Garrard Co KY - John and Mary Finley (Part 2) ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Carmen J. Finley finleyc@sonoma.edu http://lib-operations.sonoma.edu/fin/aaa-0030.html ==================================================================== JOHN AND MARY FINLEY OF MONTGOMERY (WYTHE) COUNTY, VIRGINIA Carmen J. Finley, C.G., Ph.D. [Published in The Virginia Genealogist, 1990, v. 34, pp. 243-55; 1991, v. 35, pp. 18-33, 122-35, 173-85, 251-62.] GENERATION FOUR 27. John4 Fin(d)ley (Edmund3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was probably the eldest son of Edmund and Catherine Finley. He was born about 1810 in Tennessee.[269](269) He married his first cousin, Mahala Finley, daughter of Samuel, on 25 December 1831[270](270) probably in Orange County, Indiana. He married, second, Sarah Masters, on 22 March 1840 in Jackson County, Missouri.[271](271) He married, third, Elizabeth Finley, youngest sister of Mahala, his first wife.[272](272) John died 7 August 1871 in Tulare County, California, the result of a shotgun wound.[273](273) (See section 8. on Samuel Finley for information on Mahala; section 37. on Elizabeth). John and Mahala moved on to Decatur, Macon County, Illinois about the time Mahala's father, Samuel, and his young family went there, or shortly after. At least, John and Mahala, are prominent in the court cases of Macon County, when it came time to settle Samuel's estate in 1836. On 29 August 1836, John and Mahala petitioned the court for the division of Samuel's property.[274](274) There was also a John Finley who was an administrator of the estate of Daniel Porter with inventory made 17 March 1836,[275](275) as well as a number of court cases involving a John Finley during this general time period.[276](276) However, they were gone before March 1840, since Jacob Black made a statement to the effect that "John Finley and Mahala his wife (formerly Mahala Finley), Jefferson Finley and James Finley, heirs of Samuel Finley, dec'd, of the County of Macon are not residents of this state but reside in the State of Missouri."[277](277) Mahala disappeared from the records about this time when John married Sarah Masters. An exhaustive search was made to try to determine what happened to Mahala, to no avail. Ethel Work Balmer, granddaughter of John, claims Mahala died and that John and Mahala had nine children.[278](278) Since John and Mahala were married in December 1831, nine children would have been pushing the limits, unless there was at least one set of twins.[279](279) However, no supporting documents have, as yet, been found concerning Mahala's disappearance or any indication of children they may have had. While there were eight John Fin(d)leys in the 1840 Missouri census index, there was only one whose profile seemed to satisfy what was known about this John Finley. He was in Boone Township, Van Buren County in the general neighborhood of Edmund and his son, David.[280](280) However, the oldest female in the household was 15-20, and Sarah would have been about 24 years old. Also living in the household were three males 20-30, 1 female under 5 and 1 female 5-10. The males could easily be accounted for as John himself (born about 1810), and Mahala's two younger brothers, Jefferson (born 1818) and James (born 1821). Jefferson had married Frances Foe on 1 February 1838 in Macon County, Illinois.[281](281) While her birth date is not known, she would need to be only 2 or 3 years younger than Jefferson to be in the age category 15-20. It is, of course, possible this is not the John Finley of interest. John and Sarah were found in Hunt County in 1850, not far from Jesse and Rachel (Colglazure) Finley.[282](282) They had five children ranging in age from 2 to 9. Birth place of the three oldest children was given as Arkansas, placing the family there for about the period 1841 to 1846. However, a part of North Texas extending to the Sabine River and the headwaters of the Trinity River was once claimed by Arkansas. This area of Texas was Miller County, Arkansas. The boundary dispute was not settled until 1838 when the lands south of the Red River were assigned to Texas.[283](283) According to a published biography of William J. Findley, son of John and Sarah, he was born along the Sabine River 22 February 1851.[284](284) In addition, John's uncle, Jesse Finley, was also placed on Lake Fork Creek of the Sabine River by a survey done in June 1850.[285](285) That, coupled with the fact that Hunt County was formed in 1846 from Fannin and Nacogdoches Counties, makes one wonder if John and Sarah really moved or whether they were just living within the disputed area. Also living in their household in 1850 was Elizabeth Finley, age 21, Mahala's youngest sister, who was destined to be John's third wife. It is not known precisely when John and Sarah parted, nor when John and Elizabeth married. However, John and Sarah's son, William, was born 22 February 1851,[286](286) and a daughter, Mary, was born about 1852,[287](287) while John and Elizabeth's first son, David, was born about 1855/1856. According to the 1860 census David was born in Texas, but the 1870 census gives his place of birth as Arkansas.[288](288) This also lends credence to the theory that the Finleys were living within the disputed area. By 1860, both John and his new family and Sarah and her family were living near each other in Los Angeles County, California.[289](289) John's daughter, Julia Ann, by Sarah, then about 16, had married Moses Hart and they were also living close to John and Elizabeth.[290](290) On 6 April 1865, John bought 700 acres in Drumm Valley, Tulare County, California.[291](291) It was about this time that John's surname consistently took on the spelling "Findley." By 1870, John and Elizabeth had 5 children ranging in age from 1 to 14.[292](292) The next year, on 7 August 1871, John was shot and killed.[293](293) There are extensive records in Tulare County for John Fin(d)ley both in Probate Court and in a local history.[294](294) A synopsis follows: On 10 August 1871, the Visalia Weekly Delta, carried the following:[295](295) HORRIBLE MURDER: -- We understand that Mr. John Findley, an old resident and a well known citizen, was murdered at his residence on Monday evening last. The old man was at home, in bed, when, just as the moon was rising, he heard someone call for him in the direction of the dooryard fence. He arose and went to the fence, some three rods from the door, when two men came up out of the creek bed, from the other side, and when within a few feet, one of them discharged what seems to have been a double-barreled shotgun in Mr. Findley's forehead, carrying away the whole top part of the head, and leaving the brains scattered about the dooryard. Whatever of clues there may be to this fiendish act, is a matter that we feel bound to forebear discussing for the present. The County Coroner moved very quickly. A jury of six persons[296](296) was assembled on 9 August and statements were obtained from John's widow, Elizabeth, and their oldest daughter, Catherine.