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Letter from G.S. Holmes to James B. Finley
G.S. Holmes
September 05, 1832; Beavertown, PAHolmes writes in a defense of Rev. William Swayze, an old Methodist minister, formerly of Beavertown, who has transferred to the Ohio Conference. Swayze is aging and has been tossed aside as "useless lumber" by many of his younger peers. Holmes fears that Swayze's feelings might be hurt by peers in Ohio. He praises the fine work Swayze has done in the past, and hopes that Finley will look out for him. Abstract Number - 130
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Letter from Mary C. Hollinshead to James B. Finley
Mary C. Hollinshead
September 16, 1832; PhiladelphiaMary's husband Joseph is suffering from an attack of inflammatory rheumatism. There is an outbreak of cholera in the area, but very few of their friends have had it. Those who did contract the disease have recovered. "We are anxiously praying the great Head of the Church to make the existence of this terrible epidemic a blessing to his people & a warning to sinners." She tells Finley about the work of Methodism in Philadelphia and a camp-meeting recently held near Sharptown where 92 people were converted. Abstract Number - 131
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Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley
Thomas A. Morris
October 15, 1832; CincinnatiMorris tells of the devastating effects of the cholera epidemic which is killing hundreds and causing many to flee from the city for their lives. Abstract Number - 1023
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Letter from William Neff to James B. Finley
William Neff
October 19, 1832; CincinnatiNeff reports that the great scourge of cholera has arrived in Cincinnati. "The few first days after its appearance were enough to strike terror to the stoutest heart. So sudden and powerful was this disease that many in apparent good health fell in the streets and could not again rise but required to be carried to their homes, and very few that were attacked survived more then 5 to 10 hours." Neff describes the treatment given to those afflicted -- opium, calomel, camphor, hot tea, and mustard plasters. The major symptom is rice water diarrhea. Many doctors have fallen from fatigue and exhaustion and a good many citizens have fled from the the city. Neff and his family have not contracted the disease, which now appears to be abating. Abstract Number - 132
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Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley
Jacky M. Bradley
November 06, 1832; Bladen Circuit, NCJacky reports that progress in the Bladen Circuit is slow but good. The camp meeting was nice but not as successful as he had hoped. He is considering a transfer to the Ohio Conference in order to accompany Finley on a tour of the Indian nations. Two obstacles stand in his way -- having dyspepsia, which would make horseback travel impossible, and the possibility of "changing his condition in life" -- namely marriage. He requests Finley to write soon so he can make up his mind. Abstract Number - 844
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Letter from William Neff to James B. Finley
William Neff
December 13, 1832; CincinnatiNeff writes to the presiding elder of the Cincinnati District, James B. Finley, about the state of Wesley Chapel in Cincinnati. Neff is a founding member of this congregation. Brother Maffitt has been at the church for 2 weeks, preaching and praying. The altar is crowded every night with mourners and many have joined the Society. "Notwithstanding all of this there seems to be an apathy, a coldness in the church that I cannot account for, and I think if you could make our city a visit just now, your presence would give life and energy..." Abstract Number - 133
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Letter from Joseph Hollinshead & Mary Hollinshead to James B. Finley
Joseph Hollinshead and Mary Hollinshead
December 15, 1832; PhiladelphiaJoseph discusses the good work of Methodism in the Philadelphia congregations of Kensington and St. John's. He informs Finley that he has sold his business and plans to move his family to Oak Grove Furnace, PA, where he will manage the iron furnace. Abstract Number - 134
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Letter from William B. Christie to James B. Finley
William B. Christie
January 03, 1833; MansfieldChristie has just moved to Mansfield with his family and expects to "set up shop" there. People have been very kind to them. He has just finished riding his first two week circuit on a new saddle and is "not displeased" with his new appointment. There is also a note from his wife about the loneliness she feels when her husband is off riding the circuit. Abstract Number - 123
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Letter from Joseph M. Finley to James B. Finley
Joseph M. Finley
January 14, 1833; MechanicsburgJoseph is having trouble concerning a land deed and would like James to go with him to settle it. Joseph will pay James' expenses if he agrees. If James is unable to make the trip, Joseph would like him to find someone else to assist him. Joseph asks James where their father is. Abstract Number - 964
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Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley
Thomas A. Morris
January 26, 1833; CincinnatiMorris tells of a very successful revival in Cincinnati. In fact, things are going so well that churches and meeting houses are overflowing. Abstract Number - 1024
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Letter from Peter Washington Martin to James B. Finley
Peter Washington Martin
February 03, 1833; Mulloys, TNOwing to Bishop McKendree's bad health, Martin is writing on his behalf. Martin gives a very detailed description of McKendree's afflictions. The Bishop says he enjoyed Finley's letter and wishes to be remembered to all his old friends. Abstract Number - 135
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Letter from John P. Finley Jr. to James B. Finley
John P. Finley Jr.
