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Finley Letters

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Letter from Russel Bigelow to James B. Finley

Russel Bigelow
November 20, 1827; Mission House

Bigelow tells Finley that the school is growing and now has 31 Wyandot scholars. The school house is being worked on. Bigelow discusses the potential sale of cattle, oxen and horses. Abstract Number - 768
Letter from E. Foreman to James B. Finley

E. Foreman
December 04, 1827; Baltimore

Foreman writes on behalf of the Baltimore Juvenile Wesleyan Missionary Society. They are sending a box of clothing for the Indians of the Mission. Abstract number - 769
Letter from Female Superintendent to James B. Finley

Female Superintendent
December 05, 1827; Fells Point, Baltimore

The Superintendent hopes Finley will excuse the liberty she has taken in writing to him. She desires to give him some information concerning the progress of the Society. They started with about 200 members and while some have left, many more have been added. At this time, there are about 300 members. She thanks the Lord that they remembered the "children of the forest." They now have 12 girls who are managers and 8 out of that number have progressed to know the forgiving mercy of the Lord, and also several of the boys. She tells how cheerfully the young people contribute their "mite" for the work of the Mission. She had written to Brother Gilruth concerning clothing for the children at the Mission. He replied that plain material would be best. It would be gratifying for the children to know about those little boys in the school -- their age and size and progress. Her charges would like to send them some books and other things they might need. She said they named a little girl in this Society but are not sure whether Finley received the information. Abstract Number - 836
Letter from James Gilruth to James B. Finley

James Gilruth
December 12, 1827; Wyandot Mission

Gilruth reports on work that is going on at the farm. He tells Finley -- "Pay no attention to those fools who may oppose the fetching of sheep to the Mission." Gilruth reports that Mrs. Bayard visited from Philadelphia and gave $50 to support the work of the mission. Margaret Kean also visited the Mission and stayed on to serve as "superintendent of the little girls," which she did without pay. Abstract Number - 790
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
January 01, 1828; Zanesville

Young [Presiding Elder, Lancaster District] is pleased to hear that Finley [Presiding Elder, Lebanon District] is recovering from his sickness. Some time ago, Bishop McKendree authorized Young to perform Finley's duties on the Lebanon District if it became necessary. Young tells Finley that he will definitely attend 3 of the requested quarterly meetings in his absence, and possibly the 4th. It will depend on his health as well. Abstract Number - 887
Letter from William McLean to James B. Finley

William McLean
January 07, 1828; Washington City

U.S. Rep. William McLean encloses a report, drawn up by himself, in relation to the removal of the Indians. [Note: Report not found in collection]. Abstract Number - 770
Letter from George S. Houston to James B. Finley

George S. Houston
January 23, 1828; Dayton

Houston is displeased with the plans for the new meeting house in Dayton. He had presented a plan modeled after the John Street Methodist Church in New York City, with two doors in the front and two aisles leading to a central pulpit. Brother Raper opposed the plan and swayed the opinions of others towards the old plan -- one door in the front. Houston sees no hope unless Finley comes and talks to those opposing the new plan. Abstract Number - 67
Letter from Alexander St. Clair Hunter to James B. Finley

Alexander St. Clair Hunter
March 02, 1828; Urbana

Hunter was charged by circuit rider Burroughs Westlake (Mad River Circuit) with falsehood, a charge that he adamantly denies. Following his conviction, he decided that he would appeal the decision. He asks Presiding Elder James B. Finley (Lebanon District) for his help. Abstract Number - 64
Letter from Samuel P. Shaw to James B. Finley

Samuel P. Shaw
March 10, 1828; London

Samuel Shaw is currently serving the London Circuit in the Lebanon District. Finley is the Presiding Elder of the district and also superintendent of the Wyandot Mission. Shaw writes to provide a report on the status of the circuit, which is generally healthy. The new society has been favorably received by a majority of the populace. He speaks about 300 subscribers, indicating that half of the money collected must go to the Missionary Society. The London brethren are working on a meeting house which they plan to have completed by next quarterly meeting. This is the building to which Finley should come for that meeting. Abstract Number - 837
Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley

John F. Wright
March 13, 1828; Cincinnati

Wright, appointed to Cincinnati, discusses a possible meeting of the Book Committee in April for the purpose of writing a progress report on the Book Concern. He has sent Finley a copy of "Defense of the Fathers" [Defense of our Fathers, by Bishop Emory] as well as a sermon. Wright tells Finley that he has attained a reputation as a "firm old side man." He has tried to be "mild but strict" in dealing with members of his congregations. He believes that the best mode of transport to General Conference [Pittsburgh, May 1, 1828] will be steamboat rather than stagecoach. Abstract Number - 565
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
March 23, 1828; Zanesville

Young writes that he is having a difficult time finding material for the Ohio Conference Missionary Report. The report will be short unless other members of the Conference can fill in the gaps. Young hopes that he and Finley can travel together to the 1828 General Conference and proposes travel plans. Abstract Number - 888
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
March 29, 1828;

Finley (now Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District) has ordered a large quantity of books from the Book Concern for preachers to sell on their circuits. Ruter informs Finley that they do not sell Sunday School books to ordinary purchasers on credit at the reduced prices recently listed in Youth's Guardian. The reduction happens only when books are purchased in cash, or in huge quantities. He has therefore debited Finley's account without any reduced prices. Abstract Number - 1015
Letter from Alfred M. Lorrain to James B. Finley

