BIOGRAPHIES:  Alfred B. FINLEY, Dallas Township, Barron County, WI

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:  
Vic Gulickson <vic@indy.net>  6 February 2001	
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Alfred B. Finley, educator and farmer, second county superintendent of Barron
County schools, ninth county superintendent of Dunn County schools, was born
in Pennsylvania, July 30, 1846, the son of Francis and Margaret Finley, who
brought him to Green County, this state, in 1853, and to Rusk Prairie, Dunn
County, this state, in 1863. In 1867 he purchased 100 acres in Section 32, and
80 acres in Section 31, Dallas Township, this county, and built a log cabin on
it, being the first settler in the southwestern part of the township. To this
place he devoted his spare time, and gradually built up a good place. In the
meantime he was devoting most of his time to educational work. He taught his
first term in the fall of 1865 and was thereafter connected with the schools
of this part of the state for nearly forty years. In this capacity he met with
greatest success and his work left an impress on the educational system of
this region and on the characters of the children, that will remain for many
generations. A man of superior attainments, and broad reading, he thoroughly
understood child nature, he knew the needs and circumstances of the children
of pioneers who were struggling to establish their homes in the wilderness,
and he was possessed of an enthusiasm and idealism which inspired the children
to their best work. In 1872-73 he was at the head of the Barron County
schools, and in 1882-83 and '84 at the head of the Dunn County schools. The
log house built on his land was also used as the first schoolhouse of this
district. The building is still standing on the home farm and is now 52 years
old. For many years he was a justice of the peace in Dallas Township. After a
useful life, worthily spent in the interests of humanity, he died April 28,
1918. He had the respect and confidence of all his fellow citizens. He was a
man of high principles and staunch character, and his influence was ever for
the good. His good wife, Laura Shepard, a native of Wisconsin, is living on
the homestead, with their only son, Chester G.

--Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., &
Co., 1922, pg. 861.