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Finley Letters

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Letter from Z. Connell to James B. Finley

Z. Connell
June 04, 1841; Springfield

Connell informs Finley of an important meeting of the Commissioners of Springfield High School and urgently requests his presence. He speaks of a good revival of religion in Springfield and many converted souls. Abstract Number - 202
Letter from Samuel Connor to James B. Finley

Samuel Connor
August 20, 1841; Hamilton

Samuel Conner entered the itinerancy a year ago and is currently in debt after purchasing his horse. He has received $33 this year, but his expenses have been $80. He would like to get out of debt and move to the west, but does not want to leave the itinerant ranks. He asks for Finley's advice. Abstract Number - 203
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
August 28, 1841; Poplar Ridge

Five counties -- Franklin, Pickaway, Ross, Pike and Scioto -- have formed a literary society named the "Logan Historical Society." One of the objects of the Society is to erect a monument in memory of the Mingo Chief Logan, and secondly to collect material for a history of the early pioneers. McDonald has been selected by the Society as editor of the book which will be written. McDonald marvels that he has become an author at 60 years of age, stating that a special providence sent Finley to him. He would never have become an author without the encouragement of Finley. Rev. David Reed continues to have a good ministry among the people. Finally, McDonald is critical of the Ladies Repository because the articles are "rather grave and philosophical" for such a title. Abstract Number - 572
Letter from James B. Finley to Brother Jordan

James B. Finley
November 25, 1841; Germantown

Finley (Presiding Elder, Dayton District) responds to a letter received from Brother Jordan. Finley had recently preached at Jordan's church. Jordan wrote to complain about Finley's sermon, which he interpreted to be pro-slavery. A remark of Finley's was misinterpreted as advocating the abuse of Negroes. Finley writes forcefully that he is not pro-slavery. Because he does not believe in abolitionism, he is frequently slandered as a pro-slavery man. On a second matter, Finley met with the Board of Stewards at the church and was greatly insulted by remarks about the amount of his pay. "I have never been so rudely treated by any set of stewards in my life." Abstract Number - 975
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
March 21, 1842; Poplar Ridge

Their mutual friend, Judge Isaac Cook, has died. Several weeks before his death Cook joined the Methodist Church. McDonald extols Cook's virtues, but doubts that any of his ideas about religion were actually changed when he joined. [Note: Judge Cook was the grandfather of Lucy Webb Hayes.] McDonald states that they are living in an "age of revolution," citing the railroad and steam engine. The temperance revolution is having a major impact, but lacks distinguished orators and leaders. The Logan Historical Society is dead. Abstract Number - 1159
Letter from A.M. Alexander to James B. Finley

A.M. Alexander
June 28, 1842; Gallipolis

A.M. Alexander informs Finley of the death of Brother Isaac C. Hunter, elder from the Marietta District. Hunter died on June 28th after a lingering illness which began as a cold and developed into pleurisy and consumption. The letter contains a description of Rev. Hunter's illness and death, which is to be incorporated into the "memoir" to be read at Conference. Brother Hunter was beloved in this region by all who knew him. Abstract Number - 205
Letter from N.L. McCollack to James B. Finley

N.L. McCollack
July 12, 1842; Bellefontaine

McCollack writes concerning a deed for a piece of land in Indiana. Abstract Number - 206
Letter from David Jordan to James B. Finley

David Jordan
July 29, 1842; Piqua

David Jordan, steward at the Greene Street Methodist Episcopal Church, is very unhappy about the treatment he has received at the hands of Finley, now serving as Presiding Elder of the Dayton District. Finley has accused Jordan of orchestrating a reduction in his salary over the issue of abolitionism. Jordan reminds Finley that the preacher in charge at the time, Solomon Howard, has stated unequivocally that Jordan was not responsible. Jordan hopes this difficulty can be remedied soon. Abstract Number - 207
Letter from W.H. Raper to James B. Finley

W.H. Raper
August 04, 1842; Cincinnati

The Book Committee needs to meet before Conference to discuss important matters, in particular, the fixing of book agent salaries. Raper wants Finley to write to Charles Elliott or himself to let them know what dates are possible. Abstract Number - 208
Letter from H.S. Thomas to James B. Finley