Alfred M. Lorrain
April 11, 1828; Urbana

Committee Report on Charges Against Burroughs Westlake -- A meeting to examine charges of immorality brought by Alexander St. Clair Hunter against Burroughs Westlake. During the meeting Hunter withdrew the charges. Abstract Number - NOAB15
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
July 30, 1828; Jeromeville

Young asks Finley to use his influence with Honorable John McLean, Esq. to get Jacob Detreck reappointed to the office of Postmaster in Lancaster, Ohio. Abstract Number - 649
Letter from C.L. Cass to James B. Finley

C.L. Cass
August 05, 1828; Upper Sandusky

Cass appears to invite Finley to come to Upper Sandusky this fall or next. Abstract Number - 771
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
August 16, 1828; Washington City

Judge McLean sends two papers that have caused him great distress. McLean expresses an earnest desire to return to the peaceful days of Jefferson, Madison and Monroe administrations. Abstract Number - 1001
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
August 18, 1828; Louisville

Rev. Morris Is currently appointed to the Louisville Circuit of the Kentucky Conference. He writes to Finley requesting a transfer to the Ohio Conference. He would like to be placed in the western half of the Conference, preferably in a city, because his wife has pulmonary issues. However, he will accept whatever appointment he is given. Abstract Number - 1017
Letter from Mary E. Bayard to James B. Finley

Mary E. Bayard
September 07, 1828; Bayard's Town (Pittsburgh)

Mary Bayard tells of the spiritual deadness of Pittsburgh. The Conference has appointed two excellent men for this place -- William Lambdin and a young man named Flake. Mary mentions that Bishop George "has gone to reap the reward of his labors." She tells Finley that she "hungers and thirsts after righteousness" and "craves not riches, honour or long life, but I want to be sanctified through soul, body, and spirit." It is her hope that radicalism might "sink into eternal oblivion." Abstract Number - 49
Letter from J. Emory & B. Waugh to James B. Finley

J. Emory and B. Waugh
October 21, 1828; New York

John Emory and Beverly Waugh [book agents appointed to the Methodist Book Concern,1828-1832] send an invoice to Finley for $29.77. This account for subscriptions to the 1824 and 1825 Methodist Magazine is still open and needs to be closed. If someone else is responsible for payment, Emory and Waugh ask Finley to let them know. Abstract Number - 566
Letter from A. McGuire to James B. Finley

A. McGuire
January 08, 1829;

Local Preacher, Rev. Adjet McGuire (1778-1857), writes to Finley, Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District, to withdraw his membership from the Methodist Episcopal Church. He wants to live in peace with all men, but finds there is no peace to be enjoyed in the Methodist Episcopal Church by anyone who dares to have an opinion of his own. [Note: McGuire was an itinerant in the Western Conference, locating in 1808 due to physical impairment. At the time of the withdrawal McGuire was serving as a Local Preacher, filling in on various circuits. Following this letter to Finley, he united with the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church.] Abstract Number - 65
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
January 08, 1829; Augusta, KY

Ruter (now president of Augusta College in Kentucky) asks Finley to write to the father of young Keever, a student, persuading him to allow his son to remain in school. He also discusses a local preacher in the area who is attempting to convert faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church to Radicalism. Ruter argues that this reform movement is largely driven by local preachers. Abstract Number - 1016
Letter from John B. Bayard to James B. Finley

John B. Bayard
January 13, 1829; Bayard's Town (Pittsburgh)

Bayard tells Rev. Finley how glad Mrs. Bayard was to receive his letter. The author thinks that the Church is in better condition now and there is not as much "ado about reform" as in past years. Abstract Number - 66
Letter from William L. Fisher to James B. Finley

William L. Fisher
February 01, 1829; Springfield

Fisher answers Finley's request for the names of members who have withdrawn from the Springfield M.E.C. to join the reformers/radicals. Twenty two members are listed. Abstract Number - 68
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
March 05, 1829; Zanesville

David Young [Presiding Elder of Lancaster District] writes to his colleague James B. Finley [Lebanon District] about the effects of Radicalism in his district. After listing the number of members from big circuits that have defected to the breakaway denomination, he informs Finley that even though 33 Radicals withdrew from the Zanesville congregation, another 90 members have joined the M.E. congregation. Young includes copies of his correspondence with the Radical Cornelius Springer concerning his withdrawal from the MEC and unwillingness to serve his circuit moving forward. Young agrees to take Springer's letter to the next Ohio Annual Conference for consideration. Yes, Young has seen the Radical Association articles. They are well reviewed in The Itinerant. It would be a good idea for Finley to have copies of the latter available for viewing in divided societies. Abstract Number - 890
Letter from Ruth Ross to James B. Finley

Ruth Ross
March 30, 1829; Monroe (Warren County)

Ruth Ross, a widow, writes to Finley concerning her family. Her 15 year old son Thomas, a studious boy, has recently died. She is grateful that Thomas found God prior to his death, and certain that he will experience the joys of eternal life. Three children are left, two daughters and one son. The oldest daughter (Anna?) was married to A. (Asa?) Woodmansee in 1828. Ruth tells Finley about the emotional conversion experiences of Anna, Mary, and Anna's husband. She is filled with rejoicing that God has acted in their lives. [See 1850 Census Ann Woodmanser/Ruth Jones, & Ohio, County Marriage Records, 1774-1993, wedding of Asa Woodmansee & Ann Ross]. Abstract Number - 69