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Finley Letters

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Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
May 11, 1837; Poplar Ridge

McDonald has sent 28 pages of his biography of General Duncan McArthur to the Western Christian Advocate to be published. There will be about 70-80 pages in all. Included were remarks about General Mad Anthony Wayne's campaign of 1794. McDonald discusses the trials and tribulations of being a writer. Abstract Number - 178
Letter from William Walker to James B. Finley

William Walker
June 08, 1837; Upper Sandusky

Walker has just returned from Columbus, having met with Governor Nance to protest the conduct of the Commissioners at the Wyandot Mission. He would like to see the Commissioners recalled by the Secretary of War. They have stopped holding public meetings and appear to be "bloody bent on breaking up the nation." A treaty proposal approving Wyandot removal from Ohio has been signed by many of the Wyandots as a result of trickery by the Commissioners. Abstract Number - 1034
Letter from Uriah Heath & John Alexander to James B. Finley

Uriah Heath and John Alexander
June 12, 1837; Marion

Heath and Alexander are currently appointed to the Marion Circuit (Columbus District). They have heard that Finley is near Marion.They extend a most urgent invitation for him to attend a two day meeting at Burlington (Marseilles), which is located eleven miles from Upper Sandusky. Even though there is no official reason for Finley to attend, Heath and Alexander could really use his help. Abstract Number - 179
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
June 15, 1837; Augusta College, KY

Trimble writes to Finley by virtue of his role as Ohio Conference Secretary. C.W. Swain is working on a report for the next annual conference regarding the Augusta College McKendree Fund. Finley's help is needed to document the donors and amount paid by each subscriber. Trimble is hopeful that cost negotiations with the Bracken Academy Trustees will be successful. There are currently 100 students attending Augusta College. Abstract Number - 635
Letter from Hannah Finley & William Strain to James B. Finley

Hannah Finley and William Strain
September 18, 1837; Warren County, OH

Power of Attorney granted to James B. Finley by Hannah Strain Finley (Finley's wife) and William Strain (Hannah's brother), heirs of Thomas Strain, deceased. It is signed and sealed by Edward Noble, Justice of the Peace, Sept. 18, 1837. Abstract Number - 972
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
January 04, 1838; Augusta, KY

Trimble writes to Finley letting him know that Brother Bascom has gone to Frankfort with a petition from the Augusta College Trustees to the Legislature, requesting an alteration of the college charter. The proposed changes include a protocol for filling vacancies in the Board of Trustees -- The conferences (Ohio and Kentucky) will alternate in the selection process, beginning with Ohio. Both conferences will be empowered to send a 5 member Visiting Committee to Augusta. This committee will be involved with the Trustees in the hiring of instructors, and the expulsion of board members/instructors in the case of immorality or malfeasance. If passed by the Legislature, Augusta College will be "legitimately under the control of the Conferences." Trimble has been acting as presiding elder on the north end of Brother Christie's district. He reports many conversions in Felicity and Georgetown. Trimble implores Finley to attend the February 14-15 Augusta College Trustee meeting and asks him to bring Bishop Soule along. Abstract Number - 636
Letter from Stephen H. Holland & G.G. White to James B. Finley

Stephen H. Holland and G.G. White
January 12, 1838; Oxford, Ohio

Holland explains to Finley [Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District] that he is too ill to continue serving the Oxford appointment. He wants to go home until he regains his strength and hopes Finley will agree with him. Holland suggests that Brothers Conrey and Irvine take his place. White adds his request to Holland's -- that the latter be released to regain his health. Abstract Number - 180
Letter from William H. Lawder to James B. Finley

William H. Lawder
February 08, 1838; Dayton

Rev. Lawder writes to Finley (Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District) concerning discord within the Dayton congregation. Abstract Number - 181
Letter from Calvary Morris to James B. Finley

Calvary Morris
February 16, 1838; Washington, DC

Calvary Morris, U.S. Representative from Ohio, writes about his involvement in the M.E. society in Washington City. When not at the Capitol, Morris' primary associations are with members of the society. A group of members from Congress meet every Saturday night for a prayer meeting. Abstract Number - 182
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
February 21, 1838; Richmond, VA

Bishop Morris is glad to hear that Finley's book (History of the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky) will be published soon. (Book Committee had approved publication on February 2, 1838). Morris writes -- "Why should Western people depend wholy on the East for their reading when they have ample materials and abilities of their own." He advises Finley to take care of his health and then describes his own work in the southern conferences. [Note: The history was actually published in 1840.] Abstract Number - 1031
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Charles Elliott
March 08, 1838; Cincinnati

Finley has sent part of his manuscript on the history of the Wyandott mission to Elliott for him to edit. (Letter is difficult to read but deals entirely with Finley's book -- History of the Wyandott Mission, in Upper Sandusky). Abstract Number - 544
Letter from William M. Finley to James B. Finley

William M. Finley
April 18, 1838; Flat Rock, IN

This is the first time William has communicated with his Uncle James by way of a letter. Some months ago, he decided to change his location, so he moved further west. The land is good and he can make money. William believes that if his health holds up he will be able to buy a farm in a few years. He discusses the subject of matrimony. Abstract Number - 973
Letter from James B. Finley to Wright & Swormstedt

