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Finley Letters

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Letter from Moses Crume to James B. Finley

Moses Crume
November 17, 1825; Jacksonburgh

Crume has received the promise of free tuition at Oxford College (Miami University, Oxford, Ohio) for one young Indian. Finley is to send the most likely candidate and instructions as to his guardianship. Abstract Number - 736
Letter from H. Welch to James B. Finley

H. Welch
November 23, 1825; Eden Township, Seneca County

Welch writes to Finley at the Wyandot Mission concerning a disagreement between the widow of John Van Meter [white man abducted by Indians as a child] and Mr. Parish. According to Welch, the widow [Susan Brandt] has not received an equal division of corn raised on her farm this season. During Van Meter's lifetime, a contract was signed whereby Mr. Parish would give 1/2 of all the corn raised for 4 years. This season, Mr. Parish raised 600-700 bushels of corn but has given the widow only 20 bushels. She would like Finley to see that she gets justice in this matter. Abstract Number - 51
Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

Nathaniel McLean
November 25, 1825; Columbus

McLean provides an itemized receipt of items purchased by Finley from the Ohio Penitentiary for use at the Wyandot Mission. Abstract Number - 730
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
December 03, 1825; Worthington

Johnston has just attended the Canal Board meeting in Columbus. He is in Worthington to see his namesake (Indian boy named John Johnston) who is enrolled in Bishop Chase's seminary, along with three Mohawk Indian boys. Johnston again stresses the importance of placing the Indian students with exemplary white families for acculturation. A sub-agency position for John Shaw is being considered. Johnston believes that Shaw's earlier removal from the Wyandot Mission was "severe " and "unwarranted." He ends his letter with a discussion of the Betty Wright case. Abstract Number - 53
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
December 05, 1825; Columbus

Johnston discusses the Betty Wright case. [A white man has claimed that Betty owes him money for work done on the Reserve, which is backed up by white authorities. When payment is not forthcoming, the man trespasses and takes some cows to cover the debt.] In this letter, Johnston writes that he has assigned this case and future cases dealing with Wyandot rights and property to a lawyer named Parish. Johnston asks Finley or Isaac Walker to provide all details of the case to the lawyer. The overarching issue concerns whether the Wyandots are subject to Ohio civil authorities. Johnston has instructed Mr. Parish to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary. Abstract Number - 52
Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley

John F. Wright
December 05, 1825; Chillicothe

John F. Wright, appointed to Chillicothe, writes to let Finley know that the congregation will be able to house one Wyandot boy for six or eight months as requested. Abstract Number - 738
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
December 06, 1825; Cincinnati

Ruter has just returned from the Tennessee Conference and reports that 4,000 members have been added in the conference and 22 new preachers received on trial. Bishop Roberts and Bishop Soule were both present. Herewith, Bishop Roberts sends $125 to Finley. Ruter owes Finley $82, which he can send by draft on the New York or Philadelphia banks. He asks Finley to let him know which bank. Abstract Number - 1013
Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

John Davenport
December 07, 1825; Columbus

Davenport sent the listed goods (clothing and other articles) to Rev. David Young. He suspects that Finley has probably received them by now. He settled up with Brother Young for $400. "Whenever I can serve you, please command my services." Abstract Number - 643
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
December 11, 1825; Detroit

Simmons is serving as Presiding Elder for the Detroit District and appointed to the Detroit city congregation. He describes the success of a recent quarterly meeting which included a love feast where "Holy Fire" traveled from heart to heart, resulting in six conversions. He longs for the day when Detroit "shall be as famous for righteousness as it has ever been for wickedness." Simmons invites Finley and some of the "red brethren" to attend a camp meeting to be held there next spring, believing that it could be the means of salvation for many souls. Abstract Number - 598
Letter from James B. Finley to L.W. Cass

James B. Finley
December 15, 1825; Upper Sandusky

Finley writes to Gov. Cass concerning the progress of the Wyandots at Upper Sandusky. The gist of the letter has to do with the acculturation of the Wyandots into white society, some of it related to intermarriage etc. Finley praises their cooperation with both the missionaries and the government and argues that removal would be a great injustice. Abstract Number - 731
Letter from Russel Bigelow to James B. Finley

Russel Bigelow
December 17, 1825; Wilmington

Bigelow has asked preachers in his district to procure homes for seven Indian boys, as requested. He asks Finley to send the boys to Hillsborough at Christmas as he believes he will find places for all of them by then. Abstract Number - 740
Letter from John Collins & John Reeves to James B. Finley

John Collins and John Reeves
December 19, 1825; Lebanon

Collins writes that Finley's letter was delayed in reaching him, so he was not able to procure requested places for the Indian boys. He reports that there are seven Indian boys in his district. Brother Waddle has requested that the district supply clothing and other needed items to the boys. Collins has recently seen Finley's father, who appears to be in good health. The latter preached one of his best sermons at a quarterly meeting two weeks ago. Abstract Number - 741
Letter from W.H. Raper to James B. Finley

