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Finley Letters

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Letter from Hannah Finley Hough to James B. Finley

Hannah Finley Hough
March 14, 1845; Shelby County, IN

Finley's sister Hannah Finley Hough (Huff), tells about the settlement of her husband Joseph's will. She asks Finley to come see her as soon as possible and help her decide the future. She expects him to preach the funeral sermon for her husband. Abstract Number - 230
Letter from James B. Finley to Bishop Soule

James B. Finley
April 01, 1845;

Bishop Soule you are hereby notifyed that a charge will be preferred against you as Bishop of the Methodist Episcople Church for Improper Conduct.

Specification 1st -- In calling officially on James O. Andrew to exercise the office of a Bishop in said church in contervention of the act of the General Conference in his case.

Sp. 2 -- In disregarding the decition of the Collage of Bishops in his case.

Sp. 3 -- In betraying the trust committed to you in carrying out their decition which you were in honor and honesty bound to do.

Sp. 4 -- In betraying your high trust in the Episcopate in the ME Church by aiding and abetting in a secession from said church by your general course and the low scurillous letters you wrote for publication.

Sp. 5 -- By using language bordering on the prophain declaring that your principles were as firm as the throne of God thereby professing an infallability whitch does not belong to man.

You are hereby notifyed that you will be called upon to answer to this charge and these specifications at the next General Conference of the Methodist Episcople Church.

April 1845

J.B. Finley

Abstract Number - 155
Letter from S.P. Hildreth to James B. Finley

S.P. Hildreth
April 02, 1845; Marietta

Hildreth again asks Finley to send the book History of the Indian Tribes (Heckewelder) to him. Abstract Number - 849
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
April 03, 1845; Milford

Marley (Marlay) is very grateful for Finley's friendship. He remembers when Finley gave him his first license to preach. Marley still believes that there will be no geographical division of the denomination, but acknowledges that they will know more after the Louisville Convention. He tells Finley that Samuel A. Latta (southern sympathies) holds Finley in high regard, even though there is strong disagreement between them. Marley agrees with Finley that proslaveryism and abolitionism are "German cousins." Abstract Number - 806
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
May 15, 1845; Milford

Marley (Marlay) writes because he feels Finley should be informed of present circumstances. The delegates to the famous Convention now in session in Louisville, Kentucky passed through Cincinnati. While there, Dr. William Capers exhibited a letter supposedly written by Finley in 1839. Marley quotes parts of the letter indicating that Finley is in favor of Southern Methodism. Marley thinks it is probably a forgery, but advises Finley to keep an equal distance from both proslaveryism and abolitionism. Abstract Number - 807
Letter from W. Langard to James B. Finley

W. Langard
May 22, 1845; Cincinnati

Rev. Langard writes to Finley concerning the recent decision by southern members of the MEC to form a separate organization. It is his understanding that permanent organization will take place in May. He reports that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church is meeting in Cincinnati and has passed a resolution stating that baptism by the Church of Rome is not a valid or Christian baptism, meaning that all converts from that community must be re-baptized. The Presbyterian Assembly has "passed over the issue of slavery," calling for the kindness of masters to slaves, and the obedience of slaves to their masters. This is in stark contrast to the MEC, which has argued vociferously about the evils of slavery, leading to a division into two separate organizations. Abstract Number - 808
Letter from Evan Stephenson to James B. Finley

Evan Stephenson
July 24, 1845; Georgetown, KY, Pilgrims Retreat

Rev. Evan Stephenson (Stevenson) writes to Finley concerning his views on slavery and the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is currently editor of a newspaper in Georgetown, KY. (Christian Intelligencer, Methodist version). Stevenson is extremely upset about the secession of the MEC South and its pro-slavery stance. He reports that he is determined to stay with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and refers to slavery as a "scathing burning curse." He regrets that he ever witnessed the evil of slavery. Stevenson has come to the area to take care of the slaves owned by his recently deceased father. He is unable to free them until the debts of his father's estate have been liquidated. [Note: Mentions Jane Taylor, aunt of his wife Lydia Boggs Stevenson]. Abstract Number - 809
Letter from Samuel A. Latta to James B. Finley

