Skip to main content

Finley Letters

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
January 01, 1835;

A long prayer of Robert's, in the form of three meditations Abstract Number - 163
Letter from Dan Hage to James B. Finley

Dan Hage
January 20, 1835; Newbern, Montgomery County, VA

Dan Hage has been advised by his presiding elder to write to Finley for help in locating a man named Thomas Wilson Gibson, who once lived in Chillicothe or near there in Perry County. A 1,000 acre piece of land bought in 1795 by Guyan Grier was left to Gibson and never claimed. Hage wishes the land given to Gibson if he can be found, or to buy it from him, part of it for himself and part of it for Page's Meeting House. Page had left land to the church, but a Mr. Taylor had unscrupulously bought the land (or at least part of it) for $15 or $20. If Hage can locate Gibson or his heirs and buy this other land from them, he will give back to the church what Taylor took from it (from the Page Estate), as the Gibson Estate lies near Page's Meeting House. Abstract Number - 153
Letter from E.H. Taylor to James B. Finley

E.H. Taylor
January 22, 1835; Richmond (Jefferson County, OH)

Rev. Edward H. Taylor has read some of Finley's articles in the Christian Advocate & Journal and feels compelled to write to his old friend. He reports that his mother died on February 19, 1834. He has been part of the Pittsburgh Conference since it was organized but would greatly prefer an appointment in the Ohio Conference. Mrs. Taylor (Lydia Barstow) is doing well. They have six children, four sons and two daughters. Lydia writes her own note to Finley at the end of Edward's letter. She has never really been happy in the Pittsburgh Conference and hopes that her "special friends", Finley and Jacob Young, can suggest a transfer of Taylor to the Ohio Conference. Abstract Number - 1213
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
February 26, 1835; Fayetteville, NC

Jacky tells Finley that he and his wife are having health problems. He is serving on the Rutherford Circuit with Rev. Laney. William Capers is stationed at Columbia with an eye to becoming president of Columbia College. He hopes that Finley will write soon. Abstract Number - 154
Letter from Henry Bidleman Bascom to James B. Finley

H.B. Bascom
March 24, 1835; Park Lodge, Augusta College, KY

A letter marked "Private" in which Bascom warns Rev. Finley to be careful since an attempt has been made to implicate him in rather mysterious trouble at the College. There are negative feelings about Augusta College in Ohio. Bascom expects to go to the Ohio Conference to clear up the whole matter. He expresses satisfaction about the new term which just began and brought many new students. Abstract Number - 1225
Letter from Charles W. Swain to James B. Finley

Charles W. Swain
April 15, 1835;

Rev. Swain is serving the Eaton Circuit, Lebanon District, under Presiding Elder William B. Christie. He reports that he is getting along well with Christie, as well as his colleague on the Eaton Circuit. Brother Westlake is appointed to the Oxford Circuit, along with L.W. Berry and John A. Waterman (supernumerary). Westlake's colleague (presumably Berry) has just gotten married. Swain's response is "Veto, veto, veto." Swain supposes that Westlake is being "trammeled" by Brother J.W. (John Waterman), recently transferred from the Pittsburgh Conference. He believes that Waterman never intends to take the field as do the other men, and fears that he will make a claim on Conference funds. It was probably a mistake to transfer him to the Ohio Conference. Things are not going as well as Swain might wish on the Eaton Circuit, even though many new people have been received into the Society. Abstract Number - 156
Letter from James Gilruth to James B. Finley

James Gilruth
May 19, 1835; Ann Arbor, MI

Gilruth is serving as Presiding Elder of the Detroit District. He informs Finley that a charter has been secured for a new Methodist seminary. However, Gilruth fears that the sectarian nature of the proposed seminary will make it difficult to purchase land for it. He then discusses the "singing question." He has been attempting to get back to orthodoxy with regard to music in the district by banning the fiddle, and asking congregations to sing unaccompanied. To that end, he has been successful with lining hymns (preacher sings a verse and congregation repeats). Gilruth is concerned about sticking to the Discipline. In his words -- "I feel we have much need to stand firm by our Discipline -- there is so much innovation of one kind or another that unless we rally round the standard and bring everything to the letter of the law there is no knowing where we shall land." He reports that several preachers in the district have gotten married. He has had concerns but has not "meddled." Abstract Number - 157
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
May 19, 1835; Zanesville

Young [appointed to Cambridge Circuit, Zanesville District] responds to many questions posed by his good friend Finley [Presiding Elder, Chillicothe District]. Topics include a possible division of conferences desired by the Pittsburgh Conference, the financial circumstances of superannuated and half efficient bishops, his sense of being ostracized by younger preachers who find him old & antiquated, and continued gratitude that their stagecoach accident coming back from General Conference on June 1, 1832 was not more serious. To this day he believes that they experienced a "miraculous deliverance from the jaws of death." He reports about his work on the Cambridge Circuit. Abstract Number - 899
Letter from F. Wilson to James B. Finley

