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Finley Letters

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Letter from William D. Barrett to James B. Finley

William D. Barrett
September 26, 1838; Wilmington

Barrett has become very ill and will not be able to attend Conference. He asks Finley to defend his position as he expects some trouble as a result of his absence. Abstract Number - 186
Letter from William Walker to James B. Finley

William Walker
October 04, 1838; Upper Sandusky

Walker believes that his protests to the Secretary of War against the methods of the Indian Commissioners has had its effect, thanks in large part to Governor Nance. The Secretary will most likely recall the Commissioners. Walker tells of some drinking sprees which have resulted in stabbings and deaths, including an injury to Finley's Wyandot namesake, James. Walker hopes the new missionary, Mr. Allen [Samuel M. Allen], will be better than his predeccessor. Abstract Number - 777
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
October 29, 1838; Augusta, KY

Trimble asks Finley to send Brother Benedict Hutcheson (a single man) to the Augusta circuit. If this is not possible, Trimble asks Finley to suggest another candidate. He is hopeful that Sehon and Kavanugh will do a good job this year (1838-1839). [Edmund W. Sehon is the Ohio appointed agent for Augusta College and Hubbard H. Kavanaugh is the agent appointed by the Kentucky Conference]. The college session is progressing well, with quite a number of new students. Abstract Number - 637
Letter from James D. Cobb to James B. Finley

James D. Cobb
January 12, 1839; Oxford

Cobb writes concerning the proposed Germantown Seminary. He suggests that the seminary "is to be one of high order, where youth of both sexes, under able and efficient teachers, male and female, will be instructed in all the branches of education." Abstract Number - 187
Letter from James W. Finley to James B. Finley

James W. Finley
January 31, 1839; Bay Settlement, MI

J.W. Finley informs his uncle of his good health, and discusses the work of his circuit. Within the Monroe Circuit there are three local preachers and three exhorters. One of the exhorters is the brother of Dr. Bangs. There are many backsliders in the territory who have recently emigrated but do not attend church. There is a great call for books in the circuit but J.W. does not think he will be able to get them until May. He sends Finley a list of books he would like to have. The weather has been extremely cold. He asks James to pray for him. Abstract Number - 962
Letter from Stephen F. Conrey to James B. Finley

Stephen F. Conrey
February 27, 1839; Wilmington

Rev. Conrey (junior preacher on Wilmington Circuit) tells Finley (Presiding Elder, Lebanon District) about the death of his colleague, Rev. William D. Barrett (senior preacher on Wilmington Circuit). Conrey is bereaved over his death. Sister Barrett mourns deeply but is much encouraged by prayer. She would like to know when Finley can come see her, write William's biography, and preach his funeral. Conrey wrote a short obituary for the Western Christian Advocate. Abstract Number - 188
Letter from Stephen F. Conrey to James B. Finley

Stephen F. Conrey
April 01, 1839; Wilmington

Rev. Conrey (junior preacher appointed to Wilmington Circuit) writes to tell Finley (Presiding Elder, Lebanon District) that the funeral for Rev. William D. Barrett (appointed to Wilmington Circuit) has already been held. His widow is still anxious to speak with Finley about next steps, but she has been offered a house in which to live. Conrey has met with the stewards of the circuit and they approved Finley's recommendation for a replacement preacher, as long as he is single. Abstract Number - 189
Letter from William H. Lawder to James B. Finley

William H. Lawder
April 04, 1839; Zanesville

Rev. Lawder writes to Finley concerning his new appointment to the Zanesville Station. He was welcomed heartily by the congregation and is receiving a $400 stipend plus traveling expenses. Zanesville has 5,000 inhabitants. Approximately 500-600 inhabitants are members of the church. The building is too small for the congregation. Lawder confesses to Finley that his earlier misgivings about P.E. David Young were definitely wrong. He now finds him to be a kind and accepting man. The first time he went to Young's house, his heart was palpitating as if he was on his way to have a surgical operation performed! Lawder tells Finley that he is spending so much time visiting the sick and performing funerals that he has little opportunity to prepare sermons. In general, he feels anxious about his competency for the ministry, and wonders if location might be in his future. Abstract Number - 175
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
April 09, 1839; Poplar Ridge

