David Wesley Finney facts for kids
David Wesley Finney was an important American politician. He was born on August 22, 1839, and passed away on November 1, 1916. From 1881 to 1885, he served as the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. This means he was the second-highest leader in the state government.
Early Life and War Service
David Finney grew up on a farm in Annapolis, Indiana. When he was older, he joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served from 1862 to 1865. In 1863, soldiers from the Confederate Army captured him. He was held for two months in a prison called Libby Prison. Later, he was released as part of a prisoner exchange and went back to fight with the Union Army. In 1864, he was part of General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops. They marched through the southern states in what was known as Sherman's March to the Sea.
Life in Kansas and Politics
After the war, in 1866, Finney moved to Neosho Falls, Kansas. There, he started several businesses. He worked in grocery and hardware stores. He also bought and sold livestock.
David Finney joined the Republican Party. He became a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state. From 1872 to 1880, he served in the Kansas Senate. In the Senate, he led a special group that worked to improve the education system. He also worked as a Justice of Peace in his hometown. A Justice of Peace helps with local legal matters.
Lieutenant Governor of Kansas
In 1880, David Finney was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. He was re-elected in 1882. He served two terms, from January 10, 1881, to January 12, 1885. As Lieutenant Governor, he worked as the assistant to the Governor. During his first term, he worked with Governor John St. John. In his second term, he worked with Governor George Washington Glick.
Finney was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was a group for Union Army veterans who fought in the Civil War. He held the rank of Quartermaster in this group.
David Finney married Helen H. McConnell in 1869. They had two children together. David Finney passed away on November 1, 1916, in Emporia, Kansas.