F. Wilson
May 23, 1835; New Holland, OH

Wilson is facing a trial in July on charges of financial wrongdoing in Xenia. He shares his side of the story with Finley. The proof of his innocence can be found in the books of the now dissolved partnership, Wilson and Taylor. Abstract Number - 158
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
June 30, 1835; Rutherford circuit, SC

Jacky sounds discouraged but believes that religion on the Rutherford Circuit is on the rise. His son James Finley is very ill and his wife is also sick. He still longs for a personal meeting with Finley. He encloses a copy of a report on the "Cism of the Church in Charleston." Abstract Number - 159
Letter from James Gurley to James B. Finley

James Gurley
August 19, 1835; Bainbridge

Gurley writes to Finley (Presiding Elder of Chillicothe District) to let him know that he is ill and will not be able to attend the Ohio Conference. The letter contains the financial and statistical report for the Bainbridge Circuit for 1834-1835. Because of bad weather the Big Bottom Camp Meeting was thinly attended but they had a wonderful meeting with several powerful conversions. Gurley recently attended a meeting of the Waverly MEC Board of Trustees. The Board is raising subscriptions to erect a new meeting house and has already raised $600. Abstract Number - 160
Letter from Henry Bidleman Bascom to James B. Finley

H.B. Bascom
September 05, 1835; Park Lodge, Augusta College, KY

Bascom desires to know the probable time of Rev. Finley's arrival in his capacity as chairman of the Augusta College Examination Committee. He asks for a list of committee members. Abstract Number - 161
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
November 30, 1835; Cincinnati

Morris is pleased with the prospects of the Western Christian Advocate. Subscriptions are increasing. [This newspaper began publication in 1834, with Morris as editor]. The majority of this confidential letter deals with his possible election to the office of Bishop in the Church. Morris is very embarrassed that his name has been placed into consideration. He tells Finley that he lacks a liberal education and self confidence, and does not feel called to fill a place of prominence in the Church. That said, he will not object to such an election if the brethren are all in agreement that he is worthy of such an honor. [Note: Morris was elected bishop in 1836]. Abstract Number - 1028
Letter from Lorenzo Waugh to James B. Finley

Lorenzo Waugh
December 25, 1835; Fredericktown, MO

Rev. Lorenzo Waugh has transferred from the Ohio Conference to the Missouri Conference [appointed to Farmington Circuit, Cape Girardeau District, St. Francois County]. There have been fears of a slave rebellion. Last night, people spent the night vigilantly armed in anticipation of a revolt which thankfully never happened. The curse of slavery has been rendered worse by abolitionism. Slaves in Missouri have more liberty, are in good health, and armed. Thus, folks here have more reason to fear a slave rebellion than those living in slave states. There is much drinking, gambling and horse-racing in the towns. Folks on the circuit are "lukewarm" and "indifferent" church members. Nevertheless, he feels called by God to serve here. Abstract Number - 796
Letter from Charles Holliday to James B. Finley

Charles Holliday
December 30, 1835; Cincinnati

Holliday bestows high praise on Finley for his work and regrets not having entered the ministry sooner himself. The church in his city is still doing well. Holliday proclaims that "the Cause of Methodism is the Cause of God." Abstract Number - 162
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
January 13, 1836; Cincinnati

Eddy is sorry not to have seen Finley in Portsmouth but he was detained because of sickness in the family. He says that times are good in Cincinnati and that a glorious revival is being held in Fulton. Abstract Number - 164
Letter from William Burke to James B. Finley

William Burke
January 28, 1836; Cincinnati

Burke writes concerning the case against him, which was pending before the Ohio Annual Conference, and on which Finley had been appointed to report. Finley evidently shared the report with Burke for his inspection. Burke approved the report and waited to learn the final action of the fall 1835 Annual Conference with regard to reinstatement of his membership. Since he has heard nothing, he now writes Finley to learn the final disposition of the case. He is an old man, and wants to depart "at peace with all men." Abstract Number - 165
Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley

John F. Wright
February 07, 1836; Cincinnati

Book Agent at Cincinnati, John F. Wright, writes to suggest that the Book Committee of the Ohio Conference pay special attention to the status of the western branch of the Book Concern in Cincinnati. It is imperative that the Cincinnati branch achieve permanency. The relationship of the Cincinnati branch to the principal agency in New York must change. The branch in Cincinnati should be able to print its own books and any profit made should be reinvested into the branch. In its subordinate position the Cincinnati branch cannot make a profit. Furthermore, we need to seek permission from General Conference to buy a lot and build a suitable building. [Note: General Conference of 1836 officially established the Western Book Concern as a branch, and authorized the agents to purchase land and erect a building for printing, binding, etc.] Abstract Number - 568
Letter from Thomas Corwin to James B. Finley

