Found him on the 1850 Lincoln County, North Carolina census (img 28) age 13.
Found him on the 1870 Newton, Catawba, North Carolina census (img 3) age 36, professor in college.
Found him on the 1880 Newton, Catawba, North Caolina census (dist 47 img 6) as
S. M. Finger age 41, merchant.
"...enlisted in Co. I, 11th Regiment; promoted to Captain and Major in quartermaster's department; was associated with Dr. Clapp in Catawba College for several years after the war; elected to the House of Representatives from Catawba County in 1874, and '81; elected State Superintendent of
Public Instruction in 1884, filling this important office with effiency two terms...They had no children" - The Finger Family of Lincoln County, N. C., pg 6 - A. Nixon, 1903
"...Most of his life was spent in educational work which continued during the period of his service as Senator and as a State officer superintending the public education system of the State. His training and experience as a teacher prepared him well for this last position in which he served with credit and ability.
He was a good man and a life-long member of the German Reformed church." - Annals of Lincoln County, page 271
Newton, Dec. 26--Maj. S. M. Finger died this morning at 7 o'clock and the burial service will be held tomorrow at the German Reformed church, of which he was a faithful, consistent and valuable member.
He had been ill for only a few days, but last evening about 6 o'clock suddenly took much worse, from which time the worst was feared by friends and the attending physician. He never rallied during the night.
Maj. Finger was a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, a consistent Christian, and educated gentleman and a valuable citizen. His death has cast a gloom over this town, where he will be greatly missed. - Charlotte Observer December 27, 1896