Charles J. Finger was born December 25, 1869 to Charles Finger and Julia Connolly Finger in Willesden, England, died seventy-one years later on January 7, 1941, at his farm, Gayeta Lodge, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His life of travel was the basis for his prize-winning children's books, among them Tales from Silver Lands, a collection of South American folk tales, and Courageous Companions, the story of a boy who sailed with Magellan. In addition to children's books, Finger also authored numerous books, "Little Blue Books," articles, editorials, book reviews, and short stories. Most of his literary output was published during the last twenty-two years of his life.

Charles J. Finger came to Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1920 with his wife Nellie B. Ferguson whom he had married in Texas in 1902. They had five children. One of them, Helen Finger Leflar, helped to illustrate his books. From 1936-1938, Finger worked on Arkansas: A Guide to the State for the Works Progress Administration.

Charles J. Finger died January 7, 1941, and was buried at Gayeta Lodge.