Thomas Corwin
February 16, 1836; Washington

Corwin (member, U.S. House of Representatives at this time) responds to questions from Finley following the death of his father-in-law. According to the Pension Law of 1832, any inheritance goes to the widow. If there is no widow, it goes to the children. This places Finley in a "peculiar dilemma" since he has already paid the debts of his father-in-law. Corwin then writes at length about the degradation of the State of Ohio which is in the hands of "the fanatical folly and wickedness of the babblers who now rule the legislature of Ohio." He writes satirically about the Ohio legislature and its puffed up attempts to solve both national and international conflicts. Corwin has a very pessimistic outlook on conditions in the world, and places grave responsibility for its betterment on the shoulders of the preachers of the Gospel. Abstract Number - 859
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
February 29, 1836; Pendleton circuit, SC

Jacky has moved to a new circuit (Pendleton Circuit). He is pained by the fact that his wife Susan and their children are 300 miles away, and it will be awhile before they can move to be with him. He tells of the success of the slave missions to which some plantation owners have donated as much as $150.00. A list of brothers elected as delegates to General Conference is given. The writer mentions the good health and liveliness of his son, James Finley Bradley. He again urges Finley to write and visit him if possible. Abstract Number - 845
Letter from Jonathan Jones to James B. Finley

Jonathan Jones
March 04, 1836; Snow Hill, Clinton County

Jonathan Jones is a member of the Wilmington Circuit. He shares his recent employment history with Finley. He taught at the Cincinnati Academy until he received his certificate to conduct a school. Following a difficult illness, he moved to Richmond, Indiana to teach school. He was then offered the opportunity to conduct a school in Illinois, but declined the offer due to the needs of his aging parents. Jones read in the Advocate that Finley will be going to Canada. Since Finley will not be present at the Wilmington Circuit Quarterly Meeting in April, Jones wants to arrange payment of the remainder of his subscription for Augusta College. Abstract Number - 167
Letter from Robert O. Spencer to James B. Finley

Robert O. Spencer and John H. Fielding
April 11, 1836; Chillicothe

Rev. Robert Spencer (appointed to Chillicothe Station), writes to James B. Finley (Presiding Elder of the Chillicothe District). Spencer's letter contains a copy of a letter to Finley from John H. Fielding, written March 21, 1836, from St. Charles, Mo. Fielding is facing charges in the Ohio Conference on a complaint lodged by McKown (Burr. H.), professor at Augusta College. At the time of this letter Fielding has already transferred from the Ohio Conference to the Missouri Conference, having been appointed president of St. Charles College in the St. Louis District. Fielding is making arrangements to return to Ohio in order to face the charges. Spencer in turn discusses the situation at the Chillicothe Station. Prosperity "is not quite so flattering as some time past." Though it is a large and attentive congregation excited about revival, folks are easily divided over differences of opinion. Abstract Number - 569
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
April 26, 1836; Poplar Ridge

General Duncan McArthur has chosen McDonald to write his biography (published -- Biographical Sketches of General Nathaniel Massie, General Duncan McArthur, Captain William Wells and General Simon Kenton: who were early settlers in the Western Country. Cincinnati, c.1838). Also, many people want him to write a history of Ohio. He is considering correcting his other narratives and would like Finley to inquire about the price of publishing them. As to Methodism, McDonald would like to see a national change take place, whereby the new appointment year begins in April for preachers. Abstract Number - 860
Letter from Strawder McNiell to James B. Finley

Strawder McNiell, Joshua Clarke, Isaac Pancake, and Jesse Shepherd
May 13, 1836; Frankfort, OH

McNiell (McNeill) and other members of the Frankfort congregation write to Finley (Presiding Elder, Chillicothe District) regarding the last quarterly meeting of the year for Deer Creek Circuit. A camp meeting/quarterly meeting was to be held in Frankfort as the last quarterly meeting, but the circuit decided to meet in New Holland instead. The Frankfort members would really like Finley to schedule the meeting in Frankfort, as promised by Rev. Armstrong. Abstract Number - 168
Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley

John F. Wright
May 30, 1836; Cincinnati

Wright counsels Finley not to be discouraged about the status of the Western Book Concern. It is true that the western branch will not be allowed to print any books stereotyped in New York, and that the New York agents will have no obligation to send printed sheets to Cincinnati unless they wish to do so. Nevertheless, a broad foundation for the future has been laid. Agents Mason and Lane in New York are reasonable men. We should be able to work with them. Wright asks Finley to call a meeting of the Ohio Conference Book Committee as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 570