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Finley Letters

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Letter from Mary E. Bayard to James B. Finley

Mary E. Bayard
September 25, 1830; Pittsburgh

Mary tells Finley that the Radicals have brought difficulties and trials, but they are having "good times in spite of them." Her older brother is extremely ill. She asks Finley to pray for him. He is not a Christian and was never baptized. Mary fears that he will die "unprepared." Abstract Number - 99
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to John C. Brooke

Thomas A. Morris
October 18, 1830; Columbus

Morris writes to Finley's son-in-law John C. Brooke. He is sorry that he missed seeing John in Lebanon when he traveled there to pick up his possessions. The appointment to the Columbus station (Town Street M.E.C.) was a surprise. The church building is still not complete. Morris describes the congregation in detail. He also reminisces about his appointment to the Lebanon Circuit. Abstract Number - 1019
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
October 21, 1830; Columbus

Morris has recently been appointed to the Columbus station (Town Street M.E.C.) and writes of conditions he finds there. He is quite satisfied with his new surroundings and finds conditions better than he had expected. There are six classes, 60 men and 140 women, for a total of 200. There is much sickness in Columbus, mostly ague. Morris writes of a church being built by the Presbyterians at a cost of $7,000, being funded by the sale of pews. He believes that the poor, not being able to afford pews, will find their way to his congregation. Morris plans to be engaged with the "inner work of the temple." He is "zealous" in the doctrine of itinerancy, believing that moving preachers from appointment to appointment is in everyone's best interest. Abstract Number - 1020
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
October 22, 1830; Brook County, VA

Young [recently transferred to Pittsburgh Conference, appointed to West Liberty Circuit, Monongahela District] writes to ask for Finley's help. He is very nearly blind, has $1.31 to his name, and the land on Short Creek formerly owned by his father-in-law is in very bad condition. One cannot make a living on it, and it is worth very little. Unless his eyes miraculously recover, he will have to quit the itinerancy and live in poverty. He asks Finley to contact Emory and Waugh (Book Concern) and Bishops McKendree, Roberts, and Soule on his behalf. The Concern is holding two notes which Young handed over to secure the claim that the Book Concern holds against him. He hopes Finley will use his influence to get the notes returned to him so that he can buy property in Ohio. Abstract Number - 654
Letter from Thomas Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas Morris
November 03, 1830; Bethel, Ohio

This letter is from Thomas Morris (1776-1844), Ohio politician, serving as a lawyer in 1830. Morris' letter concerns the estate of the late Mr. Evans. Evans wished to leave his property to his three sons but he died without a will. The children appear to be squabbling about the proceeds of the estate. Morris has gone to court over the issue. The case has been forwarded to the Ohio Supreme Court. Morris tells Finley that he does not need to come, but he does need to advise as to the wishes of Mr. Strain and his wife. Do they wish to relinquish their right to their father's real estate or do they wish to fight for a portion? Abstract Number - 97
Letter from William Prescott to James B. Finley

William Prescott
November 16, 1830; Gilmanton, NH

Dr. William Prescott has become acquainted with Finley by reading his articles in Methodist Magazine and Christian Advocate. Prescott received his M.D. degree at Dartmouth College in August, 1815 and has practiced medicine in New Hampshire for 15 years. He is not happy about the cold snowy weather in New Hampshire and is considering a move to the west, possibly Ohio. He asks Finley's advice about locations, job prospects, land prices, etc. He needs to live in a place that has a very good Methodist society. Prescott has a very fine collection of minerals, stuffed specimens, and rare manuscripts. He wants to bring the collection with him. [Note: Prescott's collection was purchased by Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859. The collection was known as the Prescott Cabinet of Biology.] Abstract Number - 539
Letter from Wesley Browning to James B. Finley

