Born at Tyes Ferry, Kentucky, Finley attended the common schools.

He engaged in agricultural pursuits, and studied law, gaining admission to the bar in 1859 and commencing practice in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

He was appointed in 1876 by President Grant as United States Attorney for Kentucky, and served until 1877.

He died in Williamsburg, Kentucky at the age of 73, and according to the United States Congress biography, he was interred in Woodlawn Cemetery, yet he was actually buried in Finley Cemetery in Williamsburg, Whitley County, Kentucky.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress