Charles Finley (politician)

Charles Finley (March 26, 1865 – March 18, 1941) was a United States Representative from Kentucky and son of Hugh Franklin Finley.[1]

Charles Finley
Louisville Courier-Journal, March 10, 1900.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 11th district
In office February 15, 1930 – March 3, 1933
Preceded by	John M. Robsion
Succeeded by	District eliminated
52nd & 54th Secretary of State of Kentucky
In office December 12, 1899 – December 29, 1899
Governor	William S. Taylor
Preceded by	John W. Headley
Succeeded by	Caleb Powers
In office January 1, 1896 – December 10, 1899
Governor	William O'Connell Bradley
Preceded by	John W. Headley
Succeeded by	John W. Headley
Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives
In office 1894-1896
Personal details
Born	March 26, 1865 Williamsburg, Kentucky
Died	March 18, 1941 (aged 75) Williamsburg, Kentucky
Resting place	Highland Cemetery
Political party	Republican
Relations	Hugh Franklin Finley (father)
Alma mater	Milligan College
Profession	Coal mine operator, banker, and publisher

Biography

Finley was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he attended the common and subscription schools.[1] Later, he attended Milligan College. He engaged in business as a coal operator, banker, and publisher.[1]

Finley was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives 1894-1896 and a delegate to the Republican state convention in 1895.[1] He served as Secretary of State of Kentucky from 1896 to 1900.[1]

On January 30, 1900, Democrat William Goebel was shot while the results of the previous year's election for Governor of Kentucky was still being contested; Goebel was declared the winner, and died shortly afterwards.[2] Finley was one of several Republicans suspected of involvement; they were indicted, and arrest warrants were issued.[2] Along with several others, Finley fled to Indiana to escape prosecution.[2] The Republican governor there refused to honor extradition requests, and they continued to reside in Indiana while the case was litigated.[2]

In 1909, Kentucky Governor Augustus E. Willson extended clemency to Finley and other suspects; they never faced trial, and then returned to Kentucky.[2]

Finley was chairman of the Republican executive committee of the Eleventh Kentucky Congressional District from 1912 to 1928.[1] He was elected as a Republican to the Seventy-first Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John M. Robsion and was reelected to the Seventy-second Congress and served from February 15, 1930 to March 3, 1933.[1] He was not a candidate for renomination in 1932.[1]

After leaving Congress, he retired from business activities before dying in Williamsburg, Kentucky in 1941.[3] He was buried in Highland Cemetery, Williamsburg, Kentucky.[1]

References

1. "Congressional Biography, Charles Finley". sfn error: no target: CITEREF"Congressional_Biography,_Charles_Finley" (help)
2. "Gov. Willson Boldly Issues Sweeping Pardons".
3. "Goebel Slaying Suspect".

Sources

Internet

• United States Congress. "Charles Finley (id: F000130)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Newspapers

• "Gov. Willson Boldly Issues Sweeping Pardons Before Trial of Alleged Assassins of Gov. Goebel". The Courier-Journal. Louisville, KY. April 24, 1909. p. 1.
• "Goebel Slaying Suspect, Charles Finley, Dies". The Courier-Journal. Louisville, KY. March 20, 1941. p. 15.