter copies of various abstracts of information I believe will be of some help to you. It seems there was a James FINLEY of Rutherford Co, NC, associated with BARKLEYs and CHERRYs who had a wife named Jane. His widow is the one who m Robert GILKEY. Robert GILKEY d in 1810 so she could not be the widow of your (YANCY's) James FINLEY of Guilford Co, NC. "There are other records in Pendleton District, SC, involving this family that I did not record or else cannot put my finger on them now. There was one record in which Barkley W. FINLEY stated he was the son of Jane GILKEY of North Carolina. Barkley W. FINLEY's name also frequently occurs in association with BARKLEYs and CHERRYs in Pendleton District, SC, records so I feel sure he is the son of the above James FINLEY. "I am not sure the records will prove this without doubt, but I believe Jane FINLEY GILKEY m a third time to Robert ANDERSON of Pendleton District. The deeds of old Pendleton District, SC, are located on microfilm in the Anderson, SC Public Library. The wills and administrations may be there as well but what I have seen is in published form. "Since this James FINLEY had a son named Barkley, one would assume there was a BARKLEY in the family. I would think this was his mother's name, but perhaps STOUT is right and the name comes from his grandmother's family (Martha BERKLEY who m John FINLEY). You will notice Henry BARKLEY lived in Rowan Co, NC, so perhaps this James FINLEY is the one who m Jean MC QUISTON. "I have included deeds from Orange Co, NC, which shows there was a James FINLEY of Guilford Co, NC, with wife Sarah, daughter of John PIPER Sr. Could this James FINLEY be your (YANCY's) ancestor? The information from Doris GOOD suggests he d in 1835. I am not sure but I assume Sarah was buried in the same cemetery." Included in JOHNSON's letter were the following: Rutherford Co, NC Abstracts of Will, 1779-1822: P. 19 -- Barkly William FINLEY, 15 Jun 1797, bought slave girl and lot in Morris Town in Buncombe Co, and land in Rutherford Co, 2 miles from town, adj. Adam WATSON. Wit: Samuel D. FINLEY. P. 68 -- John SCOTT will, 16 Oct 1816, proved 10 1817. Daughter Sarah FINLEY, wife of Robt. FINLEY.P. 55 -- Robt. GILKEY will, 15 Jan 1810, give to Samuel D. FINLEY land for debt. Appts. Wm. Barkley FINLEY guardian and to council to excrs.
James FINLEY and wife Jean, who is a daughter, mentioned in will of Robert MC CUISTON in Rowan Co. WB A - 112, 18 Nov 1765, pr. Jul 1766. Wife Ann, sons Walter, James and John; daughters Margery (or John TRINDEL for my granddaughter Ann), Jean (wife of James FINLEY to receive money owed by Wm. GILLESPIE), Sarah and Mary. Wit: Thos. FLACK, Jas. MC CUISTON Jr. and James COOPER. Barkley W. FINLEY, son of Jane GILKEY of NC, 1816. Pendleton District Conveyances in Deed Books - 213. Bk. N, P. 89. Same - 215, Bk. N, P. 183-186, estate of Barkley W. FINLEY, land adj. Saml. CHERRY, 1818. Deed Abstracts of Tryon, Lincoln and Rutherford Cos., NC -- 39, (Tryon Co) P. 541-542, 1771, James REED of Granville Co, SC, to Harny BARKLEY of Rowan Co, NC, 300A N. fk. Little Broad River adj. Francis BEATY, Henry THOMPSON. Wit: James FINLEY, John REED, jurate. 545, 1771, Thos. BEATY and wf. Margary of Tryon Co to John FLEMMING and John MC CLURE of Rowan Co. N fk Main Broad River. Wit: James FINLEY, David CHERRY. 547, 1771, Joanna HUMPHRIES of Tryon to Robt. CHERRY, S. side Catawba. Wit: James FINLEY, Thos. BEATY.Lydia FINLEY and Susannah CHERRY were daughters by previous marriage of wife of Robert ANDERSON. Pendleton Dist. and Anderson Co SC Wills -- 45.
James FINLEY of Guilford Co, planter, and Sarah, his wf.; John BROWN of Orange Co and Mary, his wf.; Wm. BROWN of Guilford (?) and Ruth, his wf.; and Wm. CABE of Orange Co and Jamima, his wf. (Sarah, Ruth and Jemima are the daughters and legatees of John PIPER Sr., decd. -- d 12 Oct 1798) to John PIPER Jr. dated 27 May 1798, deed 1799, land back quarter of Eno R., E side Eno R., Eno R., Eno R., quit claims to 4 tracts of land. Wit: Wm. HOLLOWAY, Wm. CABE, Wm. DUFFY. Orange Co NC DB 10 -- 15. James FINLEY d 17 Feb 1835, age 75 years, buried Haw River Presbyterian Church, located Candy Creek Road (Co. Rd. 2627), Rockingham Co, NC. Sarah w/o James FINLEY d Mon (?) 1817, age 55 years. From Doris GOOD, from Guilford Genealogist. (Doris says this is not her James who d 1825). George B. FINLEY of Guilford Co, NC from Alfred MOORE of Orange Co, NC, adj. James MOORE, 1819. Wit: James MOORE, Thos. BROWN. Orange Co NC DB 17 -- 158. George B. FINLEY of Guilford Co from James MOORE of Orange Co NC, adj. Henry MARTIN, Geo. B. FINLEY's line, 106A, 1819. Wit: Alfred MOORE, Thos. BROWN. Orange Co NC DB 17 -- 167. QUERY: Lisa R.F. CARMICHAEL, Rt. 2 Box 273A, Tallassee, AL 36078-9802, requests information on the family of Magilbry FINDLEY, b 1796, Union Co, SC; d 16 Jan 1884; bur. Jan 1884, family plot in Loango, Covington Co, AL. He lived in SC, AL, GA, and served in the U.S. Army in the War of 1812. His father, though not proven, is believed to be John FINDLEY. Magilbry FINDLEY m (1st) Dolly (last name unknown), b 1805, GA; d fall 1857, Covington Co, AL; bur. family plot, Covington Co, AL. Their children were William, b 24 Aug 1817, GA, d 27 Dec 1888, Roberts, Escambia Co, AL, m Sarah A. PARKER; John, b 1819, AL, m Martha E. RABURN; Robert L., b AL, killed in Civil War; Martin, b 27 Sep 1824, AL, d 2 Aug 1917, m Mary Elizabeth CRAKER; Riley, b 1829, AL, m Sarah M. (last name unknown); Mahaley Celia, b 1832, AL, d prior to 1884, Red Level, Covington Co, AL, bur. Fairmount Cmty., Covington Co, AL, m John A. FRANKLIN; Bluford, b 15 Dec 1835, d 2 Jun 1931, bur. Fairmount Cmty., m Moriah HIXTON; George M., b Aug 1837, d 4 Sep 1917, Flomaton, Escambia Co, AL, bur. Flomaton Cmty., m Gillianne STEELEY; Mary Ann, b 1838, AL, m Solomon JOHNSON; Martha Ann, b 11 Sep 1840, AL, d 25 Jun 1895, m Nick HARVILLE. Magilbry FINDLEY m (2nd) Sarah CARTER. Magilbry FINDLEY was a member of Capt. D. FELDER's SC Militia from 1 Oct 1814 to 7 Mar 1815. He saw action at the Battle of Pensacola, FL, and New Orleans as part of Andrew JACKSON's army. CARMICHAEL's information comes from AL census records: 1850, Conecuh Co; 1860, Covington Co; 1866, Covington Co; also will and pension records of Magilbry FINDLEY; tombstone at Loango plot; information from cousin Barbara Findley CALAMETTI (also tracing FINDLEY tree); AL census, Covington Co, 1880; newspaper article on Magilbry FINDLEY, The Andalusia Star News, 13 Apr 1980, P. 10B, Escambia Co Cemetery listings. She adds that some of Magilbry FINDLEY's descendants later changed the spelling of the family name to FENDLEY. QUERY: Karen GREGG, 42425 47th St. W., Quartz Hill, CA 93536, says she desires information about John FINLEY, b ca. 1792 AL or AR; m (1st) ?; m (2nd) 5 Sep 1850, AL, w Martha HUGGINS. Children: William N. m Elizabeth Ann DAVIS; La Vega; H. Scott; Jane; Louis; Mary. QUERY: Linda HURLEY, 1140 Alton Sta. Rd., No. 35, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342, wants information on her great-great-grandfather, Rufus Finley GLASS. He was the son of James GLASS and Minervia FINLEY. Minervia FINLEY's parents are shown as Capt. James FINLEY, will proven Apr 1801, and Mary