McDonald has been doing quite a bit of writing lately but has decided not to write on the subject of the early history of Ohio. However, he will, at some point, give Finley an account of his encounter with the Indians which occurred in 1794 on the Scioto River. (General Anthony Wayne's Campaign). He intends to go to Indiana in June and will stop in Germantown on his way to see Finley. Abstract Number - 848
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
April 16, 1839; Zanesville

Young [superannuated] responds to Finley [Presiding Elder, Lebanon District] concerning the case of Elliott and Latta. Young understands that the case is in the hands of the Bishop & Ohio Conference and that Finley will not be officially involved. He advises Finley to stay well clear of Elliott unless some new matter comes up. Abstract Number - 900
Letter from A.B. Stroud to James B. Finley

A.B. Stroud
May 27, 1839; Kanawha, VA

Rev. Asa Stroud is currently appointed to the Eaton Circuit, Lebanon District, under Presiding Elder James B. Finley. While on a journey, Stroud writes to advise Finley about an issue in the Eaton Society. One of the members, Sister Sheets, was accused of lying and found guilty in a hasty church trial. She was subsequently expelled from the society by Stroud. He has since learned that Sister Sheets intends to appeal her case at the next quarterly conference. After examining the facts, Stroud now believes that the guilty verdict was wrong. He would like to refer the case back to the Eaton Society for a new trial. Abstract Number - 191
Letter from Isaiah C.T. McClelland to James B. Finley

Isaiah C.T. McClelland
July 24, 1839; Fairfield

Isaiah McClelland hopes to be accepted on trial for the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but would really like to work in Southwest Ohio. He writes to Finley asking whether the Randolph Circuit of the Meadville District (Erie Conference) might recommend him directly to the Ohio Conference for consideration. Would it be better for him to join the Erie Conference now and later request a transfer to Ohio? The Erie Conference will meet soon, so he would appreciate hearing as soon as possible from Finley. Abstract Number - 166
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
August 29, 1839; Oxford

Musgrove writes to Finley, now serving as Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District. Members of the Oxford Circuit are still hoping that Finley will come to their camp meeting. Musgrove reports that one of the stewards of the New Haven Circuit informed him that they are planning to raise Finley's quarterage. Musgrove hopes that Finley will be able to dedicate the new Oxford meeting house when it is finished. Abstract Number - 190
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
December 04, 1839; Oxford

Musgrove writes to Finley concerning the gloomy state of the world, declaring that religion is what makes people truly happy. He reports on work in the Oxford Circuit, where 60 new members have been received. Abstract Number - 192
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
December 18, 1839; Frankfort, OH

Marley (Marlay) was recently appointed presiding elder of the Chillicothe District. He writes to Finley, currently serving as presiding elder of the Dayton District, about his new position. He had difficulty finding a house for himself and his family, but thanks to the efforts of Brother Andrew McNeal, a home has been rented for him in Frankfort. He has attended quarterly meetings at Chillicothe, Piketon, Portsmouth, Brush Creek, West Union, Hillsborough and Washington. He confides in Finley that he might not be well suited for the work of presiding elder, but resolves to do his best. He asks Finley for clarification regarding charges of mal-administration. Who decides a case -- the chair or the conference? Abstract Number - 102
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
December 25, 1839; Poplar Ridge

McDonald writes to Finley concerning several subjects. Once again, he discusses the origin of morality and its relationship to religion. With regard to the current political scene, both parties (Whigs and Locofocos) want changes, but neither party seems to know what changes need to be made. It is evident that there is an uneasiness among the people that may result in some fearful calamity unless something is done. Rev. David Reed has been well received and is doing a fine job. Finally, McDonald is writing a narrative for the Advocate about the 1789 encounter between Ruhama and Charles Bilderback and the Indians. He has met personally with Ruhama. Abstract Number - 193
Letter from William Neff to James B. Finley