[297](297) Elizabeth testified that on the night her husband was killed she heard him talking to someone about a sick horse. She asked who it was to which he replied that he talked like Thomas Woody. Elizabeth heard the voice and stated she believed it to be Tom Woody. She heard her husband ask who else was present to which the answer was "a boy." She heard two gunshots and ran out to find her deceased husband. Catherine's testimony included the following: That on the night of the 7th inst. I woke up and heard mother inquiring of father who he was talking to; he said the person talked mighty like Tom Woody. I heard father say, you talk mighty like Tom Woody. You are not allow_ over here. The man said, yes sir. I saw two person_ on horseback close up to the fence; they looked like well-grown men; father asked them where they come from; one of them said from the Old Mill Road; father asked them how they got off the Old Mill Road in here; the man did not answer this last question ... Immediately after the last question and answer, there were two gunshots fired, and father fell dead. I believe that I could tell whose voice it was that was talking with father. I am almost certain that it was Tom Woody.[298](298) The coroner's jury stated: We, the undersigned jurors impaneled to hold an inquest upon the body of a man killed at John Findley's residence, find that the deceased is John Findley; that he is a native of the State of Tennessee and that he is 61 years old, and that he came to his death on the night of the 7th inst. at his own residence, by a gunshot or gunshots in the head of some person or persons unknown to this jury. We find the homicide was done with criminal intent. A grand jury investigation followed and in the County Court of Tulare on 11 November 1871, Thomas Woody and George Reeves were accused and indicted for the murder of John Findley. The trial took place during 1872 and 1873. Woody entered a plea of not guilty, but was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to death. The case was appealed, the jury returned a verdict of second degree murder, and Woody was sentenced to State Prison for 25 years. Reeves entered a plea of not guilty and, on motion of the District Attorney, was discharged. John had written his will 29 August 1868.[299](299) In it he excluded his children by his former marriage and left everything to Elizabeth and her children justifying it by saying, "I have made and accumulated nearly all my present property by and with the assistance of my present wife." He also named Elizabeth executrix and guardian of the children. However, if she remarried, then she would lose her right to guardianship and another "proper administrator and guardian" should be appointed. Settlement of his estate began on 4 September 1781, when Elizabeth made a statement in court as to his family. They included: "John Findly, Julia Ann Hart, Nancy Work, William Findly and Mary Hart by his first wife." Her own children included David, 14; Catherine, 11;, Elizabeth, 9; Samuel, 5; Harvey, 2; and Jefferson, 3 months. On the same date, James Boyd signed a statement concerning the personal property of John. He left cattle, horses, hogs, and improvements on public lands, notes, accounts, debts, etc. Total value was set at about $14,401. However, a detailed inventory prepared two weeks later, set the value of the property at $22,941.18. About two months later on 7 November, John Findley, half brother of Elizabeth's children, petitioned the court for a legal guardian to be appointed for the minor children. Interestingly, his petition states that "Samuel Findley of the County of Sonoma in this state is now busily engaged in collecting the money belonging to said infant children and as petitioner is informed and believe is sending the same out of this county beyond the jurisdiction of the court and think there is reason to fear the said infants will loose most if not all their property by reason thereof." In 1871, there were two Samuel Finleys listed in the Great Register of Sonoma County. One was Samuel Emanuel, Elizabeth's nephew and son of her brother, John. The other was Samuel Joseph, brother to Elizabeth.[300](300) Whichever Samuel was referred to in the petition, it appears to have been a family matter with Elizabeth's family interceding. The petitioner urged that a resident of Tulare County be appointed guardian to Elizabeth's minor children. This included, in addition to himself, his brother William and his sister, Mrs. William Work. On 23 November, Elizabeth petitioned the court as executrix saying: That said deceased and family at the time of his death resided in the foothills in Tulare County and so removed from School facilities that the education of said minor children had been greatly neglected. That in order to get said children to some place convenient to School she has been obliged to remove from her said home in the foothills and establish a residence elsewhere. Because of the necessary expenses incurred she further asked for $125 per month out of the proceeds of the estate due her and her children until the final settlement of the estate. Her request was approved. Elizabeth filed the final account of her administration on 3 March 1873. At that time the total value of the estate was $23,291.18. She also stated that while she had been appointed both executrix and guardian of her minor children, more recently and at her request her brother, John, of Sonoma County had been duly appointed guardian by the Probate Court of Sonoma County on 10 February 1873. Meanwhile, in January 1872, Elizabeth bought 160 acres in Sonoma County, near her brothers, John and Samuel.[301](301) On 23 March 1873, Elizabeth married Franklin Hutchinson in Tulare County.[302](302) Known children of John and Sarah (Masters) Findley include: 96 i. John5 Finley, born about 1841 in Arkansas.[303](303) As eldest son of this family, it was he who tried to protect the interests of his full brothers and sisters in the petition mentioned in the preceding section. 97 ii. Julia Ann Finley, born 18 December 1843[304](304) in Arkansas; married Moses Hart 15 July 1859;[305](305) died 21 January 1908, Kern County, California.[306](306) Moses Hart was born 1 December 1833 in Conway County, Arkansas, the son of Josiah Hart.[307](307) 98 iii. Edmund Finley, born about 1846 in Arkansas.[308](308) Edmund is not listed as an heir of his father so probably preceded him in death. In fact, he is not living with his mother in the 1860 census, so possibly died before that time. 99 iv. Nancy Caroline Finley, born 13 May 1849 in Texas.[309](309) She married Will Work in 1864,[310](310) and died November 1923 in Mt. View, Fresno County, California.[311](311) 100 v. Martha Finley, born about 1848 in Texas.[312](312) She is said to have died on the way from Texas to California, about 1857.[313](313) 101 vi. William J. Finley, born 22 February 1851, Sabine, Texas.[314](314) He married Ellen L. Woody, 24 February 1869 at Sand Creek, Tulare County, California.