HENDERSON. Capt. James FINLEY's father is shown as another James FINLEY. HURLEY wants information on children of James and Minervia FINLEY GLASS other than Rufus. Also wants info on James FINLEY Sr. QUERY: Mary Juanita Stevenson HATTER, P.O. Box 392, Seymour, TX 76380, asks who were the parents of Samuel Civoris FINLEY, b 18 Dec 1810, Lincoln Co, TN; m 16 Jun 1832, Giles Co, TN, w Mary WORLEY; d 10 Jan 1847, Marshall Co, TN. ANSWER: Robert E. FINLEY, 5162 Somerset Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89120, gives the following information: "Charles FINLEY (or FINDLEY) was born/baptized Presbyterian to John and Mary (OGILVIE) FINLEY of Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland, 30 Nov 1736. He joined other brothers in Dublin, Ireland after death of their father in 1752. It is believed that Charles first married in abt. 1762 (wife unknown); in 1766, immigrated to America (Charleston, SC). They lived for time with cousins, including Francis FINDLEY of Williamsburg Township, SC. In 1767, they moved to upper SC, Waxhaw Settlement Area. 1770, son, John, born; in 1771, first wife died in childbirth of daughter, Mary. 1774, Charles married second wife, Sarah MC DOWELL, youngest daughter of Mary MC DOWELL (father, James, deceased) of Steel Creek area of Mecklenburg Co, NC. They are believed to have moved soon after to the Lauren area, Old 96th District of SC. Sons, Francis (1775) and William (1777) were believed born there. In 1777, Charles and family moved to Morgan District, Rowan (1778, Burke) Co, NC. By 1800, Charles had accumulated 600 acres of land on Muddy Creek in Burke (now McDowell) Co. 1778/9 served with the Morgan District 6th Militia and 1780 was with remnants of SC militias under Lt. Col. Edward LACEY at the Battle of King's Mountain. Died 1828." Under children born to Charles and Sarah MC DOWELL FINDLEY is listed Francis FINDLEY. Robert FINLEY describes him as follows: "Francis FINDLEY, 1775-1863; born to Charles and Sarah (MC DOWELL) FINDLEY in probably Lauren Co, SC. 1777, moved with family to Rowan (1778, Burke) Co, NC. Grew up in Burke Co, NC. In about 1795, Francis and his brothers, William and James, are believed to have removed to Hillsboro, Orange Co, NC. On 22 Nov 1797, Francis FINDLEY married Jane CARUTHERS and moved to Lincoln Co, TN. Francis died on 25 Jan 1863 in Marshall Co, TN." Francis and Jane CARUTHERS FINDLEY's children are listed as William Martin, 1809-1875; Samuel Charles, 1810-1847; Francis Carrol, b 1812; Ester, b 1814; and Tyre, b 1816. Other records I have indicate that the Samuel Charles FINDLEY listed above is the Samuel Civoris FINLEY shown by HATTER. My records show Samuel Charles FINDLEY, b 18 Dec 1810, Lincoln Co, TN; m 15 Jun 1832, Giles Co, TN, w Mary WORLEY, b 1816, d 1862; d 10 Jan 1847, Marshall Co, TN.Their children are shown as Elizabeth Jane FINLEY, b 24 Nov 1833, m 29 Oct 1857 w Thomas J. LEMONDS, she d 1912, Delina, TN, bur. Medium Cmty., Lincoln Co, TN; William Correll FINLEY, b 1835, d 1863, Battle of Sharpsburg; Francis Marion FINLEY, b 1836, d 1864, Murfreesboro, Pike Co, AR; Gideon Cephus FINLEY, b 3 Mar 1839, Marshall Co, TN, m 6 Apr 1862, Marshall Co, TN, w Sarah Elizabeth FINLEY, he d 20 Dec 1916, Atlanta, GA, bur. West View Cmty., Atlanta, GA; Laura Anne FINLEY, b 1841; Samuel Civoris FINLEY, b 1843, d 1865, Nashville, TN; Thomas Pinkney FINLEY, b 1844; Sarah Louisa FINLEY, b 9 Jul 1847, Marshall Co, TN, m 1865 w Charles Morgan M. TULEY, she d 9 Jul 1912, Delina, Lincoln Co, TN, bur. Tuley Graveyard, Delina, TN.
New Finley Books Published
Leslie MC LAUGHLIN, 10193 Buena Vista Dr., Jackson, CA 95642, has published Our Book Of FINLEYS And Their Kinfolk Families. She describes it as 439 pages and nearly 4,000 people in the 32-page every name index. She also says it is a limited printing of 100 copies. The price is listed at $45 postpaid (California residents are asked to add $2.81 tax). She lists her chapters as follows: Chapter I -- In The Beginning, A. Oral Traditions and Legends, B. The Beginning of Written Record; Chapter II -- From Fearchar To The Revolution; Chapter III -- Robert FINLEY of Richland County, Ohio, A. Alexander FINLEY of Wayne Co., Ohio; Chapter IV -- Judge John FINLEY of Stark Co., Illinois; Chapter V -- Andrew Jackson FINLEY of Stark Co., Illinois and San Diego, California; Chapter VI -- John Lewis FINLEY of Cheyenne Co., Kansas; Chapter VII -- Myrtle Belle FINLEY of Cheyenne Co., Kansas; Chapter VIII -- Edward GAFFNEY of Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania; Chapter IX -- Daniel CARTER of Butler Co., Pennsylvania, Richland/Ashland Cos., Ohio; Chapter X -- William CARTER of Richland/Ashland Cos., Ohio, Stark and Henry Cos., Illinois; Chapter XI -- CASEBEER/KASEBIER of Germany, Pennsylvania and Ohio; Chapter XII -- Conrad SNYDER of Switzerland and Pennsylvania; Chapter XIII -- William Horton HOLLY/HAWLEY of Genesee Co., New York; Chapter XIV -- Eleazer COLE of Genesee County, New York; Chapter XV -- Reuben PRATT of Washington and Allegany Cos., New York. A second book, The World Book of FINLEYs, was published by Karen E. FINLEY, 3687 Ira Rd., Bath, OH 44210. She says her book includes individual FINLEYs who immigrated to the New World between the 16th and early 20th centuries. She adds, "The first FINLEY we found came to New York in 1709. His name was George. Like thousands of others, he sought a better life for himself in this land of opportunity. "George, or any of the other FINLEYs who are documented in this new book, may be the sole reason you and I live here today. This hard-to-find FINLEY immigration information was obtained from reference books indexing ships' passenger lists, genealogical registers and other official records. In addition to information about George and these other early FINLEY settlers, you'll be provided with an international directory of virtually every FINLEY household (with address). You are listed in this section of the book. "This has been an enormous project! There are now over 12,296 households bearing the FINLEY name in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Using a sophisticated computer network, more than 150 million records were searched worldwide to provide you with this never-before-published FINLEY International Registry. It has been our goal to locate as many FINLEYs as possible. "This unique publication also covers how family names originated and what the distinguished FINLEY name means, as well as an artist's drawing of an early FINLEY Coat of Arms that dates back centuries. You'll even find exciting details about how you can take a family heritage tour back to the FINLEY homeland and learn even more about your family's origin. "To my knowledge, this remarkable collection of valuable information is available ONLY in The World Book of FINLEYs. Please note, however, that this First Edition is expected to be the only printing of the FINLEY book, ever. I am writing to all the FINLEY families listed in the FINLEY International Registry at this time in order to keep publication costs low, and therefore, enable every family to save money on this important book. But you must order now!""+6 v. Samuel FINLEY, born probably by 1750, probably in PA.
