Finley, Robert definition of Finley, Robert in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Finley, Robert (fĭn`lē), 1772–1817, American clergyman, a founder of the American Colonization Society American Colonization Society, organized Dec., 1816–Jan., 1817, at Washington, D.C., to transport free blacks from the United States and settle them in Africa.
..... Click the link for more information. , b. Princeton, N.J. In 1787 he graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton), where he later studied theology. Ordained in 1795, he served for over 20 years at Basking Ridge, N.J., both as pastor and as headmaster of a school for boys. His interest in the condition of American blacks led him to lobby for the establishment of an organization that would help freed slaves return to Africa. His goal was realized (1816) with the establishment of the American Colonization Society. At his death he was president of the Univ. of Georgia. Finley wrote Thoughts on the Colonization of Free Blacks (1816).

Bibliography

See biography by I. V. Brown (1857, repr. 1969).

Finley, Robert (1772–1817) Presbyterian clergyman, educator, organizer; born in Princeton, N.J. Ordained a Presbyterian minister, he served the parish at Basking Ridge, N.J., with great devotion and success (1795–1817). In connection with his pastoral work, he conducted a school for boys that was considered one of the best in the nation. He was also trustee of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) (1807–17). His concern for the condition of African-Americans caused him to be a prime mover in the American Colonization Society (1816) with the encouragement of Henry Clay and President Madison. He was named president of the University of Georgia (1817).