James B. Finley
April 20, 1838; Ridgeville

Finley writes that he has completed his part of the work on The History of the Wyandott Mission. There are still accounts from others that need to be added. He always disclaimed being able to write a book, and now believes that it is time for "hands better qualified than mine" to get the work ready for publication. He is happy to include Charles Elliott's name on the title page as editor. Abstract Number - 1232
Letter from John F. Wright & L. Swormstedt to James B. Finley

John F. Wright and L. Swormstedt
April 28, 1838; Cincinnati

Wright and Swormstedt write to clarify the approval process for Finley's history of the Wyandot Mission. They remind Finley that the manuscript recently provided to the Book Committee was not press ready and needed "recomposition." On March 20th the contract for the book was suspended so that Finley could withdraw the manuscript for enlargement, revision, and preparation for the press. It was agreed by all parties that the revamped book would need to be resubmitted to the Book Committee for approval. The Book Concern will not print the book without an affirmative recommendation by the Book Committee. Abstract Number - 1239
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
May 03, 1838; Zanesville

Simmons is serving the Zanesville appointment in the Zanesville District. He writes to let Finley know about the severe illness of his wife Ann. She was near death but is now on the road to good health. Simmons then gives a report about his appointment. There has been a "gradual rising" over the past 18 months. This year, over 100 have been added on trial, many of them young men who might yet be preachers. There are now 500 members, with 25 classes. Abstract Number - 602
Letter from S.M. Allen to James B. Finley

S.M. Allen
May 21, 1838; Mission House

This is a report of the conditions and progress at the Mission House. Brother Allen feels very encouraged about his work, despite his initial discouragement. There have been a number of conversions recently and he hopes there will be more. He discusses the conversion of Brother Mononcue. Abstract Number - 846
Letter from Jacky M. Bradley to James B. Finley

Jacky M. Bradley
June 04, 1838; Lancaster C.H., SC

Jacky tells of a visit to Finley's uncle, John Finley, who is well considering his age. He lives with his son-in-law and granddaughter, Hannah McCorkle. Conditions are not much better in Jacky's circuit (Lancasterville Circuit). The "colored population" seem "much more engaged than the whites." He writes about the fire in Charleston and the great damage done to the churches. It is hoped, through subscription and collection, that these churches can be rebuilt better than before. He expresses pleasure over the near completion of Finley's book on the history of the Indians. Jacky's two children (James and Richard) are both in good health. Abstract Number - 774
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
June 05, 1838; Poplar Ridge

McDonald discusses several philosophical and religious issues in this letter -- original sin, free will, and the relationship between religion and morality. He reports that his book has been a success so far. It sells for one dollar. Abstract Number - 545
Letter from Stephen H. Holland to James B. Finley

Stephen H. Holland
June 07, 1838; Moscow, Clermont County

Holland writes to Finley [Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District] to tell him that his health has improved. He feels well enough to return to the Oxford appointment. He hoped to attend the 3rd quarterly meeting there, but room and board arrangements could not be made for him. Abstract Number - 515
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
June 21, 1838; Oxford

Musgrove writes to Lebanon District Presiding Elder James B. Finley concerning a church trial at the Oxford Circuit -- Sisters Watters & Davis vs. Sister Pool. The latter was found guilty of immoral conduct and will soon contact Finley about a possible appeal. Musgrove wants to make sure that Finley has the proper history of the situation. Abstract Number - 91
Letter from William M. Finley to James B. Finley

William M. Finley
June 22, 1838; IA

William is getting along fine. He is practicing his uncle's advice -- "It is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong." William wants to buy a piece of land. He would like his Uncle James to put up money and then either take an interest in it or take a mortgage on the land. William would also like his uncle to pick out a "rich intelligent handsome wife" for him. He thinks he can make more money if he has a good woman. Abstract Number - 974
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
July 11, 1838; Xenia

Marley (Marlay) has been doing well, all things considered. He says Finley and Brother Robert Spencer are the only presiding elders who have collected money for him. He is in considerable debt but he has been treated with great kindness. He is currently serving the Union Circuit, where the current activity is excision -- dropping and expelling folks from membership. He has still not recovered from his fractured leg. Marley speaks glowingly of Rev. Howard Solomon, currently serving the Xenia charge. Abstract Number - 183
Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley

John F. Wright
July 12, 1838; Cincinnati

Wright reports that he had a very satisfactory trip to New York. He had good discussions with the bishops regarding the Western Book Concern. A decision has been made to establish a treasury in Cincinnati for the Missionary Society, thereby reducing the loss of funds due to differing exchange rates. Bishop Soule has matters to discuss with Finley, including the subject of abolitionism. Regarding Finley's upcoming book, History of the Wyandot Mission, Wright suggests that Finley's likeness be produced via steel plate while those of Mononcue and Between-the-Logs can be wood cuts. Abstract Number - 847
Letter from Francis H. Jennings to James B. Finley

Francis H. Jennings
July 13, 1838; Washington Court House

Jennings writes to Finley explaining why he did not take the Logan Circuit appointment assigned to him at Annual Conference. The circuit would have been too laborious for him in his state of health. Also, he could not find housing for his family. At this time, he will accept any appointment where his family can be adequately housed. Abstract Number - 184
Letter from James Fisher to James B. Finley

James Fisher
July 17, 1838;

Fisher wishes to find out from Finley if Mr. Groth wishes to sell his land and wants to know the price. The land owned by Groth adjoins Fisher's land. Fisher would like Mr. Groth to write immediately as to the possible sale. If Fisher does not get the Groth land, he plans to purchase another piece of land that he knows about. Abstract Number - 185