H.S. Thomas
August 20, 1842; New Albany, IN

H.S.Thomas [Hiram Starr Thomas] has been on the road giving lectures on temperance. He was extremely gratified when Finley "signed the pledge" in Germantown, for there is great need of "the religious" in fighting the scourge of alcohol. His purpose in writing is to convince Dayton's presiding elder, Finley, to appoint the right kind of ministers in Warren County, i.e. those who will support the work of temperance. [Note: Sons of Temperance organization in its infancy.] Abstract Number - 1160
Letter from Eli R. Beale & J.W. White to James B. Finley

Eli R. Beale and J.W. White
September 21, 1842; Xenia

Beale reports that his health is greatly improved. He offers to throw himself into Finley's hands "to be used by the Church (if needed) in promoting the salvation of souls." He asks Finley to recommend him to the Conference. Also enclosed is a letter from Rev. John W. White, dated September 22, 1842. [White is appointed to Xenia Station, under the Dayton District presiding elder, James B. Finley]. White believes that the particulars of Mr. Alexander's expulsion have been misrepresented to Finley. He declares that the expulsion was done in strict conformity with the Discipline. White's health is poor but he has no intention of leaving the itinerancy. Abstract Number - 211
Letter from James Whitney to James B. Finley

James Whitney
September 21, 1842; Harmar (Marietta)

James Whitney [master boat builder in Marietta] writes to Finley concerning the location of the next Ohio Annual Conference. A petition has been submitted by the Marietta charge [Centenary Church, Putnam Street] to have the conference held in Marietta. The new meeting house [Centenary] can easily accommodate the entire conference. The brethren of the church would like Finley to wield his influence to make this happen. Finally, members of the congregation would like to see Brother Trimble or Brother Merrick appointed to their charge as pastor. Abstract Number - 209
Letter from James Smith to James B. Finley

James Smith
September 23, 1842; Sidney

Rev. James Smith was appointed to the Fletcher Circuit, Dayton District, at the September 1841 Ohio Annual Conference, along with Philip A. Muchener. Smith writes to Finley (Presiding Elder of the Dayton District) to let him know that he will not be attending the September 28, 1842 Ohio Annual Conference due to his precarious health. He and his family have experienced a year of severe physical afflictions. Smith suggests that a superannuated relation might be appropriate at this time. Abstract Number - 212
Letter from Samuel Pettit to James B. Finley

Samuel Pettit
September 25, 1842; Piqua

Pettit sends a second letter to Dayton Presiding Elder James B. Finley, begging him not to return Rev. William Young to the Piqua station for another year. "I do hope he may be put on a pair of saddle bags and try the circuit somewhere." Young is a definite mismatch for Piqua. "Please send us a good sound Methodist preacher." Abstract Number - 214
Letter from Samuel Pettit to James B. Finley

Samuel Pettit
September 25, 1842; Piqua

Samuel Pettit of the Piqua station writes to James B. Finley, Presiding Elder of the Dayton District. Pettit is adamant that Rev. William Young should not be returned to Piqua for another year. He alleges that Young took pay from members in an underhanded way. Piqua needs a "real Methodist preacher," neither an abolitionist or a party man, and not a "proud vain dandy." If this abolitionist preacher is returned to the Piqua charge, Pettit will withdraw his membership. He begs Finley to save the station from destruction. Abstract Number - 213
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
December 25, 1842; Poplar Ridge

McDonald has been reading Richard Watson's Theological Institutes and is confused by Watson's arguments about the doctrine of the Trinity. Watson appears to be talking about three separate Jehovahs, three independent and separate gods. McDonald argues that this goes against the usual understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity as one god in three. McDonald discusses skepticism as different from atheism, and the possibility of morality being separate from religion. The temperance cause continues to flourish. All of his children, grandchildren and sons-in-law have joined the "cold water army." Abstract Number - 1161
Letter from Thomas L. Hamer to James B. Finley

Thomas L. Hamer
February 13, 1843; Georgetown

Hon. Thomas L. Hamer (lawyer) expresses appreciation for the letter of advice and counsel he recently received from Finley. He speaks with regret about his withdrawal from the local Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife "withdrew quietly" due to problems which are not named. But he says they are as much Methodist as they ever were. He is not satisfied with his spiritual life, but still has "hope that reaches beyond the grave" and hopes to "reach the haven of rest beyond this vale of tears" and to meet there "you, my elder worthy brother." Abstract Number - 215
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
February 23, 1843; Eaton