Wesley Browning
November 22, 1830; Pittsburgh

Browning tells Finley that Brother Coston has returned and there are plans in the works to buy a lot in the city of Pittsburgh and build a new church for $4,000. In the meantime an upper room has been fitted up for services. Conditions in the church are encouraging. Browning misses friends and colleagues in Cincinnati. The letter is written to introduce Brother Moreledge. Browning asks Finley to introduce Moreledge to some of his "English Brethren." Browning has no new information to share about the "Rads" (Radicals). Abstract Number - 100
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
December 16, 1830; Lebanon

McLean expresses hope that Rev. William Burke will one day be reinstated in the Methodist Episcopal Church. [Note: Rev. Burke was expelled from the Ohio Conference in 1820. In 1836, the General Conference recommended reinstatement]. McLean discusses the health of the church in Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 1003
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
December 20, 1830; Zanesville

Young [superannuated at September 1830 Ohio Annual Conference] complains to Finley about his "negative kind of life" since his status change to superannuated. He describes himself as an old useless imbecile who has a quivering hand, a head that has betrayed him, and a memory that "plays truant." Young spends most of the letter critiquing the "famous constitution" of the "Methodist Protestant Church," which contains 17 articles divided into 60 sections and a "high toned Declaration." It is far more complicated than the Constitution of the United States. Young asks Finley how he is getting on in Cincinnati among a "quadruple supply of priests," particularly with regard to the Radicals. Abstract Number - 893
Letter from George S. Houston to James B. Finley

George S. Houston
December 27, 1830; Dayton

Houston writes to share a story about the attempts of Rev. Collins (William H.) to take over the pulpit and meeting house in Dayton. Collins is evidently one of the Methodist Protestant "radicals" recently returned from the first Methodist Protestant Conference in Baltimore. He has chosen to locate in Dayton to form new circuits. Houston claims that Collins is attempting to "pull the oldside Methodists to pieces." He reminds Finley of James Quinn's admonition "Let us unite to battle back." Abstract Number - 518
Letter from "T" to James B. Finley

'T'
January 01, 1831; Cincinnati

"T" has written a poem in response to Finley's words at a recent meeting. Abstract Number - 121
Letter from Ruth Ross to James B. Finley

Ruth Ross
January 03, 1831; Monroe (Warren County)

Ruth Ross writes to express her joy about the salvation of her son. Prior to his leaving home to learn a trade, Ruth took him to a camp meeting, where "the Lord powerfully convicted him". She hopes that this will help him to fight the temptations and worldliness that he will surely encounter as he leaves her. Ruth would appreciate any instructional help Finley might give to him about "the wages of Righteousness and Truth." She hopes to see Mrs. Finley soon. Abstract Number - 104
Letter from Stephen G. Roszel to James B. Finley

Stephen G. Roszel
January 05, 1831; Baltimore, MD

Rev. Roszel (Baltimore Conference) was a visitor at the last session of the Philadelphia Conference, where he learned the intention of the eastern preachers to bring forward the old Presiding Elder Question at the 1832 General Conference. It is our duty as Old Side Methodists, says Roszel, to fight this plan. He wants Finley to make sure Old Side Methodists are elected as delegates from the Ohio Conference to the 1832 General Conference, and to use his influence to discourage this movement. [Presiding Elder Question of 1828 -- unpassed resolution that each annual conference would elect its own presiding elders, who as a group would assist the bishop in appointing preachers to circuits and stations.] Abstract Number - 1210
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
January 14, 1831; Columbus

Morris writes to Finley about his attempts to deal with sin both inside and outside of his Columbus pulpit. He frequently gives the people a "pulpit malling." He doesn't sugar coat difficult things. He has gotten himself into several "scrapes" regarding sinful behavior. On the occasion of a Christmas Eve dancing party, he "let off a full charged Kentucky broadside" from the pulpit. He is determined to let loose on gambling houses, whiskey shops, and other forms of "Devilism." Abstract Number - 1021
Letter from Sarah Clopper to James B. Finley

Sarah Clopper
January 22, 1831; Nashville

Mrs. Clopper writes to thank Finley for preaching the funeral sermon for her daughter Ellen. She asks for details about Ellen's death. Abstract Number - 103
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
January 23, 1831; Washington City

