After their father suffered financial setbacks, Findlay moved to the Northwest Territory in 1793 with his wife Jane Irwin (1769–1851).

There, in partnership with John Smith, he soon became a leading merchant and influential in the young city of Cincinnati.

As such, he was the region's most visible federal official and a central figure in the business and politics of Cincinnati.

[1][2] Findlay participated in the Ohio state militia, attaining the rank of brigadier general.

In the War of 1812, Findlay was commissioned as a colonel in the United States Army, and commanded the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Findlay was elected in 1824 to represent Ohio's 1st congressional district in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Congresses.