[315](315) It was his brother-in-law, Thomas Woody, who was convicted of killing his father, John Findley. William died 15 November 1917[316](316) in Dinuba, Tulare County. 102 vii. Mary Finley, born about 1852.[317](317) Children of John and Elizabeth (Finley) Findley include:[318](318) 103 i. David5 Finley, born about 1855/56. 104 ii. Catherine M. Finley, born 1 October 1859, San Bernardino, California.[319](319) She married William Alburtus Akers, 12 September 1874 at Squaw Valley, Fresno County, California; died 4 December 1942 in Coalinga, Fresno County.[320](320) Several pages of biographical material are given in Hull's And Then There Were Three Thousand. (See footnotes for complete reference) 105 iii. Elizabeth Finley, born about 1862 in California; married (1) Seaborn N. (Zebe) Lashley, 25 April 1876 in Centerville, Fresno County, California; (2) Frank Humphrey after March 1883.[321](321) 106 iv. Samuel F. Finley, born about 1864 in California. Married Emma Chambers.[322](322) 107 v. Harvey Finley, born about 1869 probably in Drumm Valley, Tulare County, California. He married Minnie Hunsaker, daughter of George and Nancy Ann Hunsaker.[323](323) 108 vi. Jefferson Finley, born June 1871, was but 2 months old when his father died. 28. David4 Finley (Edmund3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born about 1815 in Missouri.[324](324) David is first found in the 1840 census in Van Buren County, Missouri, living next door to his parents. At that time there was one female 20-30 and one female under five years living in his household.[325](325) David and Margaret A., his wife, sold property in Cass County in 1845 and 1848.[326](326) In 1850 they were found in Hopkins County living near Lewis and Lettecia Findley.[327](327) David and Margaret were founding members of the Harmony Presbyterian Church at Mt. Zion in 1849.[328](328) From the 1850 and 1860 census,[329](329) it is possible to partially construct their family. Their children included: 109 i. Rachel5 Finley, born about 1838 in Missouri. 110 ii. John Finley, born about 1842 in Missouri. 111 iii. Katherine Finley, born about 1846 in Missouri. 112 iv. Marlena Finley, born about 1851 in Texas, married John N. Harris in Hopkins County, 11 September 1868. 113 v. Harvey Finley, born about 1853 in Texas. 114 vi. Thomas Finley, born about 1855 in Texas. 29. Lewis4 Finley (Edmund3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born about 1825 in Missouri.[330](330) He married Leticia Wade, 13 April 1849 in Hopkins County, Texas. They were also founding members of the Harmony Presbyterian Church at Mt. Zion.[331](331) They were found in both the 1850 census of Hopkins County[332](332) and 1860 census in Hunt County.[333](333) Known children include: 115 i. Edmund5 Finley, born 1850 in Hopkins County, Texas. 116 ii. Nancy Finley. 117 iii. Mary Ann Finley. 31. Alvin4 Finley (Samuel3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 9 October 1811 in Orange County, Indiana,[334](334) and married Hannah Black, 12 November 1835 in Macon County, Illinois.[335](335) He died in 1838 at the age of about 26.[336](336) Alvin was the eldest son when his father died in September of 1835. As related above in his father's probate records, he had a somewhat stormy time settling his father's estate and providing for his underage siblings, before his own premature death. Further information on Alvin is fragmentary. Correspondence with the Macon County Circuit Clerk, indicates a probate file exists for Alvin, but the file papers are missing.[337](337) Court abstracts also list, in June 1839, the case of The President, Directors and Company of the State Bank of Illinois vs. Jacob Black, Jr.[338](338) and Hannah Finley, Administrators for Hannah Finley and Mary Elisabeth Finley, heirs at law of Alvin Finley, deceased.[339](339) From this, one would conclude that Alvin and Hannah (Black) Finley had one child: 118 i. Mary Elisabeth5 Finley, probably born between 1836 and 1838, probably in Macon County, Illinois. 32. Nancy J.4 Finley (Samuel3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 25 February 1816 in Orange County, Indiana.[340](340) She married George Marbern Braden, son of Irish immigrant Samuel and Nancy (Young) Braden,[341](341) 26 December 1833 in Decatur.[342](342) Nancy and George appear in the 1840 census of Macon County, with one son and one daughter under 5 years of age.[343](343) George died 15 November 1853.[344](344) Nancy moved to Sonoma County, California near her younger brothers, John and Samuel, for she married George G. Gager there 25 March 1860.[345](345) Nancy and George are found in the 1860 and 1870 census of Sonoma County living near Nancy's brothers, John and Samuel.[346](346) Nancy died 15 September 1886 at The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon. Known children of Nancy J. Finley and George Braden include:[347](347) 119 i. William5 Braden, born about 1842. 120 ii. Elizabeth Braden, born about 1845. 121 iii. Julia Ann Braden, born about 1848. 122 iv. Almyra J. Braden, born about 1852. 35. John4 Finley (Samuel3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 5 June 1823 in Orange County, Indiana.[348](348) He married Keziah Head, 5 September 1844; she was born 14 January 1828 in Tennessee.[349](349) Keziah died of tuberculosis 8 November 1903 in Graton, Sonoma County.[350](350) John died 29 November 1910 in Bodega, Sonoma County.[351](351) They are buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, Sebastopol, Sonoma County.[352](352) John was 9 year old when his mother died and the family moved to Decatur, Macon County, Illinois. His father, Samuel, died about three years later.[353](353) The details of at least three guardians, including his brother, Alvin, who also died when John was but 15 in 1838, are given the preceding section on his parents. John's two older brothers, Jefferson and James, went to Missouri with their oldest sister, Mahala and her husband John Findley sometime prior to 1840.[354](354) But the whereabouts of John and his younger siblings at that time has not been determined; possibly they remained in Decatur. There is also some confusion as to where he and Keziah were married and lived between1844 and 1850. Family records say the marriage took place in Pine Ridge, Arkansas and their first four children were born there (with the possible exception of James William whose birth place is given as Buffalo Springs, Missouri or Pine Ridge, 17 January 1848). However, this is contrary to census record information found in 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900. John and Keziah are found in Bates County, Missouri in 1850. Only sons Samuel, 5, and John, 1/2 were living with them (James William had died 17 July 1850). Their birth places were both given as Missouri.[355](355) Successive census records in California all give the birth place of Samuel, born 1846, John, born 1850, and Henry, born 1852, as Missouri.