John Finley

DAR#A040850

• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: May 24 2016, 6:57:36 UTC

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"Pioneer, surveyor, who came to Kentucky in 1773. Discovered Upper Blue (Salt) Licks, surveyed land to Kentucky River near present-day Frankfort. Commissioned Major in 1773 for notable service in the Revolutionary War. Judge Advocate of NW Territory in 1792. Came to Kentucky with his family in 1796 from Pennsylvania. Farmed a 1000 acre land grant. Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1800 - 1804.
Major Finley was the first white man to explore Kentucky. He returned to the Yadkinville, NC area after his first exploration, and spent two years convincing Daniel Boone to return with him to further explore Kentucky. Major Finley led the expedition with Daniel Boone, and a few others, and together they explored Kentucky, fighting Indians and braving other dangers.
Major Finley married Hannah Duncan, and together they reared eight children.
Inscription
While this Major John Finley was an early explorer and Kentucky settler, there are no records to support that he is the same John Finley that explored with Daniel Boone. Two authors and historians of Daniel Boone have indicated to me that , while this man led a remarkable life, the Daniel Boone association is not accurate. (Major John Finley is my 5x great-grandfather).
Gravesite Details
Battle Run Cemetery is # 0181 in Fleming County, Kentucky. It is just off Ky Highway 57 in an area of the Upper Blue Licks area, and may be at Hill Top, somewhere on the property where Major Finley's home was located. KY Historical Marker # 789"
[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85290996/john-finley]