"There is some indication that at least some members of the family moved on to Ohio County, VA after the death of James. "Perhaps more interesting is the fact that it is now possible to distinguish among three different David FINLEYs living in this time period . . . David, son of James and Agnes; David, son of John and Mary FINLEY of Montgomery/Wythe County, VA; and David, son of John and Thankful (DOAK) FINLEY of Middle River, Augusta County, VA. The article goes into more detail." In a related note, Carol R. MITCHELL sent some information which came from Deed Abstracts of Albemarle Co, VA, 1758-1761, Bk. 2: "FINLEY, James 63: 8 Dec 1759, William MEGGINSON, pr LILLOTSON to Wm. PATTERSON line James FINLEY. P. 218-219. "Ibid. 1761-1764. None. "Ibid. 1764-1768, Book 4: FINLEY, John Armour, 79: 9 Apr 1767, Wm. GARRATT of Louisa Co to John Armour FINLEY of Albemarle, 18 lbs. both sides pounding branch founded at Matthew Mills, 249a 9 Apr 1767. P. 359-360." MITCHELL also mentions there was a FINDLEY family published in a 1991 issue of the VA Genealogical Quarterly. I have not seen this yet, so if she would send me a copy of the article, I will include this information in a future issue. A subscriber, Everette Charles SMITH, 3818 Belmont Dr., Jarrettsville, MD 21084, has started his own newsletter, called Time after Time. He includes the map shown in this issue with this explanation: "(Shown) is a plat of part of Jarrettsville near Smith Hardware, Jarrettsville Elementary School, Salem Lutheran Church and subdivisions of `Harford Downs' and `Lands of Charles SWIFT Jr.' "The heavy outline defines the patent of James FINLEY (1739-1804), a stonemason of Bucks Co, PA, who moved to Harford Co, MD in 1778 and appropriated land which was abandoned by deposed British loyalists. "Under the laws of the newly formed government of the United States, he applied to the State of Maryland, Western Shore Land Office in 1787 to purchase the 165 acres of Confiscated British property on which he now lived and paid taxes. "His patent was composed of three parcels: 1). Armaugh (on the north side of Route 23) leased from the Lord's Baltimore in 1742 by Nicholas SAUER; 2). SAUER's Refuse (between Schuster Road and Route 23) leased from the Lord's Baltimore in 1743 by Joseph BUTLER; and 3). Vacant, un-owned land between Armaugh and SAUER's Refuse. "The house was built by Nicholas SAUER on Armaugh 1742-1750. An addition was added by the DEETS family in 1840 and again in 1880. In 1938 the original SAUER part was torn down because of age. There have been 12 owners since it was built. "James FINLEY finally received the patent for the land 19 April 1795 (7 years after he applied for it). He called it `Honesty is the Best Policy.' "Most people in the Jarrettsville area know it as the `BREIDENBAUGH Farm.'"More Corrections to Stout
The sharp eye of Helen FINDLEY has found several corrections which should be made to the information shown on William FINDLEY in the revised Volume 2. These will lead to yet another revision of this volume, with the following changes. As shown in Volume 2 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL, the families of William FINDLEY Sr., b 1715, and his son, William FINDLEY Jr., b 1741, d 1821, are intermingled. Perhaps the following will clarify this: STOUT, in The Clan FINLEY, Vol. 2, Second Edition, P. 163, shows the elder FINDLEY as #4-37-35 (STOUT's number), with this information: William FINDLEY, bapt. 22 Nov 1715. Graduated Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Linen merchant in Londonderry. In 1742, moved to Belfast, Ireland. In 1773, emigrated to Cumberland Co, PA, on brig "Eagle Wing. D Westmoreland Co, PA. STOUT says William FINDLEY Sr. m (1st) 28 Dec 1734 w Jane Holland STEELE, daughter of John and Isabel HAMILTON STEELE, and m (2nd) 2 Sept 1758 w Martha DRENNAN, widow of Daniel DRENNAN. One subscriber, Donna MC CALLON, has a 58-page genealogy on file which claims William FINDLEY m (1st) 1734 w Martha DREAMER, the daughter of a man who had been born in Scotland, but when a young man, had left to join Protestants in Ulster, Ireland. MC CALLON also states that after the death of Martha DREAMER FINDLEY, William FINDLEY m Martha DRENNAN, a widow who had children, and in 1774, they, with their four children, came to America. On P. 286 of TORRENCE and Allied Families, by Robert McIlvaine TORRENCE, it is stated William FINDLEY "was baptized November 22, 1715; in woolen trade in Londonderry and Belfast during the years 1745-1773; resided in Belfast with his family; came to America in 1773. He married twice. He married first, in Londonderry, December 28, 1734, Jane Holland STEELE, baptized October 18, 1721, died in Belfast, February 21, 1757. She was a daughter of John and Isabel (HAMILTON) STEELE, of Belfast. He married second, in 1758, Martha DRENNAN (sic DREAMER), widow of Daniel DRENNAN." As noted above, STOUT shows William FINDLEY m (2nd) Martha DRENNAN, the widow of Daniel DRENNAN, which could agree with TORRENCE's contention that her maiden name was DREAMER and shows MC CALLON's genealogy to be incorrect. Helen FINDLEY shows the marriage of William FINDLEY and Martha DRENNAN on 2 Sept 1758. STOUT shows the first child of William and Jane FINDLEY to be #5-37-351, Archibald, who is shown on P. 149 of The Clan FINLEY, Vol. 1, Second Edition, as b 8 Nov 1735, Co Antrim, Ireland; 1763, moved to Cumberland Township, York Co, PA; d 1784, Cumberland Township, PA. He shows his children as Martha, David and Abigail. However, STOUT also shows that this Archibald FINDLEY m 9 Nov 1779, Adams Co, PA, w Mary POE. In the same volume, on P. 27, STOUT shows another Archibald FINLEY, b 8 Dec 1738, New Brittain Township, Bucks Co, PA; 1759, innkeeper in borough of Chalfontere; moved to Loudoun Co, VA, ca. 1766; m (1st) 28 Aug 1761 w Sarah BARNHILL; m (2nd) 9 Nov 1779 w Mary POE in Bucks Co, PA. The child of this couple is shown to be a daughter who m John WALLANS, son of Joseph and Jane WALLANS. It appears that the marriage is correct for William and Jane FINDLEY's son. Revisions made in 1978 by STOUT (which I have in my possession) include a copy of The Clan FINLEY, Vol. 1, Second Edition, Revised, P. 27, in which he admits that the marriage he shows of Archibald FINLEY Jr., the son of Archibald and Margaret KELSO FINLEY, to Mary POE was in error. TORRENCE and Allied Families never showed the son of Archibald and Margaret KELSO FINLEY m Mary POE, so I accept that as corroboration. Another son of Archibald and Margaret KELSO FINLEY, Henry, is shown to have m 1744 w Elizabeth WALKER, and their daughter m Lt. John WALLACE. I believe the information I have shows Lt. John WALLACE is shown at the correct place and is the same person as John WALLANS, which makes that marriage incorrect. The other biographical information, including dates of birth, for Archibald FINDLEY and Archibald FINLEY may be correct. Going on with the children of William FINDLEY Sr., STOUT shows the second child as John FINDLEY, b 9 Oct 1737, Co Antrim, Ireland; 1742, moved to Belfast; m 1759, Co Antrim, Ireland, w Mary BOYD; 1762, moved to Bucks Co, PA; later moved to Carlisle, Cumberland Co, PA; 1773, was in Beaver Dam, Westmoreland Co, PA; 1804, with own and two other families, flatboated to the Falls of the Ohio. The party was attacked by Indians; one son, Hugh, was killed, and a second son fell or jumped overboard and was drowned. Settled near New Albany, IN; later farmed in same vicinity; d 9 Sept 1813; bur. Jackson Co, IN. His children are shown to be David (1761-1838); an unnamed son (1762-1804), who drowned as shown above; Sarah, b 1764; Hugh (1767-1804); Margaret, b 1769; Abel, b 1771 (whose shown marriage to Rebecca COONS is incorrect, according to another correspondent); Elizabeth, b 1773; and James (1776-1855). MC CALLON says John FINDLEY was the first one in his family to come to America. She says, "He came over in 1761, accompanied by his wife and their first child, born in Belfast while they waited to embark. They landed at Philadelphia but before many years, had settled in Westmoreland Co, PA. John's name appears, in some official capacity, upon one of the first pages (I think the third) of a book of records under the crown, now preserved at the county seat, Greensburg. He was a lieutenant in Capt. Moses CARSON's Rangers, to range on the frontier to Fifth Pennsylvania. He died on his farm in South Huntington Township, Westmoreland Co, PA, Sept. 9, 1813." Next is James FINDLEY. MC CALLON shows that STOUT's birthdate of 3 June 1739, Co Antrim, Ireland, for James is incorrect, as he was actually b 3 Jan 1739. She also says that STOUT's date of 1773 for James to have moved to PA was incorrect, as he moved in Aug 1763. She lists a child who STOUT doesn't name, Alexander, saying he was either a twin of John or James. Other information shown by STOUT shows James FINDLEY m 6 Jun 1767 w Elizabeth BRAEDY; 1778, had 122 acres in Cumberland Township, York Co, PA; served in Capt. Wm. BLAINE's 4th Co., 7th Battalion, York Co Militia (PA Archives, s 5, v 26, P. 457); administrator of estate to brother Archibald, who was also guardian of children; resided West Lebanon, Indiana Co, PA; later moved to Westmoreland Co, PA; d 1783, Cumberland Township, PA. Children are shown as Abigail, b 1768; Abel (STOUT shows 1770 as birthdate, but MC CALLON says 1769), m Jun 1791 w Elizabeth HARVEY, he died 1842, West Lebanon, PA; Martha (1775-1838); and David, b 1778. The fourth child was Samuel