Jesse Johnson Finley was born on 18 November 1812 in Wilson City, Tennessee.

He served in the Second Seminole War, and was a lawyer, judge and politician.

In the Civil War Finley enlisted as a private in the 6th Florida Infantry in March 1862. He was commissioned Colonel in April 1862 during the Kentucky campaign and served in that capacity at Chickamaugua. He was promoted to Brigadier General in November 1863 and commanded Finley's Brigade of Beckinridge's Division at Missionary Ridge and in the Atlanta Campaign. General Finley was wounded at Resaca and Jonesboro. He also served as president of courts-martial.

Jesse Johnson Finley died 6 November 1904 in Lake City, Florida.

Source: American Civil War Home Page