John writes that Eliza's health is better. He plans to visit Finley's quarterly meeting if possible. Abstract Number - 216
Letter from Squire Gray Eyes to James B. Finley

Squire Gray Eyes
May 20, 1843; Upper Sandusky

Squire Gray Eyes (Wyandot Chief and class leader) reports that religion has prospered among the Wyandots. Between fifty and sixty new members have joined the church. The Wyandots are making preparations to move to the west. He would like Finley to come and visit them before they leave. He suggests that the first Saturday and Sunday in June would be the most desirable time, since this will be their last quarterly meeting in the state of Ohio and it will be a farewell meeting. Many of their white friends will see them for the last time at this meeting. Abstract Number - 218
Letter from Werter R. Davis to James B. Finley

Werter R. Davis
August 16, 1843; West Rushville, Fairfield County

Werter R. Davis writes to Finley in his capacity as President of the Executive Committe of the Robert's High School, located in West Rushville, Fairfeld County, Ohio. Davis invites Finley to serve on an Educational Committee of 23 members. Abstract Number - 1228
Letter from A.W. Musgrove & John B. Peat to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove and John B. Peat
November 01, 1843; Dayton

Rev. Musgrove writes to Finley affirming the appropriateness of his continued appointment in Dayton, though he is sorry not to be serving in Finley's district. [Musgrove is a Local Preacher serving under Rev. William Herr. He and Herr have been organizing the Finley Chapel]. Musgrove declares his staunch loyalty to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in spite of offers from other denominations. John B. Peat is staying overnight with Musgrove and writes his own letter to "Uncle Finley" on the same sheet of stationery. [Peat is married to Finley's niece, Lavina Finley]. Peat is pleased with the recent appointment of Rev. David Reed to his home congregation -- the Asbury MEC in Cincinnati. He reports that members of the congregation are beginning to be troubled by "True Wesleyans." [Wesleyan Methodist Church, breakaway denomination founded in 1841 over the issues of slavery and church governance]. Abstract Number - 798
Letter from Samuel Pettit to James B. Finley

Samuel Pettit
December 18, 1843; Piqua

Samuel Pettit and his wife write a news-filled letter to Finley. The Piqua charge is now united and being served by a first rate Methodist preacher, Brother Dimmitt (Jacob G. Dimmitt). Though Pettit is sure that Finley has heard the news about Parker Finley's death (Samuel Parker Finley, son of Rev. John Patterson Finley and Sarah/Sally Strain), he and Mrs. Pettit provide details about his sad demise in Piqua from pleurisy. The Seceders (Scottites) no longer cause trouble. They have all withdrawn and have organized a new church. The Piqua charge is much better off without these people. Abstract Number - 217
Letter from Samuel Williams to James B. Finley

Samuel Williams
January 01, 1844; Cincinnati

Samuel Williams writes to the presiding elder of the Zanesville District, James B. Finley, on behalf of his friend Rev. William J. Ellsworth. Ellsworth has completed a 2 year appointment at Zanesville Station. Williams and other friends of Ellsworth would like him transferred to the Cincinnati District if possible. In a postscript, Williams tells Finley that this request is being made without Ellsworth's knowledge. Abstract Number - 228
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Charles Elliott
January 09, 1844; Cincinnati

Finley would like to see Elliott become a bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been putting forth Elliott's name. Elliott is very surprised at this, but lets Finley know in no uncertain terms that he is not qualified to be a bishop. Elliott then discusses his plans for travel to General Conference. He and Brother Hamline might travel early in order to spend time in Philadelphia learning about the operations of the Sunday School Union, and would like Finley to join them. Abstract Number - 221
Letter from J.W. White to James B. Finley

J.W. White
January 14, 1844; Chillicothe

Rev. John White writes about conditions in the city of Chillicothe. [Appointed to Eastern Charge of Chillicothe, Chillicothe District. George C. Crum is appointed to the Western Charge]. White reports that he and Crum are "hard at work fighting the devil." Conditions in the town are appalling -- alcohol consumption, breaking of the Sabbath, blasphemy, etc. It is a "sin sickened city." Members of the churches are not much better behaved. Every sort of evil is being practiced. White is critical of the Catholic "factory" in town, where sins are forgiven for "a sixpence." There is a definite class difference in town -- the "aristocracy" and the "second class." Abstract Number - 222