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Finley Letters

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Letter from Mary E. Bayard to James B. Finley

Mary E. Bayard
March 23, 1831; Pittsburgh

Mary writes a letter introducing the bearer, Sister Wallace, a " very respectable and wealthy member." Mary would like Finley to introduce her to some of his "good Cincinnati Methodists." The Radicals have tried in vain to convert her. Abstract Number - 113
Letter from Wesley Browning to James B. Finley

Wesley Browning
March 23, 1831; Pittsburgh

Browning tells Finley -- "The M.E. Church is beginning to rise like the towering eagle, that soars in her majestick flight above the smoak and clouds and dust that fill the atmosphere below. My soul longs to see her rise in this place and although it sometimes appears like rowing against wind and tide, I am far from giving up my hope we shall see her rise in this place also." The new Meeting House is not quite finished, but the writer thinks, with a struggle, it will be. He mentions Finley's lawsuits. Abstract Number - 114
Letter from William Oliver to James B. Finley

William Oliver
April 08, 1831; Darke County

William Oliver (member of Greenville Society) writes to his old friend Finley about the joys of eternal life, using sailing imagery. He reports that the Greenville Circuit is prospering. Abstract Number - 115
Letter from John P. Finley Jr. to James B. Finley

John P. Finley Jr.
April 14, 1831; Piqua

John Jr. says Mr. Phillips has broken his word and fired him. John would like James to find him a job in Cincinnati, perhaps in a store. John's mother has had an offer from someone to buy the house. She would like James' opinion about it. John is sorry to hear that his Aunt is ill but hopes that the country living will restore her health. Abstract Number - 963
Letter from William Walker to James B. Finley

William Walker
April 22, 1831; Upper Sandusky

Walker describes the death of Daniel Hodges. The deceased found religion three to four weeks prior to his death. Brother Thompson preached the funeral sermon. Walker is deeply engaged in lawsuits with John Carey (Brother Isaac's executor) and J.Chaffee (guardian of Isaiah, Brother Isaac's son and heir). Walker next provides a detailed description of the conviction and execution of Black Chief's son. While intoxicated, the young man murdered John Barnett's brother. The murderer was arrested, tried, and sentenced to execution. Gray Eyes and Little Chief were appointed chaplains. Three Christians and three pagans were selected as executioners. Walker expects that the Wyandots will remove west of the Mississippi because of ill-treatment by the present administration. Abstract Number - 1032
Letter from Wesley Browning to James B. Finley

Wesley Browning
April 26, 1831; Pittsburgh

Browning reports on the "ejectment case" of the Methodist Church of Pittsburgh. (Right of Property -- Who owns the building -- MEC or MP?). The case of the Methodist Church of Pittsburgh v. Remington et al. was heard by the Circuit Court, which found in favor of the MEC members. The case has been appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and should be settled in September. He tells of the progress on the new church building and hopes to be able to complete it. Abstract Number - 116
Letter from Thomas F. Sargent to James B. Finley

Thomas F. Sargent
May 12, 1831; Philadelphia

Rev. Sargent is a supernumerary preacher in the Philadelphia Conference, appointed to Philadelphia's Union MEC. He has recently received letters from both Finley and Spencer. He lets Finley know that he is still not certain when and if he will be able to transfer to Ohio. He reports that the latest Philadelphia Annual Conference was successful, having voted to concur with the other annual conferences in the recommended action of the 1828 General Conference, changing the process for amending the Restrictive Rules of the MEC Constitution [changing the proviso at the close of Article VI]. Sargent believes that the two pamphlets he wrote on the subject prior to the Philadelphia Annual Conference convinced members to change their minds in favor of concurrence. Abstract Number - 117
Letter from J. Waterman to James B. Finley

J. Waterman
May 20, 1831; Wheeling, WV

Rev. John Waterman writes to Finley concerning the illness and pending death of his sister, Caroline. He has been sitting by her bedside. The grief and sorrow is the greatest he has ever felt. [Caroline Waterman (Lloyd?) died on May 27, 1831. According to Ancestry, Caroline married James F.L. Lloyd in 1829]. Abstract Number - 527
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
May 25, 1831; Columbus

Morris asks Finley to be present at the camp meeting near Columbus (Worthington Rd) on September 2nd, and to bring as many preachers along as he can. Abstract Number - 1022
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
June 13, 1831; Zanesville

