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Finley, Thomas letter, March 31, 1849, Baltimore, Maryland, to Lyman Draper.
Draper Manuscripts [Calendars and documentary series] (Samford, N.C.: NYT
Microfilming Corp. of America, 1981; 5C30.
Baltimore Mar 31, 1849
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 29th . . .
John Finley the early explorer of Kentucky was no relation of our family, nor have we any relation of the same name in the county except the descendants of my father, who left 6 sons who grew up to the maturity of manhood. John who commanded a regiment of Pennsylvania. A volunteer at the defence of Balt., and in 1814, was for many years register of Deeds at Franklin co., and afterward represented that District in Congress. William who was Governor of the State, and U.S. Senator, James who settled in Cincinatti in 1792 or 93, was a Major General of Militia and for many years receiver of Public money for that Land District and a Representative in Congress. Jonathan Smith who emigrated to Missouri about 1818, was a member of the Convention that formed the Constitution of the State, and afterward Register of the Land Office in Lexington. Nathan C. who settled in Zanesville, Ohio, and represented Muskingum co. in the State Legislature, and the writer of this, who is the only survivor. I have long been under the impression that John Finley the early Pioneer of Kentucky was from NC, but if he was from Cumberland Co., I would refer you to Geo. A. Lyon whose father was Prothonotory of the Co. Gen. Samuel Finley removed from Cumberland Co. to Chillicothe some 50 years since. He was a relation of Rev. Mr. Finley, President of Princeton College. This was a numerous family all around in 6 or 8 states, including Judge Blythe, collector of Phil., Sam. F. McCracken of New Lancaster, Ohio. These are intelligent gentlemen from whom you may find useful information on your point of enquiry.
Thos. Finley
These 6 are the sons of Samuel Finley who d. 1804 Petersburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., and Samuel
is said to be the son of James Finley and Eliz. Patterson, but apparently not.
Samuel Finlay, storekeeper & farmer, Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Pa. d. 1804
Jane Smith
John 31 Mar 1766 - 5 Nov 1838 Chambersburg, Register of Deeds Franklin co.
William, 20 Jun 1768, Gov. of Pa., Senator=Nancy Irwin, dau Jane (Shunk)
Gen. James, 12 Oct. 1770 - 28 Dec 1835, Cincinatti, Land Office
Jonathan Smith
Thomas, postmaster of Baltimore
Nathan
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