Sgt. FINLEY BEHYMER was born in Clermont County, Ohio, March 11, 1829. His opportunities for an education were limited to the district school. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade, near Cincinnati, after which he served as foreman for his employer. In 1852 he came to Indianapolis, where he worked a year on the Bates House, the Blind Asylum and the Capitol. He then returned to Cincinnati, and January 5, I854, was married to Mrs. Susan Leach Ashcraft. In 1857 he removed to Shelbyville, Ill. He has there carried on the business of a contractor and builder until the present time, except his three years' absence in the army. In August, 1862, he assisted in recruiting Company B, and was elected first corporal, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant February 1, 1864. He was with his company in all his campaigns, except when on detached service. He claims the honor of serving as a commissioned officer in the battle of Wauhatchie, October 29, 1863, and of commanding the regiment a part of a day at Shell Mound, on New Year's day 1864, by order of the colonel, while all the officers were celebrating a short distance away. He was appointed color sergeant June 2, 1864, and was highly commended for gallant conduct in the discharge of his duty, especially in the battle of Nashville. On muster out of the regiment, he returned to Shelbyville, and still remains one of its most respected citizens.

Source: History of 115th Reg ILL Vol. Infantry
By: Isaac Henry Clay Royse
2nd Lt. Co. E
Published 1900 Windsor & Kenfield Pub. Co. Chicago
Library # 973.7473R892
Terre Haute, IN. July 1900