Young [superannuated] asks Finley's permission to "meddle" regarding the new church building in Cincinnati [Wesley Chapel]. He advises Finley to build a "good Gothic building," built for future ages to look like "The House of God." He provides several architectural suggestions and hopes that the members will contribute the money necessary to erect such a grand building. Young also hopes that Finley will "let the Rads die in silence now, their power of annoyance is henceforth harmless as you have broken their "teeth" and cut their "claws." [Note: The Wesley Chapel building was razed in 1972]. Abstract Number - 894
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
June 27, 1831; Washington Court House

Eddy writes that Mr. McGuire (Adjet McGuire) has been "puffing the Radical Quarterly Meeting held in this place." (Washington Court House). Eddy tells Finley that McGuire is supported mostly by Baptists, Presbyterians, Universalians, drunkards, and other enemies of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Only four members of his congregation have withdrawn to join with the Radicals (Methodist Protestant Church). Abstract Number - 118
Letter from Wesley Browning to James B. Finley

Wesley Browning
June 30, 1831; Pittsburgh

Browning introduces Brother George S. Holmes to Finley via this letter. Browning trusts that Holmes "will receive that degree of attention that a good Old Side Methodist Preacher deserves." Abstract Number - 119
Letter from William Stevens to James B. Finley

William Stevens
July 03, 1831; Maysville, KY

Stevens requests a letter of recommendation from Finley to help him get a job as a bricklayer. Abstract Number - 120
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
July 23, 1831; Lebanon

McLean has just received news that his wife is very ill, and he plans to leave for Washington immediately. He will therefore be unable to attend the commencement at Augusta College, where he was scheduled to deliver an address. He is distressed about the actions of Dr. Early towards his sister-in-law Harriet Stubbs. He is willing to hear Dr. Early out before making a decision. Abstract Number - 1005
Letter from W.B. Lewis to James B. Finley

W.B. Lewis
July 26, 1831; Treasury Department

A statement that Rev. Finley's account on the books of the Treasury Department has been closed. Abstract Number - 773
Letter from Harriet Stubbs to James B. Finley

Harriet Stubbs
September 12, 1831; Lebanon

Harriet thanks Finley profusely for sending her a letter written by "Dr.E." which relieved her very much. The letter is undated, but it might be 1831, based on letter to Finley from Judge McLean, Harriet's brother in law, dealing with Dr. E.'s egregious behavior. [See abstract 1005, July 23, 1831 letter]. In her letter, Harriet expresses her mortification about "giving all the best feelings" of her heart to the undeserving Dr. E. She also reports sending Dr. E. a shabby letter. Abstract Number - 523
Letter from Robert Miller to James B. Finley

Robert Miller
October 09, 1831; Clark County, OH

Local Elder, Rev. Robert Miller (1767-1834), would like to see Finley very much but does not know whether he will live to see him. Miller thought he was going to die two weeks ago but he got better. A new meeting house has been built on his land (Moorefield Methodist Episcopal, formerly Miller's M.E.). A dedication service is to be attended by Rev. William Raper (itinerant appointed to Mad River Circuit). The next quarterly conference will be held December 17 & 18. Miller invites Finely to attend. He mentions a recent camp meeting held at Mechanicsburg, which was very successful. Abstract Number - 122
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
December 26, 1831; Zanesville

Young [superannuated] writes to Finley [Presiding Elder, Miami District] concerning Brother Quinn. Young states that Quinn is an old man with strong prejudices and passions. His former judgement and understanding have forsaken him. He is nevertheless a good man. Young is sorry that Finley found it necessary to appoint Quinn to Straight Creek. Young plans to attend the 1832 General Conference and will travel by stage. He invites Finley to travel with him. He expresses regret that he will be unable to be present next Sabbath for the dedication of the new church building [Wesley Chapel]. Abstract Number - 895
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
January 03, 1832; Chillicothe

Eddy (currently serving as Presiding Elder of the Scioto District) apologizes for not writing sooner and offers sympathy regarding the illness of Finley's wife and father. Eddy says that his health has not been good since he was at Conference. His neighborhood is suffering an epidemic of influenza. The preachers of the Scioto District have all been well received and much progress is being made among the circuits and stations. He describes a Watch Night service and revival that resulted in many conversions. Eddy asks for clarification of certain sections of the Discipline pertaining to Local Preachers and church members. Abstract Number - 124
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
February 03, 1832; Bladen circuit, NC