FINDLEY, b 10 Mar 1742, Co Antrim, Ireland; 1773, moved to PA; judge in Butler Co, PA; served in 2 M, 6th Batt., Cumberland Co Militia; m 22 Feb 1780 w Mary GRAHAM. STOUT shows their children as William T., b 1784, m w Eleanor CARUTHER; and Samuel (1786-1871). MC CALLON adds David as a third son. The fifth child was William, who was the main topic of the article in Volume 2 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL and who will be examined further in this issue. The sixth child was Andrew, b 1748; m (1st) Eva (last name unknown); m (2nd) Jemima JACKSE. The records above show that William FINDLEY Sr. m Martha DREAMER DRENNAN in 1758. Their first child was Margaret, b 1759, Belfast, Ireland; 1773, moved to Cumberland Co and then to Westmoreland Co, PA; m 1790 w Matthew BIGGER (BIGGERT); d 21 Feb 1840, New Concord, OH. Their children were David Findley; Samuel; William; and Jane, who m Abraham POLLOCK. The final three children are Mary, b 1760; Jane, b 1761, m William MC CONNELL; and David (1762-1852). MC CALLON says James, Alexander, William and Samuel FINDLEY arrived in Philadelphia in August 1763. Another twist on this family comes from subscriber Joan COUGHENOUR. She has a genealogy which claims William FINDLEY Sr. was married four times. She lists his first wife as Catherine CULBERTSON, with the following children: Abel Archibald, b 1735 (never came to America); John, b 7 Oct 1737, m Mary BOYD, came to America in 1761, captain in Revolutionary War; Alexander, John's twin, landed in Philadelphia in 1763, died in the Revolution; and Andrew, b Jul 1749, d 1829, m Elsa (last name unknown, but she d in Ireland), m (2nd) Jamima Jaskse (or Jane Jaskse), lieutenant in 8th PA, Reg. Co. She also adds that all of the children of William and Martha FINDLEY were born in Ireland, but she gives the birthdate of Margaret as July 1757, which is impossible, as William was still married to Jane at that time. She adds Margaret's husband was Matthew BIGGER, a minister and a soldier. Of William and Martha FINDLEY's remaining children, she lists Mary, b May 1760, came to America in 1774; Jane, b May 1761, m (first name unknown) MC CONNELL, came to America in 1774; and (Judge) Daniel, b May 1762, m 1787 w Janie or Janet MITCHEL, served in PA Militia in 1782. Going back to the main subject, William FINDLEY Jr., there are many corrections to STOUT which were made by MC CALLON, COUGHENOUR and others. Going by COUGHENOUR's genealogy yields the following: William FINDLEY, b 11 Jan 1741; d 5 Apr 1821; bur. near Latrobe, PA; came to Philadelphia in Aug 1763; m (1st) 1758 w Margot RUSSELL, who came to America with four children in 1769; m (2nd) 21 Mar 1769 w Mary COCHRAN, b Waynesboro, Franklin Co, PA, daughter of John and Elinor COCHRAN; m (3rd) Mary EWING CARUTHERS, widow of the Rev. Richard CARUTHERS, who had one son who m his own stepsister, Eleanor. STOUT lists the second marriage in 1769 to Elizabeth (Mary) COCHRAN and adds she is the granddaughter of John and Martha FINLEY JENKINS. He says the third marriage to Mary CARUTHERS was in 1775, but COUGHENOUR says the marriage took place on 10 Dec 1798. COUGHENOUR also says Mary CARUTHERS FINDLEY was b 26 Apr 1753, d 12 Nov 1825. Children of William and Margot RUSSELL FINDLEY were Martha, b 1758; Alexander, b 1759, m Nancy Mary Jane CARSON, b Ireland, she came to America with friends; William; Mary, b May 1760; and Jane, b 31 Oct 1761. Children of William and Mary COCHRAN FINDLEY were Eleanor or Nellie, b 16 Mar 1786, m Richard Ewing CARUTHERS, her stepbrother, she d Aug 1853, Armstrong Co, PA; David; John, b 1773, d 1855; Elizabeth, m Thomas PATTERSON; and Mary, m John BLACK. Among COUGHENOUR's sources are genealogies written by Ella C. FINDLEY, Joseph Lyon EWING of Rahway, NJ, Lidia K. TURNER and J.V. THOMPSON of Uniontown, PA. In correcting more of Volume 2 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL, there was some information about William FINDLEY Jr. that was attributed to his father. The correct information is that William FINDLEY Jr. immigrated in 1763 to Cumberland (Franklin) Co, PA, where he became a schoolteacher and weaver. In 1776, he was a captain in the 8th Battery, Cumberland Co Militia under Col. John FINDLAY. In addition to other information contained in Vol. 2, Helen FINDLEY sent an excerpt from Colonial and Revolutionary Families of PA<, by John W. JORDAN. The following comes from that source: "William FINDLEY, paternal great-grandfather of John T. FINDLEY, and the founder of the family in America, was one of the noted men of his day. Born in the north of Ireland in 1741, he came to Pennsylvania in 1763."He achieved prominence as a soldier and statesman, while in the world of literature he is known as the author of at least two works of national repute. William FINDLEY was a descendant of one of the old signers of the `Solemn League and Covenant' in Scotland, and another of his ancestors bore a prominent part in the memorable siege of Londonderry, Ireland.
"The family was thus Scotch-Irish and sprang from those who under the persecution of James II, were compelled to seek shelter elsewhere. He was still a young man when he came to Pennsylvania, and made one of the famous Octoraro settlement. He here early brought himself to notice among the `New American Covenanters.'"While under his father's roof in Ireland, he had the advantage of a larger library of books on church history and divinity, than was possessed by many of his neighbors. He says that he `had also been taught to read the Bible, and that he had inclined to some books on ancient history.' The evidence of his application and taste is seen in his subsequent writings, because it was impossible for him, for a length of time after he came to America, to devote himself studiously to literary pursuits.
"At the outbreak of the Revolution, he took sides with his adopted country and entered the army. He rose to the rank of captain and is so designated in some of the old records. While at Octoraro, he taught school for several terms. He removed to Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he purchased lands and was elected county commissioner for two terms of three years each.
"About the year 1782, he removed to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and bought a farm upon which he resided until his death. This farm, now a beautiful and valuable tract between Latrobe and St. Vincents, through which the Pennsylvania railroad passes, had then just been opened, and more than four-fifths of it was covered with bushes, vines and swamp growth.
"The community around him was Presbyterian in religious preference, and in a short time he was one of the chief members of that church body, a leading layman, and for many years an elder. Nor was he less prominent in politics. He was a born leader of men, and from the first not only had the confidence of the most substantial citizens of the district, but obtained and held an ascendency over the common people that was relaxed only with his death.
"He refused a seat in the Assembly, but was sent as one of the Council of Censors. From that time, he says, until 1821, he never spent but one whole winter with his family. In the Board of Censors he voted invariably against the party which professed Federalism, and at all times upon the opposite side from General Arthur ST. CLAIR, who sat as a censor from Philadelphia. The board sat from November 10, 1783, until the Constitution of 1790 was adopted.
"FINDLEY, with William TODD as colleague, represented Westmoreland County in the Constitutional Convention of 1789-90. In the convention, he introduced a resolution which he hoped to become a law under the constitution, `to educate the poor gratis.' He was a member of the Supreme Executive Council and a member of the first State Legislature of Pennsylvania, under the constitution of 1790. In 1791, he was elected to Congress from the Westmoreland District and sat in the House until 1799, and then after an interval of two terms, was re-elected again and again served from 1803 until 1817.
"Some of his old friends said he would still be in Congress if he had lived. In Congress, some of his political enemies said he was inconsistent, but such was his tact that his constituents never found it out. He was a consummate politician but something more than a `puller of threads and a disentagler of skeins.' He helped shape public opinion, as much possibly as any other man in western Pennsylvania in his day, and as a politician was more effective out of Congress than in it.
"He had a large personal acquaintance and his manners were such as to make him a favorite in a democracy. Besides this, he had the sympathy and influence of the strongest church organization in the county at that time. The Scotch-Irish swore by William FINDLEY. He was opposed to the adoption of the Federal Constitution, but after its adoption took a firm stand in its support.
"He wrote and published a book entitled, `Observations on The Two Sons of Oil, containing a vindication of the American Constitution and defending the blessings of Religious Liberty and Toleration, against the illiberal strictures of the Rev. Samuel B. WYLIE,' by William FINDLEY, Member of Congress, 1812. He is somewhat prolix in the volume and at times a little tiresome, but he goes through a wide range and supports his statements by numerous quotations from and reference to the writers of church history both modern and patristic and by texts from the Scriptures.