[356](356) All other children were born in California. In 1852, the young family joined a wagon train heading west from St. Joseph, arriving in Sonoma County, California late that year. At first they leased farming land in the Tomales-Bloomfield (also Valley Ford and Irish Hill) area and raised potatoes. It was not until February 1863 they made their first land purchase ... 486.12 acres in Bodega at the head of Salmon Creek.[357](357) This was part of the original Bodega Rancho which had been granted to Capt. Stephen Smith in 1843 by the Mexican Government before California was ceded to the United States. John and Keziah bought this property from Tyler Curtis, guardian and stepfather of Stephen, Manuel and James Smith, heirs of Capt. Stephen Smith.[358](358) Here they settled, continued farming, established a dairy, raised their family and bought more land. John left a great many legal and other documents which are still in the possession of family members.[359](359) From these it has been possible to reconstruct a fairly detailed history of the family.[360](360) John became the patriarch of this branch of the Finley family in Sonoma County. The Finley "clan" in Bodega included John's younger brother, Samuel Joseph, who came with him (or possibly a bit earlier) from Missouri; nephew, Joseph Jefferson, son of Jesse and Rachel (Colglazure) Finley, who arrived prior to the 1860 census; youngest sister, Elizabeth, for a brief period in the early 1870's; and John's children as they became of age. From 1873 through 1894 there were from 5 to 7 adult male Finley registered voters in Bodega.[361](361) In 1892 physical descriptions, including height, complexion, eye and hair color were given. The Finleys were not tall; John was 5'8" and his sons ranged from 5'3" to 5'10". John's complexion was described as "fair," but all sons except Henry were described as "dark." John's eyes were "blue," all sons were "brown," or "dark." John's nephew, Joseph Jefferson, was the only other blue-eyed Finley. John's hair was "gray," all sons were either "brown," or "black." Family tradition that Keziah was part Cherokee, may well have some foundation. At least two family crises can be surmised from existing documents. In 1871, John's youngest sister, Elizabeth, was abruptly widowed when her husband, John, was killed in Tulare County, California. Brother, Samuel, was named in the probate records and according to Elizabeth's stepson, John, was taking charge of the assets of the heirs.[362](362) About a year before Elizabeth remarried in March 1873,[363](363) she had purchased property in Sonoma County,[364](364) and had asked her brother, John, to become guardian of her five children.[365](365) An extensive file of guardianship papers, show John served in this capacity until 1891 when the youngest child came of age.[366](366) In July 1876, brother Samuel was shot to death in the streets of Guerneville (a small community near Bodega). Details of this event are given in the section on Samuel Joseph Finley, following. Samuel's oldest daughter, Martha, had married James F. Oliver about 10 years earlier and Oliver figured quite prominently among the protesters in the handling of Samuel's assailant. Oliver also had a history of mortgages and unpaid promissory notes, in which John Finley became a cosigner on at least one occasion in November 1876.[367](367) In April 1879, John was named jointly with the Olivers in a complaint of foreclosure.[368](368) Eventually, the Olivers deeded their property to John,[369](369) and gave John's son, Henry, their power-of-attorney from Madison County, Montana.[370](370) By 1899, Keziah's health required a dryer climate, so John bought "the fruit ranch," near Graton, where the weather was warmer.[371](371) Keziah lived there with her youngest son, Alvin and granddaughter, Clara Keithly until her death in 1903.[372](372) John remained on the Bodega property and when he died 7 years later he had an estate of 1000 acres.[373](373) Children of John and Keziah (Head) Finley include:[374](374) 123 i. Samuel Emanuel5 Finley, born 20 February 1846, Arkansas or Missouri. He married Mary Jane Stanley, 2 August 1875, Gualala, Mendocino County, California. He died 9 August 1917, Petaluma, Sonoma County. 124 ii. James William Finley, born 17 January 1848, Arkansas or Missouri. Died 17 July 1850, probably in Bates County, Missouri. 125 iii. John Jay Finley, born 30 May 1850, probably Bates County, Missouri; died 19 March 1931, Bodega, Sonoma County, California. 126 iv. Henry Head Finley, born 17 April 1852, probably Bates County, Missouri; died 18 April 1918, Bodega, Sonoma County, California. 127 v. Nancy Caroline Finley, born 4 May 1854, Irish Hill, Sonoma County, California; married Calvin Harrison Keithly, 3 February 1875, Bodega, Sonoma County; died 5 March 1953, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California. 128 vi. Elizabeth Finetta Finley, born 11 January 1858, English Hill, Sonoma County, California; married Albert Pike Head, 12 December 1880, Bodega; died 23 November 1887, Santa Rosa. 129 vii. James Preston Finley, born 18 January 1860, Bodega; died 24 March 1934, Bodega. 130 viii. Marenda A. Finley, born 18 January 1860, Bodega; died 18 January 1860, Bodega. 131 ix. Jefferson Davis Finley, born 10 July 1862, Bodega; married Carried Ann McCready, 30 July 1892, Santa Rosa; died 26 January 1918, Sonoma County. 132 x. Andrew Jackson Finley, born 21 July 1863, Bodega; married Alfaretta Isadore Stemple, 27 April 1887, Santa Rosa; died 28 May 1929, Oakland, Alameda County, California. 133 xi. William David Finley, born 30 October 1866, Bodega; died 17 December 1890. 134 xii. Martha E. Finley, born 31 October 1868, Bodega; died 11 November 1868, Bodega. 135 xiii. Alvin Wesley Finley, born 18 August 1870, Bodega; married Frances Gertrude Head, 5 September 1901, Santa Rosa; died 27 November 1950, Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California. 36. Samuel Joseph4 Finley (Samuel3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 6 March 1826, in Orange County, Indiana.[375](375) He married Prudence Brians, daughter of Jackson Brians[376](376) probably in the late 1840s.[377](377) He most likely remarried, after Prudence's death, Mrs. Maria Wilkes of Tulare County, 14 December 1871.[378](378) Samuel died 22 July 1876 in Guerneville, Sonoma County, the result of a gunshot wound.[379](379) Samuel was about 6 years old when his mother died and the family moved to Decatur, Illinois and but 9 when his father died. After a series of adoptive parents in Decatur, as reported above, he was adopted by his brother, James, in Cass County, Missouri in 1845.[380](380) As soon as Samuel was of age, in 1847, he entered 33.25 acres (Range 22, Township 39, Section 11) in Bates County, for which he paid $41.[381](381) It was probably about this time or soon afterwards he married Prudence Brians. At least the first census in which they are found (1860 in Sonoma County, California), gives the birth place of their two oldest children, Martha, 10, and Washington, 8, as Missouri.