July 4th Reflections: Honoring Maj. John Finley, Revolutionary War Patriot and Kentucky Pioneer
This Independence Day, I’m remembering one of my wife's direct ancestors whose life intersected with the birth of our nation — Major John Finley (1748–1837), a Revolutionary War soldier, explorer, and early Kentucky settler.
This tribute was inspired by the “My Revolutionary War Ancestors” series shared by Randy Seaver on Genea-Musings, which encourages family historians to reflect on patriot ancestors who contributed to American independence.
John was born on July 7, 1748, in Shippensburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. By the time of the American Revolution, he had become a Captain in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, serving under Colonel Stewart. In 1778, he received direct orders from General George Washington to escort supply wagons to Yorktown—a vital assignment supporting the Continental Army’s southern campaign. He was later promoted to Major by brevet and, in 1819, was awarded a pension for his service (File #S31025).
After the war, John Finley helped open the American frontier. In 1773, he joined the Thompson Expedition, a Pennsylvania land survey party sent to claim and explore territory in Kentucky. There, he helped clear and settle land at the Upper Blue Licks, a strategic salt spring in what is now Fleming County, Kentucky. Although Virginia disputed the land claims, Finley’s persistence eventually secured his title to the property.
He went on to serve as a state legislator, road overseer, and tavern keeper in Kentucky. His long legal fight over land rights reached the U.S. Supreme Court, where he ultimately prevailed. He died on April 10, 1837, at the age of 88, and is buried in Battle Run Cemetery in Fleming County.
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| Envelope cover of Maj. John Finley's Pension Files |
Maj. John Finley’s Revolutionary War service is recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution under Ancestor #A040850. His pension file can be viewed through the National Archives here: John Finley Pension File (S31025).
This Fourth of July, I honor Maj. John Finley — not just for his military service, but for his pioneering spirit, civic engagement, and enduring legacy in the Kentucky wilderness.
Happy Independence Day!
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| Photo by: Martha Fritz from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85290996/john-finley accessed: 6.26.2025. Grave location: Battle Run Cemetery, Fleming County, Kentucky, USA. |
The following summary of Major John Finley’s Revolutionary War service was generated by AI (Grok), drawing on a transcript of his pension records.
Captain John Finley's Revolutionary War Service
Early Military Involvement (1775–1776)
- Served as a lieutenant in the Virginia Militia at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
- Commissioned in 1776 as an officer in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment under Colonel Daniel Brodhead, a Continental Army unit formed for frontier and western defense.
Middle States Campaign (1777)
- Transferred with the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for major campaigns in the Middle Colonies.
- Participated in General George Washington’s campaign at the Battle of Brandywine (September 11, 1777).
- Likely present at the Battle of Germantown (October 4, 1777), in which Pennsylvania troops played a key role.
- Wintered at Valley Forge (1777–1778), where the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment was stationed and trained under Baron von Steuben.
Reassignments and Western Service (1778–1783)
- In early 1778, the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment was consolidated into the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment under Colonel Walter Stewart. Finley retained his rank as Captain.
- Transferred later in 1778 to the Western Department, headquartered at Fort Pitt (now Pittsburgh), where he served under General Lachlan McIntosh.
- Participated in the Fort Laurens Campaign (Winter 1778–1779), the only Revolutionary War fort built in present-day Ohio.
- Served at Fort Pitt and in frontier defense actions throughout the Ohio Valley, helping maintain American presence and protect settlements during ongoing conflict with British-allied Native American forces.
- Continued active duty through the end of the war, resigning his commission in 1783 after the peace treaty was signed.
Key References:
- DAR Ancestor Record for Maj. John Finley (#A040850)
- U.S. Revolutionary War Pension File: S31025
- R. S. Cotterill, “John Finley, Pioneer of Fleming County,” Register of the Kentucky State Historical Society, Vol. 42, No. 139 (April 1944), pp. 91–98
- Founders Online: Letter from George Washington to John Finley, 4 June 1778
- Find A Grave Memorial for Maj. John Finley
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