Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County Pennsylvania, Volumes I-II, New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1912

Eli Finley, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Booth) Shallenberger, was born near Connellsville, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1843. He was reared in the home of James and Dudley Collins, educated in the public schools of Dunbar township and spent his early life on the farm. He learned the carpenter's trade in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, at which he worked until October 2, 1861, when he enlisted, being then eighteen years of age. He was a private of Company C, Eighty-fifth Regiment, Volunteer Infantry. He suffered every hardship that can befall a soldier except death; except when wounded or a prisoner, he fought in all the battles of his regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Newberne, North Carolina, December 9, 1862; at Fort Wagner, South Carolina, August 4, 1863; at Morris Island, South Carolina, September 2, 1863; captured near Savannah and held a prisoner of war from February 22 to December 7, 1864, in different prisons, including Andersonville. But he survived all his misfortunes and was honorably discharged at Pittsburgh, Pa., March 5, 1865, badly broken in health. He returned to his home in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, and completed his years of apprenticeship with Aubrey, Cromlow & Coon. From 1870 to 1882 he was engaged in contracting and building in his native county, and erected many of the best residences in Brownsville and Bridgeport, including the Bridgeport public school building and the Brownsville opera house. He was appointed in 1882 storekeeper and gauger in the United States internal revenue service and served four years. In 1886 he returned to his contracting business, continuing until 1898, when he was reinstated to his former position in the internal revenue service of the government, a position he yet holds. His home since 1866 has been in South Brownsville, where he is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Union Veteran Legion and the Royal Arcanum.

He married, January 11, 1866, Hannah Jane Booth, born in South Brownsville, January 30, 1844, daughter of William and Sarah (Garwood) Booth. Children of Eli Finley and Hannah J. (Booth) Shallenberger: 1. Kate S., born October 14, 1866; married, February 24, 1892, Renard Bulger; children: Lawrence D., born August 21, 1894, and Kenneth S., August 30, 1896. 2. Mary B., born May 31, 1868; married, July 27, 1898, Nathaniel Craft; child: William S., born May 7, 1899. 3. Nora E., born June 21, 1870; resides at home. 4. Welham Lee, born July 27, 1873; married Pearl Lynn; children: Frederick Lee, born October 30, 1903, and George W., February 22, 1907. 5. Sarah A., born November 26, 1875; resides at home. 6. Walter Longwell, born March 26, 1877; a carpenter and joiner; married Jessie Dillon; child: Nora K., born March 22, 1907. 7. Frank G., born February 4, 1879, died October 15, 1896. 8. Louis B., born December 15, 1880; a carpenter and joiner. 9. Fannie, born September 2, 1881. 10. Annie, twin of Fannie, both died October 3, 1884.