[382](382) On 4 April 1850, they sold their property to Samuel's brother, James, for $100.[383](383) According to a biographical sketch on their son, the Honorable James Buchanan Finley, Samuel Joseph was attracted by the California gold rush of 1849. He traveled via the Panama Canal and engaged in mining for a short while. In 1851 he returned for his family and brought them across the plains via the Platte River.[384](384) They settled in Bodega, Sonoma County in 1852, where they were found in both the 1860 and 1870 census living near brother, John and his family.[385](385) There they raised their family, farmed and raised stock[386](386) until Samuel met his untimely death 22 July 1876 in the streets of Guerneville, at the hands of Hi Epperly. Local newspapers carried a number of conflicting reports. One of the two most popular beliefs was that one of Sam's sons owed money to Hi Epperly, Sam's assailant; that Epperly "threatened to have notices printed all over the county about the young man not paying his bill."[387](387) The other theory was that the two men had had hard words about a horse trade several days before the shooting.[388](388) The account of the shooting also varied from one report to another. The Sonoma Democrat printed the following: Sam Findley abused him [Epperly] with high words for spoiling the reputation of his young boy, and told him as soon as he was able he would pay him. On the evening of the killing, Epperly, while under the influence of liquor, hunted Findley all over town, and finally called him out of Rube Williams' saloon. Findley said he would be out as soon as he had finished his game of cards. Epperly then dared him to come out. He stepped out and told Epperly that he did not have anything, but he Epperly could shoot if he wanted to. Hi called out I have no pistol, and slipped up and fired the fatal shot which sent one of his fellow creatures to his grave. On demand of a citizen our brave constable, Tom Pippin, was afraid to arrest the guilty party, and only after repeated demands was prevailed upon to do so. After being shot, Findley pulled out a small pocket knife and ran after his assailant and cut him slightly in one or two places upon the breast. Another account from parties who claim to have witnessed the difficulty is that the parties had had sharp words through the day about the matter in controversy, and that Findley dared Epperly to meet him half way in the street; that Epperly advanced half way and Findley then dared him to come across, which he did, with a pistol in his hands. It is said that Findley then jumped at Epperly and attempted to knock his arm up in which was the pistol and at the same time cut him with his pocket knife; about this time the pistol fired. That Findley stood a few seconds and fell dead at his feet, shot through the heart.[389](389) James F. Oliver, Samuel's son-in-law, apparently was one of the concerned citizens who sought the arrest of Epperly and, not being satisfied with the local constabulary, sent for the County Sheriff. This clearly added more fuel to the fire, for Sheriff Joseph Wright was called upon to justify his interference in what some considered the jurisdiction of the local Guerneville law enforcement group.[390](390) In the same issue, came a response from T.U. Pippin, the Guerneville Constable.[391](391) Before the matter was over, there appeared two more articles by James F. Oliver and an editorial that was signed simply, "JUSTICE."[392](392) It is difficult to reconstruct the family of Samuel Joseph Finley. One article states, "Finley will be buried today at Pleasant Hill cemetery by the side of his wife.[393](393) He leaves a family of 7 children. Five days ago word came that the eldest son S.W. Finley had been found by the roadside in Tehama Co. with his neck broken by a fall from his horse."[394](394) In a biography of his son, James Buchanan Finley, the following is stated, "Mrs. Finley, who died in Santa Rosa, was the mother of ten children, seven of whom are living. Those besides James B., are: Alvira, who is now Mrs. C.F. Richardson, of Tucson; Samuel W., who is engaged in freighting at Naco, Ariz.; George T., who is living at Lordsburg, N.M.; Alice, who is married to Arthur Oman, of Palestine, Texas; John L., who is a mining engineer in Sonora, Mexico; and Martha, who is now the wife of James F. Oliver, of Helena, Mont."[395](395) The census records of 1860 and 1870 show the following: 1860[396](396) 1870[397](397) S.J. Findly 45 Ind. 45 Ind. Prudence 40 Mo. 40 Mo. Martha 10 Mo. Washington 8 Mo. Samuel W. 15 Calif. James (B.) 6 Calif. 13 Calif. Victoria 4 Calif. Elvira 12 Calif. Nancy V. 6 Calif. John L. 5 Nev. Thomas 3 Nev. Prudence 1 Nev. Prudence preceded Samuel in death, if the newspaper account is correct. In addition, a marriage record was found in Tulare County for S.J. Findley of Sonoma County and Mrs. Maria Wilkes, 14 December 1871.[398](398) This was during the period when Samuel's youngest sister, Elizabeth, was settling her husband's estate after his death. Samuel was named in those probate records; (see section on John4 Fin(d)ley (Edmund3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley). In the census records note that none of the birth dates are what might be expected 10 years later. In support of this obvious problem, Elvira was found living in Pima County, Arizona in 1900, the wife of Charles F. Richardson and her birth date is given there as August 1862.[399](399) Also it would appear middle names may have been used for either 1860 or 1870. Is the George T. in the biography Thomas in the census? Is the Alice in the biography Prudence in the census? Clearly, there is a lot of misinformation in these various records. Considering these problems, here is a list of probable children of Samuel Joseph and Prudence (Brians) Finley:[400](400) 136 i. Martha5 Finley, born about 1850 in Missouri. She married James F. Oliver about 1866.[401](401) The Olivers appear in various mortgage records and promissory notes between September 1874 and May 1879, including foreclosures.[402](402) On 26 March 1880, James F. Oliver of Meadows Creek, Madison County, Montana, gave power of attorney to Henry Finley, his uncle by marriage, of Sonoma County.[403](403) Known children of Martha (Finley) and James F. Oliver include:[404](404) (a) Charles F. Oliver, born about 1868 in California. (b) Mary E. Oliver, born about 1870 in Nevada. (c) John Oliver, born about 1872 in Missouri. (d) James Oliver, born about 1872 in Missouri. (e) Nellie Oliver, born about 1874 in Missouri. (f) William Oliver, born about 1876 in California. (g) Eva Oliver, born about 1878 in California. 137 ii. Washington Finley, born about 1852; died July 1876 in Tehama County, CA in a fall from a horse.[405](405) 138 iii. Samuel Washington Finley, born about 1855 in California. 139 iv. James Buchanan Finley, born 22 November 1856 in Sonoma County, California.