"John-Morton-Finney" {June 25,1889-January }

He was a Buffalo soldier who fought in World War 1,earned 11 degrees,and practiced law right up until he was 106.John was believed to be the longest practicing attorney in the United States,practiced law for 75 years.-- He earned a degree from Butler University when he was 75.

He was born in Uniontown Kentucky.He was the son of a slavery survivor whose ancestors migrated from Ethiopia to Nigeria.He grew up in a family of seven children where poetry readings and political debates were evening activities.His mama died when he was 14 so his daddy sent the children to live on their granddaddy's farm in Missouri.

After the war,he earned degrees in math,French,and history.At Lincoln College,he heard a new French teacher,Pauline Ray,with a degree from Cornell University.John signed into her class and won her heart.They were married and moved to Indianapolis in 1922.He taught junior high math and social studies at Indianapolis Public Schools #27 and #17 where he also serve as principal.In 1927,he was  hired as one of the first teachers at all-African-American Crispus Attucks High School (CAHS).

He serve as head of the foreign language department-teaching Greek,Latin,German,Spanish and French.Students also learned life skills such as how to set goals,plan their futures,and take responsibility for their actions.They learned that racism is an unacceptable excuse for failure and developed a deep respect for their history and culture.According to his daughter,Gloria,he invited presidents from African American colleges to speak to the students.He made it possible for Crispus Attucks students to obtain scholarships to attend college.Students had a view of going someplace beyond CAHS.

During WW II,he was cited for directing the rationing tickets program for African American in Indianapolis.Various merchadaise such as meats,sugar,butter,gas,and rubber were strictly rationed.Many items were especially scare but rationing guaranteed that everyone equal amounts of raw materials.

John's love for learning remained constant.While at CAHS,he earned master's degrees in French and education from Indiana Uiversity.In 1935,he he earned his first law degree and four more after that.During his life,he read three of four books at a time.Twenty books would be stacked beside his bed with five sharpened pencils and the TV turned to the news.Durning an interview with Wallace Terry on 100 birthday John said "I can get interested in so many things.There is so much to know in this world.He credited his granddaddy with giving him advice that served him well.He believed that moderation in all matters is the key to a long life.He practiced law until he was 106 and he died on January 28,1998 at the age of 108.John received a full honor military memorial service and was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.