"His most important writing, however, was entitled, `History of the Insurrection in the Four Western Counties of Pennsylvania,' in the year MDCCXCIV by William FINDLEY, Member of the House of Representatives of the United States, with a recital of the circumstances specially connected therewith and historical review of the previous situation of the country, 1796.
"This history of the `Whiskey Insurrection' seems upon careful review to give but a partial view of the matter and to be a justification of his own share in it, as he was without question one of the principal characters in that event. The work has been widely quoted by nearly every general and local historian who has written upon the subject. It is undoubtedly the most important and substantial one he wrote, and treating as it did of a political subject and giving the view of one of the most active participants in that great civil disturbance, it could not but be a work to which attention would be drawn.
"It has been quoted and drawn upon by eminent legal and historical writers such as Wharton and Hildreth, while on the other hand it has been assailed with violence by political opponents of the author and was ridiculed by the New England Federalists. Touching all the criticisms and the attacks the book received, all of his adversaries are free to admit, that he would not knowingly deviate from the truth, but they assert that his prejudices were strong and that his personal feelings biased his judgment.
"There was only one edition of the History published and copies are now very scarce, the few extant being in the possession of various historical societies or in the state libraries. He published many articles in the Farmers Register between 1799 and death in 1821, under the nom de plume of `Sidney.' Also in 1794, `A Review of the Funding System.'
"From the foregoing, it will be seen that he was no idler and a man of versatile thought and interest. He was present at every session of Congress and when at home superintended his farm. He took a deep interest in Unity Church (Presbyterian) of which he was an elder. Some time before his death, he built a large and substantial two-story brick residence, which is still standing, and situated on the west bank of Loyalhanna Creek, in the town of Latrobe, a short distance south of the line of the Pennsylvania railroad. In this home he lived until old and infirm, when he removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. CAROTHERS, where he died. He is buried in the churchyard of Unity Church where a plain gray stone marks the spot, bearing the following inscription:`The
Venerable
William Findley
Departed this Life
Apr 5 1821
In the 80th year
Of his life.'
"He was a very large man and very tasteful in dress. At home, he dressed in homespun, but on going out in fair weather, wore a complete suit of white, with white hat, having a very broad brim, silk stockings and queue. In cold weather, his dress was the conventional `shad belly' coat, long waistcoat, dark knee breeches, long boots, but always the broad-rimmed beaver hat.
"An old lady who passed her childhood in the family of William FINDLEY has said, that the periodical occasion of his going away to Congress was one of the greatest magnitude, not only in the family but in the neighborhood. He went of course on horseback, on a horse he used for that purpose only. For weeks before he started, arrangements were making; his horse was well housed and well conditioned and an abundance of the finest linen was prepared for the use of the congressman until he should return. On the day that had been fixed for his departure, all the neighbors came around to see him off, to lift their hats and say goodbye. The women part of the household would always be in commotion, for the journey at that day was great, the distance long and the good man would be away so long."
More Finley family lines
Frances M. KING, 630 E. Eighth Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204, shows the following family line and asks for assistance. I have joined it to the main line found in Volume 1, Revised, of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL. The line is as follows:(130) Michael FINLEY, b 10 Feb 1683, Mullaghabrac, Co Armagh, Ireland; m 12 Jul 1712, Armagh, Ireland, w Ann O'NEILL; d 1750, Salisbury Twp., Chester Co, PA; (131) George FINLEY, b 7 Jun 1723; m Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM; (132) Joseph FINLEY, b 1759, Kent Co, MD; m Greensboro, NC w Elizabeth HORNBECK; (133) John FINLEY, b 10 Apr 1783, Grayson Co, KY; m 1812, Hardin Co, KY, w Mary BOSWORTH, b 25 Aug 1790, Grayson Co, KY, d 1850; (134) Sarah FINLEY, b 18 Feb 1819, Grayson Co, KY; m 12 Oct 1834 w Charles MERRELL, b 13 Oct 1811, Buncombe Co, NC, d 13 Jul 1852, Elk Horn, Douglas Co, NE; d 2 Feb 1904, Elba, Cassia Co, ID; bur. Willard, Box Elder Co, UT; (135) Charles William MERRELL, b 27 Nov 1849, Pottawattamie Co, IA; m 24 Apr 1878 w Mary Frances ADAMS, b 27 Aug 1862, Lewiston, Cache Co, UT, d 26 Jun 1939, Virden, Hidalgo Co, NM; d 14 Mar 1900, Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua state, Mexico; (136) Orson A. MERRELL, b 2 Oct 1891, Colonia Diaz, Chihuahua state, Mexico; m 2 Oct 1914 w Lucinda PAYNE; d 19 Feb 1958, Mesa, Maricopa Co, AZ; (137) Frances MERRELL, b 12 Feb 1918; m 30 Apr 1942 w Dale Glenes KING.
In the last FINLEY generation shown, MERRELL shows the children of John and Mary BOSWORTH FINLEY to be Joseph, b 1813, Grayson Co, KY, m w Emily THOMAS, he d Jun 1876; Squire, b 1815, Grayson Co, KY, d Feb 1834; Susanne, b 12 Feb 1817, Grayson Co, KY; Sarah (Polly), b 18 Feb 1819, Grayson Co, KY, d 2 Feb 1901; Elisabeth, b 28 Feb 1821, Grayson Co, KY; William Elliot, b 1823, Lewis Co, MO; John Squire, b 11 Jul 1825, Lewis Co, MO, m w Harriet Ann VAUGHAN; and Elliot, b 1827, Lewis Co, MO.
Wayne H. FINLEY sent his family tree with the following information:
(1) James FINLEY m Margaret (last name unknown); d before 16 Jan 1806, Mecklenburg Co, NC; (2) George FINLEY, b ca. 1752; d before 5 Jan 1836, Newton Co, GA; (3) William FINLEY, b ca. 1782; m ca. 1804 w Elizabeth HAYGOOD, b 3 Dec 1788, d 28 Sep 1879; d before 8 Jun 1840, Chambers Co, AL; (4) Augustus H. FINLEY, b 7 May 1806; m (1st) ca. 1830 w Martha A. POWELL; m (2nd) 20 Aug 1848 w Mary Ann HOLT, b 15 May 1816, d 2 Mar 1894; d 25 Jan 1888, Shelby Co, AL; (5) Augustus Clay FINLEY, b 1847; m (1st) w Mary Ann MC CLAIN, b 1850; m (2nd) _____________ , d 13 Apr 1913, Chambers Co, AL; (6) Augustus Haygood FINLEY, b 1877; m (1st) Elah ROBERTS, d 1904, Clay Co, AL; m (2nd) Daisy ________ ; m (3rd) Clay Co, AL, w Molly MANN; (7) Byron Bruce FINLEY, b 26 Aug 1901; m Lucille HOUSE, b 8 Sep 1899; d 5 May 1981; (8) Wayne House FINLEY, b 7 Apr 1927; m 6 Jul 1952 w Sara CREWS, b 26 Feb 1930.
John HANCOCK sent his family tree, as follows:
(1) Joseph FINDLEY, b 1783, Lewistown, Huntingdon Co, PA; m May 1805 w Martha ROBISON, b 1776, Mifflin Co, PA, d 1833; d 20 Aug 1816, Lewistown, PA; (2) William Robison FINDLEY, b 12 Oct 1811, Lewistown, PA; m 12 Jan 1837 w Elizabeth FLEMING, b 21 Nov 1818, Kisquillis, PA, d 8 Mar 1894, Altoona, Blair Co, PA; d 5 Jul 1889, Altoona, PA; (3) James Woods FINDLEY, b 5 May 1849, Frankstown, Blair Co, PA; m 22 Aug 1895, Huntington, Huntington Co, IN, w Jessie Bartine EWING, b 14 Jan 1868, Huntington, IN, d 5 Sep 1945, Hollidaysburg, Blair Co, PA; d 9 Dec 1905, Altoona, PA; (4) Jean FINDLEY, b 17 Jun 1899, Altoona, PA; m 19 Nov 1921, Altoona, PA, w Zenith Boone (Bill) HANCOCK, b 7 Mar 1894, Levita, Coryell Co, TX, d 7 Jan 1963, Adrian, Lenawee Co, MI; d 10 Nov 1968, Adrian, MI; (5) John HANCOCK, b 1 Jun 1932, Altoona, PA; m 17 Mar 1957, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co, MI, w Floramae (Fornie) SCHLENKER.