[406](406) From 1877 until October 1882, he raised cattle and mined near Winnemucca, Nevada; then moved to Deming, Grant County, New Mexico. For several years he was a contractor and builder. Then he went to work for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Deming, as manager of the Pullman repair shop. He advanced through the company's Tucson repair division and eventually became Vice President and General Manager of Southern Pacific de Mexico. He retired 1 December 1925.[407](407) While in Tucson he married, about 1895, Clara Letts, born March 1873 in Burlington, Iowa.[408](408) In 1896 he was elected to the Democratic ticket to the nineteenth legislative assembly and in 1898 and 1900 to the territorial council. During this time his opposition is said to have been largely responsible for the defeat of the women's suffrage bill. He also helped secure passage of the poll tax law. His only known child is a daughter, Clara Eva Finley. James Buchanan died 25 October 1930 and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California.[409](409) 140 v. Victoria Finley, born about 1856 in Sonoma County, probably died before 1870. 141 vi. Elvira Finley was born August 1862 in Sonoma County, California.[410](410) She married Charles F. Richardson of Tuscon, probably before 1880. Living with them in the 1900 census in Tuscon are a daughter, Beryl, born January 1881 in California and a son, Charles F., born 1883 in New Mexico. 142 vii. Nancy V. Finley, born about 1864 in Sonoma County, California. She is not mentioned as a living sibling to James Buchanan in his 1901 biographical sketch. 143 viii. John Lee Finley, born about 1865 in Sonoma County, California. Listed in biography of brother, James, as a mining engineer in Sonora, Mexico in 1901. 144 ix. George (Thomas?) Finley, born about 1867 in Sonoma County, California. Listed in biography of brother, James, as living in Lordsburg, New Mexico in 1901. 145 x. Prudence (Alice?) Finley, born about 1869. Married Arthur Oman, listed in biography of brother, James, as living in Palestine, Texas in 1901. 37. Elizabeth4 Finley (Samuel3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 13 April 1829 in Orange County, Indiana.[411](411) She married her first cousin, John Fin(d)ley, son of Edmund and Catherine Finley, in the early 1850s.[412](412) After John's death in 1871, she remarried Franklin Hutchinson, 23 March 1873 in Tulare County.[413](413) Elizabeth died 17 March 1883 near Centerville, Fresno County, California.[414](414) The youngest member of the family, Elizabeth was only 3 when her mother died and 6 when her father died. Her succession of adoptive parents after Decatur is less clear than that of her older brothers. Whether she ever lived in Missouri cannot be documented, however, it seems likely she did. Her first appearance is in the 1850 census of Hunt County, Texas living in the home of her cousin, John Finley who had first been married to Elizabeth's oldest sister, Mahala.[415](415) John and his second wife, Sarah (Masters), then 34, had five children ranging in age from 2 to 9 years. Elizabeth was 21. Some time between 1851 and 1856, cousin John and his second wife, Sarah, reached a parting of the ways, and John married Elizabeth. In 1860, John and Elizabeth are found living in Los Angeles County, California, with two children aged 5 and 1 year; wife number 2, Sarah (Masters) Finley was living nearby.[416](416) In 1870, John and Elizabeth were found living in Tulare County, California.[417](417) John was shot and killed 7 August 1871, by Tom Woody; details are treated more extensively in the section on John Findley (#27) above. In January 1872, Elizabeth bought 160 acres) Sonoma County on Estero Americano near her brothers, John and Samuel.[418](418) In November, her brother, John, made application for the guardianship of her children[419](419) and he was appointed guardian in February 1873.[420](420) Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth married Franklin Hutchinson in Tulare County.[421](421) Less than three months later, Elizabeth and her new husband, sold their Sonoma County property to John Finley.[422](422) Brother, John, officially continued as guardian for her children through February 1891, when the last entry was made in a large probate file.[423](423) The Hutchinsons lived in Squaw Valley, Fresno County.[424](424) Elizabeth died in 1883 shortly before her 54th birthday, at the home of her daughter, Elizabeth Lashley on her ranch near Centerville in Fresno County. She was buried at the Kings River Cemetery and Centerville Cemetery in Fresno County.[425](425) Children of Elizabeth and John Findley are listed above under his entry (#27). 38. William4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 6 March 1816,[426](426) in Indiana, probably Orange County or nearby. He married Elizabeth about 1841 and they are found living next door to Jesse and Rachel in Hunt County in 1850.[427](427) They were clearly residents of Hunt County by 1846 since William was found on the Poll List for that year.[428](428) William died before 9 April 1855, when Elizabeth remarried Elias Dorris.[429](429) Known children of William and Elizabeth Finley include: 146 i. Eliza C.5 Finley, born about 1842 in Texas. 147 ii. Manna Finley, born about 1844 in Texas. 148 iii. David M. Finley, born about 1848 in Texas; married Phoebe Hodges in Hopkins County, Texas, 23 September 1875.[430](430) 39. Milton4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 6 February 1818[431](431) in Indiana, probably Orange County or nearby. He was first found on public records in Hunt County, Texas in 1846 when he appeared on the Poll List that year.[432](432) He married Orinda Davis in Hopkins County, 6 December 1847.[433](433) Milton was issued a certificate for 640 acres in the Mercer Colony on 6 May 1850.[434](434) They are listed in the 1850 census in Hunt County[435](435) and in Hopkins County, Texas in 1860.[436](436) Milton and Orinda (Davis) Finley had the following children: 149 i. Jesse5 Finley, born about 1849 in Texas. 150 ii. Philena Finley, born about 1852. 151 iii. Polly Finley, born about 1858. 152 iv. Aaron Finley, born about 1860. 40. David4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 1 September 1819[437](437) in Orange County, Indiana. He married Margaret McDaniel about 1841.[438](438) She died about 1865 of small pox and David remarried Julia Hite of Tennessee, the next year.[439](439) He died 17 October 1884 in Dunklin County.[440](440) According to one historian, David moved to Dunklin County about 1834.[441](441) Since he would have been only about 15 years old, this implies that perhaps his parents, Jesse and Rachel, found in Stoddard County in 1840, lived in that part of the County that became Dunklin County in 1845. David and Margaret were found in Dunklin County in the 1850 and 1860 census.[442](442) In 1860, David's father, Jesse, age 69, was living with them. According to one historian, Margaret and three of their four children died of smallpox about the close of the Civil War, the other child having died prior to this time.