February 06, 1833; XeniaFinley's nephew reports on the Xenia Quarterly Conference that has just ended. It was a powerful time of revival and many approached the mourner's bench. Several converts joined the Society. John Alexander, who was thought to be a hopeless case, has bowed before Christ. John feels no disappointment about the position at the Book Concern. He has decided to devote himself to God. Working as a clerk would take all of his time and he would face temptations that would take him away from his service to God. Abstract Number - 965
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Letter from Joseph M. Finley to James B. Finley
Joseph M. Finley
March 14, 1833;Joseph (brother of James) needs James' advice concerning a land/deed issue. It seems as though Mr. Havens is going to cheat him if he can. Joseph wants James to bring some papers concerning the deed and if he cannot come to send them with their father. He would like to borrow $15 but does not want James to send it with his father because he makes a fuss about such things. Abstract Number - 966
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Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley
Jacky M. Bradley
March 15, 1833; Bladen circuit, Elizabethtown, NCJacky has found a "helpmate" in Miss Susan Russell, whom he married on March 7th. Because of this and other reasons, he has decided against transferring to the Ohio Conference. He chides Finley for not writing more often and hopes to hear from him soon. Abstract Number - 1212
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Letter from B.E. Taylor to James B. Finley
B.E. Taylor
March 21, 1833; Hagerstown, INBezaleel Taylor writes to his "grandfather" James B. Finley. [Taylor is married to Finley's granddaughter Catharine Rebecca Brooke (1824-1917), daughter of Elizabeth Finley and Rev. John Carrington Brooke]. Taylor wants to get into the business of selling books on commission. He seeks Finley's input concerning the possibility of selling books through the Book Concern. Taylor has been elected mayor, but the position does not pay much. He needs more money to support his family. Brother James Taylor buried his little girl last week. Catharine and the children send their love. Abstract Number - 567
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Letter from James Gassner to James B. Finley
James Gassner
March 26, 1833; ThornvilleGassner writes to invite Finley to speak at the next temperance meeting. He also invites Finley to stay over for the Sabbath and attend the quarterly meeting at West Chester. Abstract Number - 1158
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Letter from James Havens to James B. Finley
James Havens
March 26, 1833; Rushville, INRev. Havens reports that on the preceding Saturday and Sunday his quarterly meeting had been held at Connersville. Havens wants Finley to come to Rushville to straighten out a mix-up concerning a land deed. The problem involves Joseph M. Finley and Frank (Finley?) (relationship to James B. Finley unknown). Joseph sent Havens a quit claim deed. What he actually needs is a general warranty deed. Abstract Number - 136
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Letter from John Price Durbin to James B. Finley
John P. Durbin
April 09, 1833; New YorkDurbin pens an urgent request that Finley allow nothing to be done in the west about a Methodist paper until he hears from the Book Committee & Agents. "I will do my best for your western paper." (General Conference authorized the Western Christian Advocate in 1832). Abstract Number - 622
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Letter from Charles Holliday & J.F. Wright to James B. Finley
Charles Holliday and J.F. Wright
April 29, 1833; CincinnatiBook agents Charles Holliday and J.F. Wright respond to Finley's suggestion that a Methodist paper needs to be published in Cincinnati. They tell Finley that they have already written to New York on the subject. They believe that such a paper is a necessity. It should be purely western in its origin and application. All of the principal denominations in the area publish periodicals to advance their interests, and the Methodists should do the same. On a different topic, they have received a long letter from B. Hibbard, who wants the Book Concern to sell his books. Unfortunately, this is not a financially viable prospect. Hibbard also discusses the case of Avery [Rev. Ephraim Avery, M.E. minister from Rhode Island accused of murder]. Hibbard is convinced that Rev. Avery is innocent. Abstract Number - 137
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Letter from James Havens to James B. Finley
James Havens
May 11, 1833; Decatur County, INRev. Havens is glad to hear that Finley will be in the area. He invites Finley to attend the quarterly meeting of the Whitewater Circuit to be held in Brownsville. Abstract Number - 138
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Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley
Jacky M. Bradley
June 04, 1833; Bladen Circuit, NCThings are not going quite as well in the Bladen Circuit -- The "prospects of this circuit are not so bright as they have been at a former period yet not so dark as they might be." Jacky tells Finley about a camp meeting in a nearby circuit which was most successful -- almost 100 persons were "born again." He is sorry to hear about the many "new school divinity men" who are swarming into Ohio. He provides a detailed explanation of the fallacy in their teachings. Abstract Number - 139
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Letter from Joseph Hollinshead & Mary Hollinshead to James B. Finley
Joseph Hollinshead and Mary Hollinshead
June 18, 1833; Oak Grove Furnace (Perry County), PAJoseph has moved to Oak Grove Furnace in Perry County, PA, apparently to serve as overseer of the iron furnace. He tells Finley that he found that many of his employees were "wicked drinking men." He has discharged many of these men and replaced them with "sober religious men." Mary reports that they belong to an M.E. society of 30 members. Joseph is serving as a class superintendent. They have preaching every two weeks. Abstract Number - 140
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Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley
Thomas A. Morris
June 20, 1833; CincinnatiMorris expresses sorrow on hearing of Finley's relapse. He also talks about the acquittal of MEC minister Ephraim K. Avery in early June. [Avery was accused of murdering Sarah Cornell]. Morris discusses the persecution against the MEC which came as a result of the acquittal. Abstract Number - 1025
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Letter from Arthur W. Elliott to James B. Finley
Arthur W. Elliott
June 22, 1833; LebanonArthur Elliott has learned from Brother White that Finley is very ill. Elliott writes to Finley to provide support and cheer. He hopes that they will meet in heaven someday. He expresses concern about the planned Ohio Annual Conference to be held at Cincinnati in August. He would like to see the session removed to another location in order to prevent sickness among those who attend. [Cholera epidemic in Cincinnati 1832-33]. Abstract Number - 141
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Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley
William Simmons
July 03, 1833; HamiltonSimmons is serving the Hamilton Circuit, Miami District, under Presiding Elder James B. Finley. He reports on the latest quarterly meeting, which was "a time of great power and glory." Preachers Clark, Westlake, and Whitcomb were in attendance preaching, baptizing, etc. A crowded love feast was held on Sunday where several were powerfully converted. 16 people joined the church. Simmons mentions cholera symptoms. He would like to pay Finley a visit prior to Conference to discuss next year's Hamilton Circuit, which he believes needs to be altered. Abstract Number - 601
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