Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1931-02-12

court of common pleas of Morgan
county, and perhaps the county's
best known citizen, passed away
here at his home Wednesday after
noon about 4 O'Clock. Death was
not unexpected
For about a week he had taken
no nourishment; since Saturday not
even water had passed his lips, and
for about five days before his death
he had not moved muscle-not
even his eyelids, but his heart
which had been unusually strong
held out, and his breathing was reg
ular. His death ended many months
of suffering.
On May IT,, 1929, while presiding
at jury trial, he was stricken with
what was pronounced kidney trou-
ble Failing to respond to treat
ment, he was taken to Grant hos
pital, Columbus, and July Is un-
derwent an operation for the re-
moval of one Of his kidneys. The
operation disclosed a tumor Of the
kidney, and Fas6 vnat~ his trouble
was malignant However he i'm
proved, and in time was able to
look after his court work, and for
some months seemed to be gaining.
but last fall he began to fail, and
from that time on he had declined.
Born In Deerfield Township
Harry Marshall Finley son of the
late George w. and Nancy Jane
Donehoo Finley, was born in Deer
field township, Morgan county, Ohio,
Sept. 20, 1869. He attended the
Deerfeld township schools and Nc
Connelsville high school, fitting him
self for teaching, and taught in the
country schools from 1887 to 1890.
inclusive. During the summer of
1888 he attended the Central Nor
NAL College of Danville, Ind. In the
year 1890 he entered the Ohio State
University, from which institution
he graduated in the year 1894. He
was among the first residents of the
county to graduate from that uni
versity. In the year of his gradua-
tion from the university he was
elected principal of the high school
at Ashland, Ky. He held this po-
sition for three years, when he was
chosen principal of McConnelsville
high school, continuing in that po-
sition until the early part of 1901,
when he resigned. Although teach
ing was not altogether to his liking,
he was splendid teacher. While
teaching here he began to study
law with the law firm of Barry 6
Weber. In June. 1901, he was ad-
mitted to the bar. Later that year
when the law firm of Barry & Web
er dissolved, he formed partner
ship with Mr. Barry. This associa
ton lasted until 1906.
In the year 1908 he was nom
mated for representative to the gen.
eral assembly, and was elected to
that office, being the first and only
Democrat elected to that office
since the year 1856. He was re-
elected. While in the legislature
he was recognized as one of it's
ablest leaders, and was given a
number of important committee as
signments.
Elected Judge In 1924
For IL years he was cashier of
the Malta National bank. In this
capacity he was most efficient, and
his advice and counsel on matters
pertaining to banking were freely
sought. After retiring from the
bank. he engaged in the insurance
business and the practice of law.
For time he was associated with
the late Atty T. e. Mckinney,
While not trial lawyer in the
sense Of the word. he was wise
counselor and enjoyed fine prac-
tice. In 1924 he was urged to be-
come a candidate for common pleas
Judge, but this he declined to do.
Later he consented to permit his
name to be placed on the official ball
lot by petition. At the election he
was successful. being elected for a
six year term. He took his OFFICE Feb.