Biography of Jesse J. Finley, Jacksonville, Duval Co., FL

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Barbara Walker Winge,
barbarawinge@yahoo.com

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JESSE J. FINLEY, OF FLORIDA

     Jesse J. Finley, of Jacksonville, who represents the Second Congressional
District of Florida in the National House of Representatives, was born in Wilson
County, Tenn., November 18, 1812.  He was educated in the Campbell Institute, at
Lebanon, Tenn.  While engaged in his studies, preparatory to his admission to the
Bar, the United State Government called for volunteers for the Seminole War in
Florida.  Young Finley at once raised a company of mounted volunteers in his native
State, and participated in the Florida War during the campaign of 1836 and '37.
When the campaign was over, he and his command returned, covered with honors, to
their native State, and resumed their civil pursuits.  Captain Finley resumed the
study of law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1838.  Allying himself with the Whig
party, his friends insisted on his accepting the nomination of State Senator, with
the assurance that the Democrats would not put up any opposing candidate, but he
persistenly refused to enter the political arena, Captain Finley then removed to
Arkansas to practice his profession.  Here he was again pressed into service, and
consented to accept an election of State Senator.  He served, however, but a short
time in that position, and resigned, as domestic affairs required his return to
Tennessee, and located at Memphis.  During the year 1845 he was unanimously elected
Mayor of that city.  When the Mexican war broke out he was tendered the command of a
select volunteer company, which he accepted...   Capt. Finley in 1846 removed to
Florida, and located at Marianna, West Florida, to follow his profession....
     As the War seemed to become a reality, Judge Finley resigned his judicial
position, and early in 1862 volunteered as a private soldier, and was made Captain
of his company, and upon the organization of the Sixth Florida Regiment was made
Colonel of the same, all without an opponent...  was promoted for bravery, at the
battle of Chickamauga, to the rank of Brigadier-General... When the War ceased,
General Finley resumed the practice of law at Lake City, Florida...

Ref:  Headley, P. C., PUBLIC MEN OF TO-DAY, 1882, S. S. Scranton & Company,
Hartford, pp. 386-387.

[Contributed by Barbara Walker Winge,  barbarawinge@yahoo.com]