This Samuel Finley has been the subject of much discussion in my family, i.e., whether he was related to our Findleys or to one of the other Findley/Finley families described by Paul Heinegg at http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/Fagan_George.htm who migrated from VA in the early- to mid-1800’s to: IN (2 counties), TN, KY, OH (3 or more counties), MI, AL, MS (3 counties), and other points. Samuel Finley may have been a brother or in some way related to our GGF, Peter L. Findley (1841 VA – 1902 OH), who was the son of George Findley and Martha Rickman, of Patrick/Grayson Cos., VA. All, with the exception of George who then resided in MS, resided in Paulding Co.,OH in 1880. Peter’s sister, Catherine Ross, and their mother Martha Suthards, were also nearby pursuant to the census. There did appear to be a familial relationship with Samuel pursuant to a young person’s recollection of his being addressed as “Uncle Sam”. Whether “Uncle” was appropriate or a term of respect given to an elder has not been clarified. If you have any info that could help, we’d be very appreciative and would, of course, reciprocate.
Thanks.
Theresa Thomas