Samuel A. Latta
August 01, 1845; Cincinnati

In this letter, Latta vehemently denies a charge made against him by Finley in the last issue of the Western Christian Advocate. Finley accuses Latta of orchestrating the publication of a letter he once sent ("southern letter" to Jacky Bradley, supposedly sympathetic to the south). Latta considers Finley to be one of his best friends and is deeply hurt and perplexed by Finley's accusations. Abstract Number - 549
Letter from William M. Finley to James B. Finley

William M. Finley
August 03, 1845; Trenton, IA

William was very glad to hear from James, and still remembers and respects him. Land at Trenton, Iowa is of the best quality and is at a low price. For awhile, William had thought so much about getting rich that he had almost forgotten God. He took a trip up the Missouri River in June and at St. Louis he attended a lecture on the possible division of the M.E. Church. William would like Uncle James to find out the price of sheep around Germantown. He is considering raising sheep. William talks about his siblings John P. and Elizabeth. Abstract Number - 978
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
August 04, 1845; Madison, IN

Eddy writes that the Indiana Conference will meet on October 8,1845. He praises Finley for his attempts to sustain long cherished institutions. He reports that the last meeting of the Book Committee was one of great feeling. He advises Finley to elect members to the committee who favor the Methodist Episcopal Church. Abstract Number - 810
Letter from Leroy Swormstedt to James B. Finley

Leroy Swormstedt
August 08, 1845; Cincinnati

Swormstedt acknowledges receipt of Finley's letter. He reports that he is on his way to the western conferences and will be gone for two months and will not be able to attend the Ohio Conference. Swormstedt exclaims that the Church is in an "awful fix." Abstract Number - 232
Letter from Charles C. Hood to James B. Finley

Charles C. Hood
August 12, 1845; Washington, PA

Charles C. Hood writes to Finley (Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District). He believes that the Somerset congregation (Perry County, OH) needs a "plain old fashioned Methodist preacher." Abstract Number - 231
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
August 13, 1845; Chillicothe

Reed acknowledges his uncle's letter and deeply regrets that he cannot come to him -- but only two Sundays are left before Conference. He provides moral support to Finley in his dealings with the MECS, stating that the recently published Finley letter of 1839, purporting to show a proslavery stance, will do Finley no harm. It will however, disgrace the southerners who were responsible. Abstract Number - 659
Letter from C.W. Rutgers to James B. Finley

C.W. Rutgers
August 18, 1845; Irville

Rutgers submits a report to Finley (Presiding Elder, Zanesville District) concerning the Irville Circuit. The stewards are well satisfied with the work of both Bro. Hamilton (Samuel) and Bro. Lewis (David). They would be happy to have both reappointed for the coming year, but would prefer Hamilton above Lewis. If Finley cannot appoint either one of these preachers, Bro. Harvey (Samuel) would be a good fit for the circuit. Rutgers apologizes on behalf of the circuit for not meeting its quarterage claims. Abstract Number - 233
Letter from J.M. Cheever to James B. Finley

J.M. Cheever
August 19, 1845; Piqua

Cheever answers several questions from Finley concerning the health and whereabouts of family and friends, including James S. Cheever (currently in Lima) and William Cheever (problems in business). He is considering going to Iowa, is definitely planning to go to Conference, and finds himself often confused and in the dark concerning religion. He has many troubles -- at present is about $1600 in debt with no possibility of paying -- but he still has faith. He asks Finley to help and pray for him. Abstract Number - 234
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
August 21, 1845; Milford

Dr. William Capers has evidently published in the Western Christian Advocate an 1839 letter written by Finley purportedly showing Finley's support for Southern Methodism. Marley (Marlay) advises Finley not to be bothered by it. Marley hopes that the upcoming Ohio Conference will be pleasant. He has found a place for Finley to board during the conference. Abstract Number - 235
Letter from Samuel Park to James B. Finley