McLean reports that Mr. Neff has joined the church in Cincinnati. Former attorney general, William Wirt, has recently lost a daughter (Agnes C. Wirt), and is in a great deal of pain. McLean is very empathetic, having recently lost his own son Willy. McLean tells of division and uncertainty in the political world. Many people have suggested that he run for president or other office. He will only do so if he believes he can make a difference. Abstract Number - 1004
Letter from Mary E. Bayard to James B. Finley

Mary E. Bayard
February 02, 1831; Pittsburgh

Mary writes a friendly letter asking Rev. Finley's prayers "in public and private", for herself, husband, and parents. She informs Finley of the poor health of her mother who in the past has been "a violent opposer of the religion of Jesus" but now is "seeking the salvation of her soul in earnest." Abstract Number - 105
Letter from James Erwin to James B. Finley

James Erwin
February 05, 1831; Franklin

Erwin responds to Finley's letter concerning the whereabouts of Dr. Early. It seems that Early was at the Conference but left with a certain Dr. Taylor the day the Conference broke up. It has been rumored that he went to Mississippi but no one is certain. Where is he? Erwin had thought Early a pious and zealous man and was sorry to learn otherwise. Abstract Number - 106
Letter from Sarah Clopper to James B. Finley

Sarah Clopper
February 14, 1831; Nashville

Mrs. Clopper is very thankful for the letter from Finley explaining the details of her daughter Ellen's death. She tells Finley that Ellen was one of five out of her seven children who have died. She requests that her daughter be left in the vault so that she may see her when she visits Cincinnati. She inquires about the possibility of boarding in a private family when she comes to Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 107
Letter from Otway Curry to James B. Finley

Otway Curry
February 14, 1831; Marysville, OH

Otway Curry (poet and future member of the Ohio House of Representatives) writes concerning a sermon Finley preached at a camp meeting three years earlier. The sermon dealt with Finley's opposition to the doctrine of the Arians alias Newlights. Curry is anxious to have the crux of the argument explained again and asks for a sketch of the sermon. Abstract Number - 108
Letter from William B. Christie to James B. Finley

William B. Christie
February 17, 1831; Lebanon

Christie asks Finley if he can borrow $15.00 as soon as possible. The third quarterly meeting (Lebanon Circuit) is to be held in April. He hopes to see Finley there. Abstract Number - 109
Letter from Methodist Magazine to James B. Finley

Methodist Magazine
February 23, 1831;

This letter from a reader of an article in the Methodist Magazine is a very polite but forceful criticism of the article, which contains the phrase "the old bluestocking Calvinists." The writer protests that it is better to return "good for evil rather than evil for evil" and urges Methodists not to use such epithets. The preferred term should be "old Calvinists." Abstract Number - 540
Letter from Herbert Baird to James B. Finley

Herbert Baird
March 03, 1831; Royalton

Baird asks Rev. Finley's help in securing a place for his eldest son with a saddler in Cincinnati. He also talks about religion and expresses his great desire to become a preacher. He mentions the progress of church work in Circleville. Abstract Number - 110
Letter from John Lewis to James B. Finley

John Lewis
March 07, 1831; Upper Sandusky

John Lewis, (mission blacksmith), writes a lengthy letter to Finley sharing news of the Wyandot Mission. He talks about Brother Walker and his family. He says that the chiefs and missionaries are all in good spirits, and that religion is still flourishing among the Wyandots. The school is well managed and has 30 scholars. He gives updates on D. Hodges & Brother Thompson. Abstract Number - 111
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
March 11, 1831; Peder circuit, SC

Jacky expresses the importance of his correspondence with Finley. He would rather write to Finley than any other minister because they share both "blood and gospel." Jacky appreciates the advice he gets from Finley because of his years of experience in the itinerancy. Jacky reports that he visited his Uncle James Bradley in Macklinburg and found him in fairly good health, though palsied. Evidently, Jacky has been involved in settling his father's estate. [Father was John McKnitt Bradley, 1772-1827]. Jacky has been transferred to the South Carolina Conference. Abstract Number - 112