The Unpublished Stout
Not all of the late Rear Admiral Herald Franklin STOUT Sr.'s work was published before he died on 23 Mar 1987. However, though The Clan FINLEY, Second Edition, Vol. II, is dated 1957, the last entry in it shows Herald Franklin STOUT III, b 1961. Since that time and up until his death, STOUT corresponded with several people. Thanks to his widow, Zoe Anderson STOUT, and Berva HOWES of Canada, I now have in my possession several letters that STOUT wrote, in which he adds to, and corrects, the material found in his books. One of these correspondents was Lewis M. FINLEY, P.O. Box 12287, Portland, OR 97212. In correspondence from 1978, STOUT extended the line of my direct ancestor, Archibald FINLEY. In Volume 1 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL, Archibald FINLEY is shown as generation 130 on my family tree. He was bapt. 8 Jan 1686, Mullaghabrac, Co Armagh, Ireland; m 10 Aug 1721, Co Armagh, Ireland, w Margaret KELSO, daughter of Henry KELSO; d 11 Mar 1750, Bucks Co, PA. Their children were John FINDLEY (known as The Pathfinder, friend of Daniel BOONE), Henry, Alexander and Archibald FINLEY Jr.In a letter to Lewis FINLEY on 15 Mar 1978, STOUT wrote the following:
"I have enclosed a sheet with an extension of data -- which I came into possession of just recently; it is the only FINLEY line where the name Archibald consistently passes down thru the generations.
"Incidentally, the FINLEYs seem to have avoided what is now West Virginia as if it were afflicted with the plague! They were in Virginia proper, Kentucky and Ohio, but I don't think I have any of the older generations in West Virginia and especially in Harrison Co. Of course, from the Shenandoah, or from western Pennsylvania, you can throw a spud into West Virginia, but somehow, they didn't even seem to want to do that!
"I see I forgot to include the family of Henry and Elizabeth WALKER:
"2-22 Henry FINLEY, 1726-1805; m 1754, Bucks Co, PA, w Elizabeth WALKER, 1734-1822.
"He was b 18 Apr 1726 in Co Armagh, Ireland. Moved 1734 with parents to Bucks Co, PA; 1758 to Loudoun Co, VA; ca. 1768 to Cedar Creek, Frederick (then Shenandoah) Co, VA, where he d ca. March 1805. (History of Shenandoah Valley, Wayland, 1969, P. 194.) Wife's will proved 1825 names issue:
"James, d 1829; John, d 1827, administrator of father's estate; Archibald, 1757-1839 (# 3-22-3); Robert, b 23 Apr 1762, d 1845; Margaret m Matthew PEER; daughter m Thomas JENKINS; daughter m Robert GRIFFITH; daughter m Lt. John WALLACE." In The Clan FINLEY, Vol. 1, Second Edition, Revised, STOUT originally showed the marriage of Henry FINLEY and Elizabeth WALKER in 1744, so he corrects that above. The above revision also lists more children than the daughter who m Lt. John WALLACE, and it adds Henry FINLEY's death. STOUT's 1978 revisions include a son of Henry and Elizabeth WALKER FINLEY: Archibald FINLEY III, b 23 Apr 1757, Bucks Co, PA; m 7 Apr 1784, Frederick Co, VA, w Margaret __________ , d 1839; d 11 Feb 1839, Shenandoah Co, VA. Served in 7th, 11th and 15th Virginia Continental Line in Revolution. Captured at siege of Charleston, SC. Exchanged and served throughout the war. 1783, received Land Warrant No. 982 for 100 acres for Revolutionary service. Had eight children per pension records, but only following known: Robert, 1797-1882; Archibald, b 1801.STOUT includes the following on the son, Robert: b 14 Apr 1797, Fredericksburg, VA; m (1st) 13 Feb 1822, Frederick Co, VA, w Mary HASTINGS, 1796-1858; m (2nd) 1858 w Margaret ROBISON, b 1828; he d 25 Sept 1882, Gardner, IL; buried Mazon, IL. He moved to Batesville, Guernsey Co, OH, on land warrant awarded heirs of Revolutionary soldiers; moved again in 1849 to Gardner, Grundy Co, IL. Early settler and farmer in Greenfield Township on 160 acres, most of which he lost in financial reverses. In 1850, he was a highway commissioner.
The first child of Robert and Mary HASTINGS FINLEY was Archibald, b 1824, Guernsey Co, OH; m 10 Feb 1853, Grundy Co, IL, w Sarah Jane WILLIAMS, 1833-1923; d 10 Apr 1853. Their child was Archibald Newton FINLEY, 1853-1938, who must have been born after his father's death.
Other children of Robert and Mary HASTINGS FINLEY were Sarah m ________ GLASS; Margaret, b 1828; John, b 1829; William, b 1832; Daniel, b 1833; Luther, 1835; Mary Jennie, b 1859; and Martha E., b 1866.
In a letter dated 13 Feb 1990, Lewis FINLEY sought more information on this line with the following letter to STOUT, not knowing that STOUT had died:
"I have never been able to positively connect my ancestor Archibald FINLEY with your # 2-24, Archibald FINLEY (the one married to Sarah BARNHILL) but I believe there is a good chance he is one and the same. The wife Sarah is accurate. Your # 2-24 seems to drop from sight about the time mine comes into view in Harrison County, West Virginia. Mine had four known offspring:
"William, my great-great-grandfather; Mary, m 16 Feb 1791 w Benjamin CUNNINGHAM; Elizabeth, m George WYLER, 1 Feb 1792;
"And Sarah, who may be the key. She married Bonham STOUT on 24 Mar 1785, and when he died, she married James MALONE. They moved to Florida. Was Bonham STOUT one of your relatives? Do you have anything on him?
"The only part of your 2-24 Archibald which does not connect is that he had a daughter who married John WALLANS. I don't find any such a marriage in West Virginia, but it could have occurred before he arrived there.
"TORRENCE lists your 2-24 as Archibald FINLEY Jr. and otherwise seems to drop the ball as far as he is concerned. It could be possible that is because he went to West Virginia and they lost track of him."
Page 33 of this issue of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL gives a possible solution to the question of John WALLANS.
More on this entire family appeared in Volume 1 of FINLEY FINDINGS INTERNATIONAL.
John E. HILDRETH of Centennial, WY, says he has found a match with the line of Lewis M. FINLEY. In a 1990 letter, HILDRETH wrote:
"I am still trying to prove that my Archibald FINLEY is the same as Archibald FINLEY, 1757-1839, the Revolutionary War veteran, for there seems to be a conflict between the latter's marriage date and the birth date of my Elizabeth FINLEY who married George WYER. In fact, there were four marriages of girls all showing the parent as Archibald FINLEY in the Harrison County, VA (WV) marriage records:
"Mary Finley m 26 Feb 1791 w Benjamin CUNNINGHAM; Elizabeth FINLEY m 11 Jan 1794 w George WYER; Isabel FINLEY m 11 Jan 1794 w John DRAKE; and Margaret FINLEY m 21 Jan 1809 w Adam CUNNINGHAM.
"Archibald FINLEY, 1757-1839, according to pension records was married to a Margaret in 1784 so could not have been the father of the above daughters. I am now searching to see if that Archibald might have had an earlier marriage or if there might have been another Archibald FINLEY in Harrison County at an early date."
Although the marriage dates are slightly off, Lewis FINLEY also showed the children of an Archibald FINLEY as William; Mary who m Benjamin CUNNINGHAM; Elizabeth who m George WYLER (WYER) and Sarah who m Bonham STOUT.
In a letter written in April 1991, HILDRETH includes information about the son of HENRY and Elizabeth WALKER FINLEY, Archibald FINLEY, b 23 Apr 1757, Bucks Co, PA; m 7 Apr 1784, Frederick Co, VA, w Margaret ___________ , b 1765, d Dec 1839, Shenandoah Co, VA; he d 11 Feb 1839, Shenandoah Co, VA.
Above, I quoted revised material from STOUT as saying Archibald and Margaret FINLEY had "eight children per pension records, but only following known: Robert, 1797-1882; Archibald, b 1801."
HILDRETH sent me a copy of a transfer of a deed by Archibald Jr. which refers to "pay and pension money and land bounty which may be due to me with my other brothers and sisters in right of our father Archibald FINDLEY who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution for upwards of five years, and was taken prison at Charleston, South Carolina by the British. My said father, Archibald FINDLEY, died in the County of Frederick in the State of Virginia on or about the (there is a blank spot here) day of February 1839 and his wife, my mother, Margaret, died in December 1839."
HILDRETH believes it is confusion over the word "eight" and "right" which led STOUT to claim Archibald and Margaret FINLEY had eight children. He says the 1810 and 1820 census records show they may have had six sons and three daughters.
