The Finley family was recognized by members of the Niles city council Monday night during a meeting.

Niles Mayor Nick Shelton presented them with an award, after The Niles History Center recently determined the Finleys might be the oldest family to live continuously in Niles.

The family first settled in Niles in the late 1840s and has since made history in a number of ways, including the work of Finley relative Charlotte “Lottie” Wilson, who was born in Niles in 1854 and became nationally known for her artwork. Wilson was recently inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame. Additionally, members of the Finley family helped to run the Underground Railroad, became leaders in the school district and a number of other honorable roles that bettered the Niles community.

In their honor, Shelton made a proclamation that established Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, as the inaugural Finley Family Day.

(Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)