[1] Finley was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he attended the common and subscription schools.

[1] Finley was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives 1894-1896 and a delegate to the Republican state convention in 1895.

[2] Finley was one of several Republicans suspected of involvement; they were indicted, and arrest warrants were issued.

[2] The Republican governor there refused to honor extradition requests, and they continued to reside in Indiana while the case was litigated.

[2] Finley was chairman of the Republican executive committee of the Eleventh Kentucky Congressional District from 1912 to 1928.