Quick Facts
Biography
John Morton-Finney, (June 25, 1889 – January 28, 1998) was a civil rights activist, lawyer and educator. He was born in Kentucky. He served in World War I as a Buffalo Soldier (an elite group of black soldiers). He earned his law degree in 1911 and practiced law until he was 106, a period of nearly 85 years. Finney was believed to be the longest practicing attorney in the United States, taking the record from Rush Limbaugh I (1891-1996) who practiced law for 75 years.
Finney was so highly regarded that he even attended a dinner held in his honor by President George H. W. Bush.
Finney studied throughout his lifetime, completing his final degree course at the age of 75. In all he obtained 11 degrees, including five in law and others in mathematics, history and sociology.
Finney was also Head Principal of Crispus Attucks High School, located in Indiana.