W.H. Raper
December 27, 1825; Cincinnati

The young Wyandot boy, Francis, ("Francis Asbury") has arrived at Raper's home. A decision has been made to send the boy for English tutoring with Dr. Jonson prior to enrolling him in public school. Otherwise the disparity between he and the white boys will be too great. Raper has agreed to house the boy for the time being. He reflects that Francis must find it strange to be in an environment where he cannot speak Wyandot. The boy has been attending Methodist Episcopal services and class meetings, which he seems to enjoy. Abstract Number - 733
Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

John Davenport
December 29, 1825; Columbus

There is a bill before the Legislature to organize Crawford County. Davenport wishes to know Finley's views on the matter. If Finley wishes to have it organized, Davenport wants his opinion on the location of the "seat of justice." Should it be established now or shall a temporary seat be established? In either case, where? Davenport asks whether the goods recently sent to him met his expectation. Abstract Number - 644
Letter from Thomas Jackson to James B. Finley

Thomas Jackson
December 30, 1825; Philadelphia

Thomas Jackson, corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, requests a detailed report of work at the Wyandot Mission, presumably for the annual report. He needs the report by March of 1826, and would like some of the "red brethren" to write a few lines. Abstract Number - 734
Letter from Russel Bigelow to James B. Finley

Russel Bigelow
January 05, 1826; Hillsborough

Bigelow tells of placing Indian boys in homes. Brother Wright has received George into his own family in Chillicothe. Brother Delay has a place for two boys in Deer Creek Circuit. Brother Brandriff says one or two boys can be sent to him at Jefferson (Pickaway). Two boys can be placed with White Brown. Bigelow tells Finley that the boys can be sent at any time and he will "distribute them." He has been told that Finley will be sending John Hicks to Darby, near Columbus. Abstract Number - 55
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
January 08, 1826; Zanesville

Young begins his letter "My afflicted brother." His "heart and eyes are full" after reading about Finley's poor health. He advises Finley to take a course of mercury within 15 minutes of receiving his letter. Abstract Number - 881
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
January 10, 1826; Upper Piqua

Johnston discusses the Betty Wright case and hopes it can be settled soon. He also discusses the John Shaw situation. Johnston will do what he can to have Shaw sent as sub-agent any other place than Upper Sandusky, knowing how Finley feels about him. Johnston talks about Indian removal at length, telling Finley that the Indians must all move west sooner or later. "The Wyandots can form no exception to the rule. They may remain longer than the others, but they must go too." Johnston continues to believe that removal west is in the best interest of the Indians. Abstract Number - 742
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
January 12, 1826; Detroit

Simmons tells Finley about the Detroit Quarterly Meeting held in December, and of plans for one to be held in February at Monroe, to which Finley is urgently requested to attend. A camp meeting is being planned for late May or early June, to which Finley is also invited. Two Indians are in jail for a murder committed last Saturday. On the same day, three Indians were killed in a drunken brawl. Abstract Number - 599
Letter from Moses Crume to James B. Finley

Moses Crume
January 18, 1826; Jacksonburgh

Because his wife is ill, Crume thinks it wise for Finley not to send the Indian student until she is ready to resume housekeeping. Perhaps the student can board with another family. Finley is to decide. Abstract Number - 743
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
January 19, 1826; Cincinnati

Ruter encloses a draft for $50, as Finley requested. He is also forwarding a number of magazines for Finley. The minutes from New York (unidentified meeting) have arrived. Once printed, Ruter will mail a copy to Finley. Francis Hicks (Wyandot boy studying in Cincinnati) is doing well. Abstract Number - 1014
Letter from Ann Chubb to James B. Finley

Ann Chubb
January 20, 1826; Philadelphia

Ann Chubb reports that Finley's letter was read at the Female Missionary Society annual meeting, during which time the women fancied they were witnessing the Indians at worship. She hopes the wilderness will soon be ringing with God's praises and that Finley will not be discouraged in his work. The Society has sent a box of items for the mission -- blankets, leggings, hymn books, buttons, knitting needles, thimbles,etc. She asks Finley to "tender our love to our Indian friends." Abstract Number - 744
Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

Nathaniel McLean
January 26, 1826; Columbus

McLean has just learned that Finley has been "severely afflicted" and expects to die. He counsels Finley to put himself in the hands of God. McLean expects to continue another year as keeper of the Ohio Penitentiary in Columbus. Abstract Number - 56
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
January 26, 1826; Zanesville

Young is very concerned about the health of his friend Finley. He has asked his own personal doctor, Dr. Rhodes, to provide medical advice in the letter, which he does. The doctor advises Finley to avoid tight clothing, avoid heat & cold, continue using calomel, and eat a diet of dry vegetables. After Dr. Rhodes' "prescription", Young adds his own. He advises Finley to do no temporal business, to forget about the Mission temporarily, to have no company, to wait several months before going into a congregation, to cast all cares and afflictions upon God, and to spend a great deal of time praying and believing. Abstract Number - 882
Letter from Thomas Madden to James B. Finley

Thomas Madden
January 27, 1826; Thames Circuit, Ontario, Canada

Rev. Thomas Madden (1796-1834) is serving as the Presiding Elder of the Niagara District in Canada, as well as superintendent of Indian schools in the district. A new Indian mission will be opening soon in his district, and Madden would like Finley to come and bring any other preachers or friends he thinks proper to a camp meeting in May. He reports that another mission under his purview, the Grand River mission, is prospering. Abstract Number - 758