FINCHER, F. M.--Was born in Union Dist., S.C., Nov. 20, 1801. He removed with his father's family to Middle Tennessee when only a youth. He professed religion about the year 1825, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He became an active promoter of prayer-meetings in the town of Fayetteville and vicinity. He was one the three persons who pledged themselves to keep the prayer-meeting regularly at Fayetteville, and which resulted, after three years' continuance, in one of those great revivals with which that community was favored. He was promoted to the eldership, and served very successfully for several years. He had impressions to enter the ministry soon after his conversion, but, like many others, shrunk from the great responsibility for a time.

In 1834, on examination he joined Elk Presbytery. After his licensure, he removed to Madison county, Mississippi, Jan., 1836, where he placed himself under the care of Mississippi Presbytery. He was ordained in 1838, and in 1840, he removed to Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he resided until his death, May 7, 1860, of pneumonia.

He was truly a man of God. His religion was always the governing principle of his mind. His Bible was emphatically the man of his counsel, his endeavor was to conform his life to its teachings. He was a peace-maker. He was remarkably hospitable, and was blessed with a spirit of large benevolence. He was a cheerful giver, whether in money or personal effort. He had a good report of them that are without, and Christians of all denominations loved and respected him.

He married, February 1, 1831, Miss Susan Whitaker, daughter of Joseph Whitaker, near Mulberry, Lincoln county, Tenn.
[Source: The Presbyterian Historical Almanac and Annual Remembrancer of the Church, by Joseph M. Wilson , vol. 3-4, 1861-1862, page 235]