[443](443) David and Margaret (McDaniel) Finley had the following children:[444](444) 153 i. William5 Finley, born about 1842 in Missouri, died about 1865. 154 ii. Moses Finley, born about 1844 in Missouri, died about 1865. 155 iii. Jesse Finley, born about 1846 in Missouri, died February 1860. 156 iv. Eliza Finley, born about 1848 in Missouri, died about 1865. David and Julia (Hite) Finley had the following children:[445](445) 157 i. David Edwin5 Finley, born about 1868 in Missouri. 158 ii. Ellen Finley, born after June 1870 probably in Missouri. 42. Elizabeth Ellen4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 10 March 1823[446](446) in Indiana, probably Orange County or nearby. She married Merit Branom (Branum), born 18 February 1820, New Madrid County, Missouri, on 1 December 1842.[447](447) He died 24 January 1900, Cumby, Lamar County, Texas. She was a founding member of the Harmony Presbyterian Church at Mt. Zion. Elizabeth Ellen died 14 March 1904 and is buried with her husband in Cumby Cemetery, Hopkins County.[448](448) Elizabeth Ellen (Finley) and Merit Branom had the following children, all born in Hopkins County:[449](449) 159 i. Mary (Polly) Ann5 Branom, born 17 August 1843; married 18 October 1861, William Wesley Young;[450](450) died 15 July 1915, Oakland Community, Hopkins County.[451](451) 160 ii. William J. Branom, born 7 November 1844; married (1) Nancy A. Chaffin, 27 July 1865,[452](452) (2) Sarah Francis Griffith; died 8 October 1935 in Hopkins County.[453](453) 161 iii. Rachel Elizabeth Branom, born 29 October 1846; married Dr. J. E. McFarlin on 12 August 1875;[454](454) died 18 October 1900, Cumby, Hopkins County. 162 iv. Albert Branom, born 30 January 1848; married (1) Sarah M.E. Ward on 16 December 1874,[455](455) (2) Belle Kennemer Weaver; died 2 May 1938, Cumby, Hopkins County. 163 v. Joseph Harvey Branom, born 17 June 1849; married Susan Thereda Butler on 27 February 1879;[456](456) died 19 June 1929, Branom Community, Hopkins County.[457](457) 164 vi. Julia Ann Branom, born 7 November 1850; married Henry E. Smith on 15 May 1869;[458](458) died in Antlers, Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, 31 August 1940.[459](459) 165 vii. Eliza Jane Branom, born 18 March 1852; married James R. Ingram on 2 October 1887;[460](460) died 23 October 1945, Austin, Travis County, Texas.[461](461) 166 viii. Victorine Branom, born 2 January 1854; married Norman A. Gillis on 3 September 1874;[462](462) died 30 September 1910, Cumby, Hopkins County. 167 ix. Tecumpseh C. Branom, born 13 December 1856; married Mattie Welch in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma; died 22 April 1935, Cumby, Hopkins County.[463](463) 168 x. Milton Branom, born 13 December 1857; married Beulah Newell 27 April 1885;[464](464) died 16 December 1937, Cumby, Hopkins County.[465](465) 169 xi. Malona Ellen Branom, born 5 January 1860; died 13 February 1905. 170 xii. David Merit Branom, born 23 June 1862; married Mary Rue Moore on 27 January 1898;[466](466) died 11 January 1930, Commerce, Hunt County, Texas.[467](467) 171 xiii. Lucy Ardena Branom, born 29 June 1864; died 28 April 1946, Cumby, Hopkins County. 43. George W.4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born April 1825[468](468) in Indiana, probably Orange County or nearby. He married Jane (Jinny) Odell, daughter of Simon Odell, on 12 March of 1848 in Greenville, Hunt County, Texas.[469](469) He was issued a certificate for 640 acres in Mercer Colony on 6 May 1850.[470](470) In the 1850 census, they were living next door to brother, Milton.[471](471) George died intestate in October 1853 in Hunt County at the age of about 28. The petition to administer his estate is dated 10 October 1853; he left considerable property.[472](472) George and Jane (Odell) Finley had one child: 172 i. Elizabeth5 Finley, born about 1848 in Texas. 44. Edmond4 Finley, (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 27 March 1827[473](473) in Indiana or Missouri.[474](474) He received a certificate for 320 acres in Mercers Colony on 7 May 1850.[475](475) He served in the Texas 23rd Confederate Cavalry, Company I, from the later part of 1861 to April 1865.[476](476) Edmond married Mary (Polly) Ann Kerbo in Hunt County, about 1864[477](477) in Hopkins County, Texas. In 1876, they obtained a land grant of 160 acres.[478](478) Edmond and Polly had 9 children and lived out their lives in Hopkins County. Edmond died 4 November 1917[479](479) in Ruff, Hopkins County and is buried beside his wife (who died 6 January 1921), in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Hopkins County. Children of Edmond and Mary (Polly) Ann (Kerbo) include:[480](480) 173 i. Mary Ellen5 Finley, born 10 October 1864; married J.B. McDonald. 174 ii. Joseph Jefferson Finley, born 14 April 1866 in Texas; married Easter Hill; died 21 September 1917. 175 iii. Frances Elizabeth Finley, born 10 February 1869;[481](481) died 8 June 1941. 176 iv. Laura Ann Finley, born 7 August 1870;[482](482) died 11 September 1943. 177 v. Emma Ardena Finley, born 22 May 1872; died in infancy. 178 vi. Lucy Lavenia Finley, born 24 February 1874 in Texas; married Edward Sampson Sloan on 12 June 1892;[483](483) died 9 April 1947 and is buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Hopkins County. 179 vii. Nancy Ada Finley, born 10 August 1878, Hopkins County; married Chester Clyde Ross on 15 July 1911; died 14 November 1967 and is buried at Ridgeway Cemetery, Hopkins County. 180 viii. David Merrit Finley, born 30 March 1880, Ruff, Hopkins County; married Mary Lillie Stewart, daughter of Edward M. and Martha A. (Burns) Stewart, 13 October 1907; died 8 June 1932 and is buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Hopkins County. 181 ix. James Otis Finley, born 26 July 1882; married Kate Johnson on 23 June 1901 in Hopkins County;[484](484) died 1951. 45. Joseph Jefferson4 Finley (Jesse3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 5 October 1829[485](485) in Missouri, probably Wayne County. He married Nancy Southerland, 5 February 1857 in Hopkins County, Texas.[486](486) Joseph Jefferson died of throat cancer 14 June 1899 in Sonoma County, California.[487](487) Joseph Jefferson is first found in public records when he received a certificate for 320 acres in Mercers Colony near Greenville, Hunt County, 7 May 1850.[488](488) He is also shown as a member of his parents household that year.[489](489) A Jeff Finley is listed as a member of Company D, 13th Texas Cavalry, which was organized at Greenville, Hunt County in October, 1861 with J.G. Stevens, Captain, and was disbanded in 1864.[490](490) However, there is some question as to whether this is the same person, since he is found in the 1860 census living in Bodega Township, Sonoma County, California[491](491) near his cousins, John and Samuel Finley, sons of Samuel. There is little doubt that the Joseph Jefferson Finley found in Sonoma County is the son of Jesse and Rachel (Colglazure) Finley. A book in the possession of descendents of Joseph's brother, Edmond, carries the following inscription:[492](492) A. Present(ily?) By Joseph J. Finley Sonoma Co. California To his naim saik Joseph Jefferson Finley Hopkins Co Texas Oct the 19 1870 Jo Finley" On 23 April 1866, he also served as a witness at a Coroner's inquest, in Sonoma County.