Some of these children may be revealed in information HILDRETH forwards from Dennis FINLEY, 1602 Orangewood, Upland, CA 91786. He shows the children as Robert m (1st) Feb 1822, Frederick Co, VA, w Mary HASTINGS; Anna m Feb 1822, Shenandoah Co, VA, w Samuel HASTINGS; Archibald m 9 Apr 1822 w Isabella LOCKMILLER, with both buried in Frederick Co, VA; William, b Apr 1784, Shenandoah Co, VA, m Apr 1808 w Rebecca WINDLE, b Shenandoah Co, VA, he d 17 Apr 1836; and Margaret, b 1794, m 30 Dec 1816 w Jacob ORNDORFF, she d 1856.
Dennis FINLEY also shows the children of Henry and Elizabeth WALKER FINLEY as Robert, d ca. 1845; John, d ca. 1825, m Eleanor ________ ; James W., d ca. 1829; Archibald, b 1757, m Apr 1784 w Margaret _________ , both d 1839; Margaret m 20 Dec 1798 w Thomas JENKINS; Sarah m 13 Oct 1798 w Robert GRIFFITH; and Mary m 12 Mar 1788 w Mathias PEER.
In his letter, HILDRETH adds the following:
"Given the census records, information from Dennis FINLEY, the date of Archibald's (1757-1839) marriage to Margaret in 1784, I have all but given up this Archibald as my ancestor. Mr. Lewis FINLEY has shed no light on the subject but has sent me loads of data to glean through.
"I did note in the letter to Lewis from H.F. STOUT in 1978 there is possibly an error on page 3. STOUT shows a `probable son,' Archibald, and says he is the one pensioned in 1818 from Shenandoah County as shown by WEYLAND. I believe the pensioner and Revolutionary War veteran is Archibald, 1757-1839, son of Henry, 1726-1805. If this Archibald, 1738-1812, had a son, Archibald, then I believe more research needs to be done on this line for it does appear a possibility.
"As I mentioned before and to Lewis FINLEY, I have had the feeling our Archibald may have come to Harrison County, VA through Fayette County, PA from perhaps Hundington County where other Archibald FINLEYs abounded at an early time. As yet, I have not found an Archibald in Harrison County records but have yet to search civil, probate and several other records. Tax records yielded little. Would it be possible for you to ask the computer to list all Archibald FINLEYs who might have been born 1740-1760? With four girls married between 1791-1809 and possibly a William b about 1770, I think I am looking for a father, Archibald, born between these dates. I realize there may be Archibalds for whom we have no records as yet but think this a start. In the meantime, I am suggesting Lewis and I begin searching the family of Archibald, 1738-1812, in Loudoun County. Wonder if there is a possibility a son, Archibald, could have migrated west through WV on the way to KY?"
Running a computer check showed only one Archibald FINDLEY (no FINLEYs) for the time period indicated. He was b 8 Nov 1735, Co Antrim, Ireland; d 1784, Cumberland Township, York Co, PA. His father is shown as William FINDLEY.
On another line, Henry FINLEY has indicated that he feels his ancestor, Daniel FINLEY, b 30 Sept 1796; m Catherine _____________ , might have been related to Josephus FINLEY, b Oct 1824; m w Zenobia FOWLER; he d 1884.My records show Josephus FINLEY was the son of Isaac Newton FINLEY, b 10 Jun 1799, TN; m 1822 w Nellie FOWLER; he d 21 Jan 1841, TN. Isaac's parents were John FINLEY, b 4 Apr 1764, Washington Co, VA; m 1787 w Rachel TAYLOR; he d 1846, Cannon Co, TN. John's parents were George FINLEY, b 2 Jan 1743, Augusta Co, VA; m 18 Dec 1761, Augusta Co, VA, w Ann NEWLAND, b 1746, d 1782, Washington Co, VA; he d 1 Oct 1809, Wayne Co, KY.
Henry FINLEY also sent a copy of a deed from an Archibald FINLEY (which may or may not relate to the above line) to Henry FINLEY's great-grandfather, Daniel FINLEY, in 1816 -- which may indicate that Archibald was Daniel's father. A copy of the deed is as follows:
"This indenture made this twentyth day of March, In the year of the Lord, One thousand eight hundred and sixteen, between Archibald FINLEY and Daniel FINLEY son. Both of County of Warren, and the State of Tennessee. With respect that the said Archibald FINLEY for and in consideration of the sum of twenty dollars to have in hand this day, the said Daniel FINLEY, specified hereof is hereby acknowledged, I have given, grant, barganed, and sold unto the said Daniel FINLEY, my farm land or partial of farmland in the Tennessee State, lying and being in the County of Warren, in the 2nd District, on the Charley Creek waters of the Barren Fork of the Collins River as pr. aforesaid. The origenal will more fully appear. Beginning at white oak marked N.A. not one fourth mile from Daniel FINLEY's house. Then thense South ajoining the creek at forty poles and twenty poles to a stake and post oak pointers thinse North joining the creek at fifty seven poles to a white oak, Thinse to the beginning, containning forty five acres, with all woods, land, ways, waters and water courses, and appurtenandes to the said land belonging for in any wise apurtaining to the said Daniel FINLEY, him and his heirs forever and further do covenant to and with the said Daniel FINLEY that he will at any further time execute any other deed or conveyance that the said Daniel FINLEY's attorney, skilled in law, may direct. Provided that it contain no more nor no other than what is contained in the present. In writing, whereof the said Archibald FINLEY hath here unto set his hand and affixed his seal, The day and date above writtened. Signed sealed and delivered, in the presense of us. Archibald FINLEY."
Henry FINLEY also mentioned that he found where Daniel and Catherine FINLEY sold land in Cannon Co, TN, District 5, to their grandson, John Daniel FINLEY, on 29 Aug 1885. He adds that Cannon Co was formed out of Warren Co. Another deed was found where Daniel FINLEY sold land to Silas PARKER and John M. BROWN on 7 Mar 1876 in Cannon Co, TN, which was attested to by H.N. FINLEY, who was Henry FINLEY's grandfather.
Also found was a deed where Lucy and Henry Nathan FINLEY sold land to Cyrus OWEN in Cannon Co, District 5, on 4 Jan 1893. Some more land was surveyed for Daniel FINLEY and witnessed by Alexander FINLEY on 19 Jan 1827. The 1880 census of Cannon Co, District 5, showed where Daniel's parents were both reported to have been born in Scotland and the parents of his wife, Catherine, were both born in Maryland.
Archibald FINLEY (printed as TINLEY) was listed in the Warren Co, TN census in 1820. Daniel FINLEY was listed as one 16- to 26-year-old male, two females under 10 and one female 16-26. John FINLEY was also listed as one male under 10, one 10-16, one 16-18, one 45 and over, and three females under 10, one 10-16, one 16-26 and one over 45.
David Findlay Galleries
One of our subscribers, David FINDLAY Jr., 41 E. 57th St., Fuller Building, New York, NY 10022-1908, operates the David FINDLAY Galleries, described as follows:"The opening of David FINDLAY Jr. Fine Art on 57th Street in September 1982, was a milestone in the 115-year history of the FINDLAY family's involvement with art. Tracing its roots to a small art store and gallery in the frontier town of Kansas City, the present extension of the family business is operated by the fourth generation of FINDLAYs active in the art business.
"The FINDLAY Art Company was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1870 by William Wadsworth FINDLAY. Since the art market for fine paintings in a Western city on the edge of civilization was limited, it was necessary to sell art supplies to augment the business. Frederic REMINGTON and George Caleb BINGHAM were two of the great American Western artists who not only purchased materials at the store but also exhibited and sold their work through the Gallery. REMINGTON was particularly indebted to William W. FINDLAY, who promoted the artist during a difficult period in his career.
"Exhibiting and selling contemporary paintings by regional artists, the Company later diversified into a wide range of 19th century American paintings. By the turn of the century its owners were able to travel extensively through Europe to acquire English and French paintings. The annual buying trip took several months and yielded paintings which were sold throughout the middle and western United States.
"The FINDLAY Galleries, as the business was renamed, prospered in Kansas City through two generations. Then in 1936, David FINDLAY Sr., one of the founder's three grandsons, opened a New York City gallery. In the late 1940s, he began specializing in the Western paintings of Frederic REMINGTON and Charles RUSSELL. Amon CARTER, the Fort Worth publisher, was one of his best clients. Many of the most important paintings now in the Amon CARTER Museum were acquired from David FINDLAY Sr., including REMINGTON's greatest early work, `A Dash for the Timber.'
"During the last thirty years, the David FINDLAY Galleries, located on 57th Street and then on upper Madison Avenue, represented a diverse group of American and European contemporary and 19th century artists. As of September 1982, the Galleries divided into two parts. The upper Madison Avenue gallery, known as David FINDLAY Galleries, concentrates on European artists. The 57th Street gallery, known as David FINDLAY Jr. Fine Art, is oriented to American 19th and early 20th century artists."
