Wayne County Press
May, 1927

James Jeduthen Finley was born in Morgan County, Ohio, January 21, 1847 and departed this life May 11, 1927 at his home on Route One, Fairfield, Illinois, aged 80 years, 3 months, 21 days.

When fifteen years old he came with his parents in the customary covered wagon of the pioneers to Wayne county, Illinois, and virtually became a part of the neighborhood in which he spent his life.

He was married to Sarah Frances Owen in 1868. To this union were born 4 sons and 4 daughters all of which survive him except Joe H., who died in 1902 at the age of 26 years.

He leaves behind his aged and devoted companion, his children, Calvin C. of Wichita, Kansas; Miss Della D., at home, Charles S of Fairfield, Route 6; Mrs. Mary Brown, of Grenola, Kansas; Mrs. Maud Taylor of Fairfield, Route 6; Mrs. Olive Redd of Fairfield, Route 1, and Roy J, of Route 1, Fairfield, and 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, also two half-brothers, F. D. McKitrick, Chicago and Geo. M. McKitrick, Madison, Wisconsin; two half-sisters Mrs. W. E. Chambers and Mrs. J. C. Lyons of Wayne county, and a large number of relatives and friends.

Fifty-four years ago, Mr. Finley professed faith in Christ, after becoming a man of a family, under the pastorage of the Rev. Sabin. At that time he became an active member of Mt. Olivet M. E. church and faithfully gave his loyal support even after the infirmities of age had crept upon him. He served Methodism in about all the capacities of a layman, district steward, conference delegate, parsonage trustee, church trustee, steward, etc. In his private life he was a man of prayer and devotion. He had a strong sense of duty to God, to his family and to his citizenship. Brother "Dute's" jovial greeting will be missed by many. His passing is of a faithful servant going triumphantly to his reward.

The funeral of Mr. Finley was conducted by Rev. Corrie, assisted by Rev. Sanders, former pastor at the Mt. Olivet M. E. church. Interment in the Bovee Cemetery.