[493](493) A patent for 58.19 acres is recorded for him in Sonoma County, Bodega Township, on 20 May 1872.[494](494) He sold this property on 18 April 1877[495](495) and bought property from T.J. Sutherland (an in-law?) in Guerneville, the next year.[496](496) Joseph Jefferson appeared as a registered voter in Sonoma County from 1867[497](497) through 1898, having moved from Bodega to nearby Redwood Township (Guerneville) between 1875 and 1879. His physical description, obtained from the Great Register of 1898, describes him as "5'10", fair complexion, blue eyes, gray hair, right eye gone."[498](498) Children of Joseph Jefferson and Nancy (Southerland) Finley include:[499](499) 182 i. Mary E.5 Finley, born about 1859. 183 ii. Sarah J. Finley, born about 1862 probably in California. 184 iii. Emma Finley, born about 1871 probably in California. 185 iv. Ada Finley, born about 1875 probably in California. 84. Josephine4 Finley (Jefferson3, David2, John1) was born 20 January 1827,[500](500) probably in Orange County. She married James Fisher 20 January 1848,[501](501) shortly before the death of her grandfather, David. When David's estate was settled in 1851, James Fisher received $887.90 on behalf of his wife.[502](502) Josephine died 29 March 1867 at the age of forty and is buried in Trimble Cemetery.[503](503) Josephine (Finley) and James Fisher had six children:[504](504) 186 i. Miriam E.5 Fisher, born about 1849. 187 ii. Amanda Fisher, born about 1851. 188 iii. John F. Fisher, born about 1854. 189 iv. Lydia Fisher, born about 1857. 190 v. Laura Fisher 191 vi. Clara J. Fisher 85. Samuel4 Finley (Jefferson3, David2, John1) was born 10 July 1828,[505](505) in Orange County.[506](506) He married Elizabeth Elliott,[507](507) 7 December 1848,[508](508) five days before the death of his mother, Miriam (Brooks, Finley) Tegarden.[509](509) Elizabeth was born 5 March 1830 in Washington County, Indiana, daughter of Ludwell Elliott.[510](510) When the provisions of his grandfather David's will were settled in 1851, Samuel purchased for $2700, the 340 acre property David had owned.[511](511) Samuel's share of David's estate, as one of three major heirs, was $887.90.[512](512) He then deeded 1/3 of that property to Elizabeth Findley, presumably his sister, for $900.[513](513) All three transactions, Samuel's purchase, David's final settlement and the sale to Elizabeth took place on 27 August 1851. In 1889, Samuel and Elizabeth (Elliott) Finley sold the northwest quarter and part of the southwest quarter of their property to George W. Tegarden and the remaining part of the southwest quarter to their son and daughter, Charles S. and Sarah J. Finley.[514](514) According to one local historian, Samuel was a "Republican and a prominent and useful citizen."[515](515) Samuel and Elizabeth (Elliott) Finley had 10 children:[516](516) 192 i. Jefferson L.5 Finley, born 25 April 1850. 193 ii. Sarah J. Finley, born 11 February 1852. 194 iii. William J. Finley, born 18 June 1854; married Eliza J. Edwards, 12 November 1872 in Orange County.[517](517). 195 iv. Susan Finley, born 27 January 1856; married William A. Hardman, 7 March 1886, Orange County.[518](518). 196 v. Charles S. Finley, born 8 January 1858; married Mary J. Bishop, 26 December 1887[519](519); died about 1936; buried in Orleans Cemetery.. 197 x. Baby girl Finley, born 13 February 1860. 198 vi. Preston T. Finley, born 25 March 1861. 199 vii. Oliver P.M. Finley, born 24 October 1863. 200 viii. Ulysses S.G. Finley, born 9 February 1868; died 17 May 1869; buried in Finley Cemetery, Orleans. 201 ix. Reed Finley, born 14 November 1869. 86. Elizabeth F.4 Finley (Jefferson3 Finley, David2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 10 April 1830,[520](520) probably in Orange County. When her grandfather David's estate was settled in 1851, she received $887.90 and reinvested it immediately by purchasing 1/3 of his property from her brother, Samuel.[521](521) She married William R. Walker 9 December 1853.[522](522) Elizabeth died 23 March 1882 at the age of 51 and is buried at Trimble Cemetery.[523](523) Elizabeth (Finley) and William Walker had two children:[524](524) 202 i. William H.5 Walker. 203 ii. Mary Walker. 87. Thomas Milton4 Finley (Reuben Jefferson3 Finley, Thomas2 Finley, John1 Finley) was born 16 November 1808 in Hawkins County, Tennessee.[525](525) He married Lutecia Horne in Overton County, Tennessee on 25 December 1832.[526](526) He died in September 1849 shortly before his 41st birthday in Overton County.[527](527) After his father, Reuben, died in 1837, he took over the quest for property left to Reuben by his father. In a letter written to Thomas Milton by Jane (Clark) Finley, his step-grandmother, dated 20 December 1842, she refers to his having been in Abbeville. Apparently he had asked her if she wished to dispose of a part of her negroes. Her answer was, "I believe not, they are much attached to me & would be exceeding loth to part [from?] me while I live, and as that by the course of nature cannot be long I think it my duty to grattify their wishes in that respect." She signs it, "I remain yours with affection till death."[528](528) In a letter from Alexander Hunter, executor, to Thomas Milton, dated 20 September 1845, he advises Thomas that the estate of Thomas, Sr. must remain undisturbed until after the death of Jane (Clark) Finley.[529](529) Scarcely a month later, on 26 November 1845, Jane Findley wrote her own will leaving nine negroes to her sister Mary Mackey and her children; seven negroes to her grand nephew, Thomas Findley Mitchell; and cash from sale of her estate also to Thomas Mitchell.[530](530) Three days later, she died.[531](531) Alexander Hunter immediately wrote informing Thomas Milton of her death, saying, "there is no obstruction now in the way to prevent the heirs of Reubin Findley prosecuting their claims to the Estate of Thomas Findley decs'd."[532](532) If he knew of the will of Jane, he did not mention it. However, by March of 1846, Dr. Mitchell (presumable the grand nephew) had given written notice to Hunter not to disperse any funds and claiming his interest because of Jane's will. The matter was to be taken before the Abbeville Court of Equity whose next meeting was the second Monday in June.[533](533) In May 1847, Thomas Milton petitioned the court in Abbeville concerning his interest in the estate of Thomas Finley. He listed himself as eldest son and administrator of Reuben Finley, deceased.[534](534) The estate was finally sold in February 1849 and Nancy Finley, Reuben's widow, received $25 from the estate in March 1849.[535](535) In September 1849, Thomas Milton Finley died in Overton