Also included was the following "pre-obituary" which appeared in the Kansas City Times on 5 Apr 1899:
"ANDREW D. FINDLAY IS DYING. IS A FAMOUS TRAVELER AND ONE OF THE CITY'S PIONEERS. HAS SEEN THE CAPITAL OF EVERY CIVILIZED GOVERNMENT ON THE GLOBE. CAME HERE IN THE EARLY DAYS AND RAN THE OLD SENATE POOL HALL. IS THE FATHER OF ED FINDLAY THE WELL-KNOWN GAMBLER. HAS BEEN ILL FOR MONTHS.
"Unconscious and at the point of death, Andrew D. FINDLAY, one of the last of the fast waning pioneers of Kansas City, is lying at his home, 1214 East Fifteenth street. Physicians have given up all hope of his recovery and the family of the well known citizen is watching at the bedside for his death. Last night he was very near the end of his life's course.
"Andrew D. FINDLAY is 83 years old and has lived in Kansas City for more than three decades. He was born in the quaint old town of Toronto in Canada in the spring of 1816, and has seen the capital cities of every civilized government in the world. He has crossed the Atlantic ocean thirty times and has seen the shores of South America and the Antilles a half score times. In his day he was a rich man. He yet owns many pieces of valuable real estate and has an account with the Bank of England and the Bank of Lower Canada. He is father of Edward C. FINDLAY famous in Kansas City as the boss gambler of the west.
"The story of Andrew D. FINDLAY's life reads like a romance. For years he lived within hearing of the roar of the Niagara falls and he has traveled every foot of ground along the St. Lawrence river to Newfoundland.
Has Traversed the Globe "He has ridden in a skiff on the Amazon and paddled in a canoe over the Rhine and the Rhone. He has traversed the Missouri from St. Paul to the Gulf of Mexico and was once a soldier of fortune in a filibustering expedition in the South Sea islands. "He ran a club and cafe in the city of Havana for two years. He made hardtack for the soldiers during the war between the states in the 60's and ran the blockade of southern ports for the confederacy. He was a Yankee by birth and association; at least, he was a sympathizer of the confederacy and risked his life many times for the stars and bars during the bitter strite of four years of rebellion. From his old home near Niagara Falls, Andrew D. FINDLAY went to New York city, where Edward C. FINDLAY, his son, was born. From New York he went to Cincinnati where he made clothes and baked hardtack for years. He married Caroline E. COLE, daughter of one of the first settlers of Cincinnati, who came down the Ohio river on a raft and stopped to take a look at the hamlet and stayed there. James A. COLE was prominent in Cincinnati for many years. He died several years ago. Mrs. FINDLAY is now at her husband's bedside.He Tried Politics
"While Andrew D. FINDLAY was in New York he was a prominent figure in politics. He was a member of the famous `peace committee' which went to the rooms of John MORRISEY, ex-prize fighter and congressman from New York city, to persuade him to keep cool when BAKER shot POOLE during a quarrel over an election. The BAKER-POOLE shooting was one of the most sensational tragedies ever enacted in the metropolis. MORRISEY has been dead several years."After leaving Cincinnati Mr. FINDLAY came to Kansas City. It was in the fall of 1863 that he reached here with his family. He had been here but a short time when he bought the famous old `Senate' pool and billard half in the building now occupied by a clothing company at the south-east corner of Fifth and Main streets. He bought the place from J.D. CRAFTER, who had purchased it from Henry C. KUML later mayor of Kansas City. Mr. FINDLAY paid $3,000 in cash for the tables in the hall. CRAFTER afterward became adjutant general of Missouri. For years the `Senate' was the most popular resort for miles around. It was during the old days when stockmen congregated here from the great southwest by the hundreds and when the sporting elements among them greatly outnumbered the piously inclined. All these men spent money and it was estimated that Andrew D. FINDLAY made more than $100,000 a year out of the `Senate.' For years it was practically the only pool and billard hall in Kansas City. William GARDNER opened a place in the building formerly occupied by the Florence CRITTENTON Home and Mission at the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets several years later.
"In the early days when politics was rife in the growing town, Mr. FINDLAY was known as a colossal bettor. He was known to bet thousands of dollars on the results of an election. He was for years a close friend of William MULKEY, Milton MC GEE, Colonel William C. NELSON and others of the older men who did much for Kansas City more than a score of years ago. There was no better known man in Kansas City in those days.
Ill Since Last November
"Mr. FINDLAY took to his bed last November. On election day Joseph LORIN called at the FINDLAY home and took him down town to vote. It was a cold raw day and Mr. FINDLAY had a chill and contracted a severe cold. He has not been out of the house since that time. Last night he was sinking rapidly and did not recognize the members of the family. He was visited by the Rev. Henry HOPKINS, pastor of the First Congregational church. They have been friends for years and were often together. Mr. FINDLAY roused himself once during the night and recognized the preacher. During the last two months the sick man has talked much of the church and has professed religion.
"Among the friends of Mr. FINDLAY who called at the house last night was Major Blake L. WOODSON, the attorney. Major WOODSON has been for years an intimate friend of the family and was seen often with Mr. FINDLAY before illness overtook him. About five years ago Mr. FINDLAY drew a will. He has property in Kansas City, in St. Louis and near Niagara Falls. He also has much personal property. Edward C. FINDLAY, the only son by Andrew D. FINDLAY's first marriage, lives at 1206 East Fifteenth street, in the same block as his father's home. Edward C. FINDLAY has three half brothers, William W. FINDLAY, proprietor of FINDLAY's art rooms at 917 Walnut street; George FINDLAY, railroad man who lives at Topeka, Kan., and Henry FINDLAY, a real estate dealer at Niagara Falls.
"Dr. Charles F. WAINWRIGHT, who has been attending Mr. FINDLAY during his illness, gave up hope of his recovery yesterday."
In the information included by David FINDLAY Jr., this information is given on Andrew D. FINDLAY's parents: Andrew FINLAY m Sarah BAKER, b ca. 1787 (1852 census) or ca. 1782 (burial entry), Ireland, d 22 Jul 1857, she m (2nd) __________________ GODFREY. Andrew FINLAY was a shipwright, Kingston Dock Yard, 1812-1814; d between 1819-1839. Besides Andrew D. FINDLAY, they had Sarah, b 1816; m 21 Oct 1839 w Hugh REED; d 7 Feb 1846.
Andrew D. FINDLAY m (1st) Esther YEO. Their children were Andrew, b ca. 1839, d ca. 1850, KY; Sarah, b Apr 1839, d Sep 1839; George W., b 1841, d 1922, Topeka, KS; Henry H., b 1843, d 1914, Niagara Falls, NY; William Wadsworth, b 1845, d 1923; and Esther, b ca. 1846-1847. He m (2nd) Caroline E. COLE and their children were Edward Cole, b 1863, Kansas City, MO, d 1920, Kansas City, MO; and a twin, Amanda, b 1863, d 1901.
More from Stout
The records I have from the late Herald Franklin STOUT's work include several old photographs, including the two on the back cover, who are identified as Esther CALDWELL FINLEY and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Robert FINDLEY.The following information is found in The Clan FINLEY, Vol. 1, Second Edition, P. 68: The Rev. Dr. Robert FINLEY, b 1772, Basking Ridge, NJ; m 16 May 1798 w Esther Flint CALDWELL, b 1772, d 1844, daughter of the Rev. James and Hannah (OGDEN) CALDWELL (her father was called the "Fighting Parson" of the American Revolution); Robert FINLEY d 3 Oct 1817 in his office at Athens, GA.
He was a graduate, tutor and trustee at Princeton University. In 1795, he was ordained a Presbyterian minister. He had a church at Basking Ridge and in 1816, was the co-founder of the American Colonization Society for Negroes. In 1817, he became the president of Franklin College.
Their children included Mary Louise Ogden FINLEY, b 1799; Helen Smith FINLEY, b 1800, d 1874; James Caldwell FINLEY, b 1802, d 1885; Robert Smith FINLEY, b 1804, m w Julia ROBBINS, he was an 1821 graduate of Princeton University and d 1860; Josiah Caldwell FINLEY, b 1805, an 1828 graduate of Princeton, a missionary to Africa and was reportedly eaten by cannibals in 1839; Ann Morford FINLEY, b 1807, d 1844; John Caldwell FINLEY, b 1809, d 1835; Susan Bradford FINLEY, b 1811, d 1866; and Hannah Smith FINLEY, b 1813, d 1892.
The pictures on the inside page are taken from the STOUT files. They are so old that they have broken into three pieces and are in danger of crumbling. They have no identification on them, except a notation which apparently shows the photo gallery as Rockwell, Canal, Dover, OH. Surely these aren't by Norman Rockwell!
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