Civil engineer, probate judge, Director of the Alabama State Highway Department. Born– October 24, 1866, Tuscaloosa. Parents– Adoniram Judson and Narcissa (Durrett) Finnell. Married– Margaret Hagler, October 21, 1890. Children– Eight. Education–Tuscaloosa Military Academy;  University of Alabama, B.C.E., 1887. Employed as an axeman by the Kansas City Railroad, 1887; rose to chief engineer for Mobile and Ohio  Railroad; opened a construction engineering office in Tuscaloosa, 1894; probate judge, Tuscaloosa County; director of Alabama State Highway Department, 1927; served with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Served as commanding officer of the 501st Engineers in France during World War I; achieved the rank of colonel; awarded the French Legion of Honor and a Special Citation for Exceptionally Meritorious Service from Gen. John Pershing. A Founder of the American Legion. Organized the first Masonic club in France; charter member of Kiwanis Club in Tuscaloosa. Charter member of the American Society of Military Engineers; member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.  The Woolsey Finnell Bridge over the Black Warrior River at Tuscaloosa, opened in 1961, is named in his honor. Received the Gold Award of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Masons’ highest honor. Died January 29, 1955.

Source:

Marquis Who’s Who online

Publication(s):

Reverend Daniel Brown of Culpeper County, Virginia, and Allied Families. Tuscaloosa, Ala.; s.n., 1954.