William Neff
July 25, 1840; Cincinnati

William Neff (Methodist Book Concern) writes that a ladies magazine [Ladies' Repository] is to be published soon. It will probably be edited by Brother Hamline. Neff is certain that it will have a large readership and do a lot of good in the world. Rev. Elliott is very anxious to improve the Sunday School Library and has gone to New York for assistance to do this. Neff reports on a recent quarterly meeting held at his church, Wesley Chapel (Cincinnati). Abstract Number - 546
Letter from James Cummings to James B. Finley

James Cummings
October 10, 1840; Xenia

Cummings writes to Finley concerning Dr. Prescott (John S. Prescott?), a lawyer in Xenia who is seeking a new position. Dr. Prescott would like Finley's help in finding a position. He would prefer not to continue the practice of law, but he will if he must to support his family. He appears to desire admission on trial by an M.E. Conference. Cummings mentions a slander case discussed at the 1840 Ohio Annual Conference. He asks Finley to "suspend any judgment in that case until you come to Xenia." Abstract Number - 197
Letter from Stephen F. Conrey to James B. Finley

Stephen F. Conrey
November 02, 1840; Troy

This letter concerns the appointment of the writer to Troy. Conrey evidently did not receive the appointment he wanted, but is satisfied where he is and has great faith in the judgment of Finley, who has given him all but his first appointment. He finds conditions in Troy very bad, and expects to work very hard to try and better them. He invites Finley to attend his first quarterly meeting. Abstract Number - 198
Letter from James B. Finley to David Whitcombe

James B. Finley
January 01, 1841; Germantown

James' letter to Whitcombe after Whitcombe had joined the Masons -- a scathing criticism of such a sacrilegious act and an entreaty to repent. Abstract Number - 627
Letter from William B. Christie to James B. Finley

William B. Christie
February 18, 1841; Urbana

In an attempt to re-establish correspondence, Christie writes of his gratitude to Finley for his help in the past. He is concerned about the possible estrangement between them and wants to make it clear that he has always had great affection for Finley. Christie is in feeble health, and reports that the state of religious feeling is low in Urbana "and in some respects the state of things unpleasant. My labours here seem to make very little impression." Abstract Number - 199
Letter from Samuel A. Latta to James B. Finley

Samuel A. Latta
March 17, 1841; Cincinnati

Latta responds to Finley's "eloquent and learned" letter with delight. His medical practice is going well. He regrets that some in his community are joining the Masons. Abstract Number - 628
Letter from William B. Christie to James B. Finley

William B. Christie
March 29, 1841; Urbana

Christie reports on the success of the recent quarterly meeting at his current appointment -- Urbana. Since that meeting, 125 people have applied to be members on trial and some 50-60 have been converted. The town seems to be ripe for revival. In the midst of this revival fever, the actual members of the church are carrying on "in the midst of feuds and bickerings." The major point of strife is the choir that was formed three years ago. There are two opposing groups -- pro-choir and anti-choir. He mentions the hard work of Presiding Elder, Rev. (Zachariah) Connell. Abstract Number - 200
Letter from Isaac Danes to James B. Finley

Isaac Danes
April 13, 1841; Upper Sandusky

Danes is not in good health. During the last year, several faithful members of the church have died. Summenduwat was murdered by white men "for the sake of a little gain," as was Nancy Coon. There is more danger of the Wyandots selling out than there ever was. Several members have backslidden.[Note: Researchers have differed as to the author's last name -- Dawes, Davis, Dane, Daris, etc.] Abstract Number - 778
Letter from William S. Morrow to James B. Finley

William S. Morrow
May 26, 1841; Bellefontaine

With the approach of the North Ohio Annual Conference, Morrow is torn between staying in the North Ohio Conference or seeking readmission to the Ohio Conference. He seeks Finley's assistance to make the decision. Abstract Number - 1215