Reporting on the recent South Carolina Conference, Jacky expresses complete satisfaction with the presiding skill of Bishop Elijah Hedding. Jacky reports on the business of the Conference and lists the delegates elected to General Conference. There is great hope in his region that James O. Andrew will become a bishop, for no other man will be able to serve the southern folks so well. Andrew has "no encumbrances from the evil of the south viz. slaves." Jacky is glad to hear that Radicalism is "sinking in the west." He reports that there are only one or two advocates of Radicalism in the South Carolina Conference. He is beginning his seventh year as an itinerant preacher and expresses his love for the itinerancy plan. Abstract Number - 125
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Charles Elliott
March 01, 1832; Pittsburgh

Elliott is currently appointed to the Pittsburgh Station. He tells Finley that they have just finished their third quarterly meeting. He asks Finley if he can stop at their church for a few days on his way to General Conference in Philadelphia with a number of other ministers, for his help is greatly needed. The Radicals have made things difficult for members of his flock. His congregation has lived through the dust and noise of "tyranny, episcopacy, popery" etc. etc. His folks are not deeply pious, he tells Finley, "But how could you expect them to thrive when instead of the "sincere milk of the Word", their shepherds fed them with speculative theories and metaphysical disquisitions on church government; and then the wolves of reform pouring upon them to scatter, tear and slay." Abstract Number - 126
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
July 24, 1832; Zanesville

Young [superannuated] reports to Finley about his trip back to Zanesville from Cumberland. [On their return from the General Conference of 1832, Ohio delegates, including Young, were injured in a stagecoach accident near Cumberland, MD.] Young recuperated in Cumberland until July 7th, when he made his way home by stagecoach. The trip was very painful because his dislocated shoulder came out of place again and his broken ribs were aching. When he finally arrived in Zanesville he burst into tears as if in his "second childhood." He is still unable to sleep or eat well. Brother Trimble appears to be working very hard among the Zanesville members with some success. Young intends to attend the Ohio Annual Conference if his health allows. Abstract Number - 896
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
August 20, 1832; Bladen circuit, Elizabethtown, NC

Jacky reports that the 'state of religion' in the Bladen Circuit has improved. Some 60 or 70 had to be cut off, but 130 new members were received. An epidemic of cholera is expected to arrive soon in their area. A camp meeting is planned for the 4th of October. The writer begs for a word from Rev. Finley, his "only blood relation...in the itinerant field to whom he has access..." [Finley's mother Rebecca Bradley (1759-1821) was the brother of Francis Bradley (1743-1780). Francis Bradley was the grandfather of Jacky McKnitt Bradley] Abstract Number - 127
Letter from Wesley Browning to James B. Finley

Wesley Browning
August 29, 1832; Pittsburgh

Browning has just returned from the Pittsburgh Annual Conference which was very successful. Brother Emory presided most satisfactorily. Browning has been appointed Presiding Elder of the Steubenville District. At present, operations at Uniontown College have ceased, but the conference "has had a very warm invitation to patronize the Allegheney Colledge at Meadville, Pa." A decision about the latter has been tabled for the year. The property case in Pittsburgh (ownership of church building -- MP or MEC) will be decided when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court sits again. He discusses the Radicals, who are divided amongst themselves and in a "peck of trouble." Abstract Number - 128
Letter from Thomas F. Sargent to James B. Finley

Thomas F. Sargent
September 04, 1832; Philadelphia

Rev. Sargent is in the process of transferring to the Ohio Conference. He will leave Philadelphia around the 1st of October. He has written to Brother Spencer asking him to procure housing for he and his family. Sargent is counting on Finley vouching for his character within the Conference and with Brother Spencer. He looks forward to serving alongside Finley in ministry. Sargent has received word that his son William, now living in Cincinnati, has become a member of the MEC. [Note: T.F. Sargent transfers to the Ohio Conference as a supernumerary preacher. He is appointed to the Cincinnati station with Finley for the 1833-34 conference year. Unfortunately, he dies in the pulpit on December 29, 1833]. Abstract Number - 129