Samuel Park
August 23, 1845; Pleasant Hill

Samuel Park is serving on the Board of Stewards for the Granville Circuit. He writes to Finley (Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District) in opposition to David Whitcomb's (Presiding Elder, Columbus District) proposed plan to divide the Granville Circuit, whereby Granville and Parks Society would be transferred to Johnstown Circuit. Park prefers that Hebron, Granville and Johnstown Circuits be "thrown together" and made into two circuits. If this can't be done, and there must be a division, he would like to see Parks Society transferred to the Hebron Circuit. Furthermore, circuit divisions are generally recommended by preachers who do not have the best interests of the congregations in mind. Members of the congregations know best if and how circuits ought to be divided. Last but not least, dividing circuits is a major problem for Boards of Stewards. The process of breaking up and reconstituting Boards of Stewards is time consuming and complex, resulting in late payments to preachers, etc. Abstract Number - 236
Letter from W.P. Strickland to James B. Finley

W.P. Strickland
August 24, 1845; Cincinnati

Strickland writes to inform Finley about his assigned housing for the September Ohio Annual Conference to take place in Cincinnati. Finley's host will be A.N. (Adam Nutt) Riddle, Esq., who lives on 8th, between Walnut & Vine, close to the church. Abstract Number - 237
Letter from S.P. Hildreth to James B. Finley

S.P. Hildreth
August 25, 1845; Marietta

Hildreth writes once again to ask Finley to send Heckewelder's book, History of the Indian Tribes. Hildreth needs it because he is writing a county history. Abstract Number - 850
Letter from A.A. Spencer to James B. Finley

A.A. Spencer
August 28, 1845; Granville

Dr. Spencer speaks first of $2.60 owed to Finley (Presiding Elder of Zanesville District) by the Granville Circuit, and his plan to pay it. He then expresses his opposition to the proposed division of the Granville Circuit. The Granville Circuit was recently divided and folks are just adjusting to the changes. Now it is proposed that some of the larger appointments could be removed from the Granville Circuit and replaced by the eastern part of the Johnstown Circuit. Spencer makes it clear that the Granville congregation would prefer to be made a station. Abstract Number - 238
Letter from Samuel F. MacCracken to James B. Finley

Samuel F. MacCracken
September 01, 1845; Lancaster

MacCracken writes to express the wish of the Lancaster Station that Rev. Randolph S. Foster be reappointed for another year. Abstract Number - 239
Letter from P.A. Mutchner to James B. Finley

P.A. Mutchner
September 09, 1845; Mason, Ohio (Warren County)

Rev. Mutchner writes to Finley, Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, concerning some unrest among the Mason (Warren County) church members. He is waiting for the stage and talking with two "principal men" of the Mason congregation, which has 60 members. Half of the members have declared that they will leave the church if Presiding Elder Zechariah Connell is returned as P.E. of the Lebanon District. Furthermore, there is a church below Lebanon on the Monroe Circuit which has resolved not to pay the quarterage for Connell if he is returned to the position. Mutchner feels that Finley needs to know what is going on and wants him to use his influence to prevent Connell from being returned. Abstract Number - 391
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
September 17, 1845; Cincinnati

Michael Marley (Marlay), Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District, writes to Finley, Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District -- "Should the Germantown Circuit agree to take a young man I would be pleased to have your man Shields, and if you will hold him for a few days until I can hear from there, I will inform you and you can write to him." Abstract Number - 240
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
October 29, 1845; Milford

Marley (Marlay) provides a full account of the troubles in Cincinnati following the schism which resulted in the division of the MEC north and south. On the border between Ohio and Kentucky, the Cincinnati churches experienced defections of many members to the MECS. Marley is particularly upset with George W. Maley, who has aligned himself with the MECS, and attempted to create a new MECS society in town, made up of defecting members of existing MEC churches. Many of the "rich men" from Wesley Chapel are now gone. Furthermore, he has taken the Maysville congregation into the Augusta Circuit. Abstract Number - 241
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
November 01, 1845; Pleasant Grove Seminary

Finley's grandson Charles tells of his recent attachment to the Methodist Episcopal Church, his reasons for doing it, the manner in which it was done, and the spiritual benefit already gained by it. He bewails his past sins and describes himself as Finley's "prodigal grandson." Abstract Number - 242