The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1906-12-14

BUSY CAREER OF w. w. FINLEY
SOUTHERN NEW PRESIDENT.
Atlanta Journal.
From stenographcr, thirty-three
years ago, to the presidency of one of
the great railway systems in America,
if not in the world, with salary of
$780, per year-such is the interest
ing career of William Wilson Finley,
who has been selected to succeed the
late Samuel Spencer as president of
the Southrn railway.
When the new president begins his
duties he will know every detail of the
immense work that he is expected to
carry out. He will not only be able
to execute, but he can devise new
plans for the great system, for he has
worked his way up, through every
department, from the humblest rail-
road clerkship to the new office in
which he will control the affairs Of
the Southern system.
He is fifty-three years old; in the
very prime of his experience; for Of
the SO years, 33 have been spent in
the most active railroad service. Not
only has he served in the various cap
acitics Of many systems, but he has
been also identified with a number Of
railroad associations and which con-
stituted them.
A Southern Man.
II will be southern man who will
take charge of southern railway.
The officials Of other roads have al
ready acknowledged his capabilities
and every remark concerning his pro-
motion has been the most compliment
tary. Local officials of the Southern
railway as well as the road s direc-
tors have all expressed their pleasure
over his selection.
"Mr. Finley will be able to operate
the Southern railway on systematic
basis,' is the concensus of the state
ments that have been made. The fact
that he is q native Of the south, has
spent most of his time with railroads
in this section and has studied south
ern conditions, is one of the strong
est recommendations given him.'
His long service in the traffic and
operating departments has, so his
friends say, insured him against any
failure in his new office.
Mr.. Finley is native of Missis-
sippi, having been born in the little
town of Pass Christian in that state,
September 2, 1853. lie received a
grammer and high school education,
and entered the office Of the vice
president Of the New Orleans, Jack
son and Great Northern railroad as n
stenographcr on May 1, 1873.
He served three years as a steno-
grapher. Until March l, 1888, he was
connected with the New Orleans,
Jackson and Great Northern and the
Chicago, st. Louis and New Or
leans roads. He rose from a steno-
grapher to sccrtaryship to the re-
ceiver. lie held this position for
nine months. He was then appointed
secretary to the agent for the trustees
of the road.
One year later he was appointed a
clerk in the general freight depart
mcnt Of the Chicago, st. Louis and
New Orleans road. He acted in this
capacity for four years. He was then
made assistant general freight agent
which position he held for three years
Promotions Were Rapid.
Leaving the Chicago, st. Louis ant
New Orleans March l, 1888, he wa:
appointed assistant general frcigh
agent of the Texas and Pacific divi
sion Of the Missouri Pacific. lie re
maincd in this capacity for two year
and aftcrward was appointed assist
3 ant general freight agent for the re