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Finley Letters

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Letter from A. Riddle & Elizabeth Riddle to James B. Finley

A. Riddle and Elizabeth Riddle
November 04, 1845; Cincinnati

Mr. and Mrs. Riddle write to let Finley know what is happening with the Cincinnati churches with regard to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Members from several MEC churches have withdrawn to form the Vine Street society under Rev. Sehon and Rev. Maley, with the hope of becoming part of the southern church -- 50 from Wesley Chapel, 15 from Morris Chapel, 12 from Asbury, 6 from 9th St. charge, and 3 from Ebenezer. Thankfully, there have been no withdrawals from the Bethel congregation, currently well served by Rev. White. Riddle states that the Vine Street congregation will not be received into the MECS because it can't be done "without violating the whole Plan." He does not believe the society will last long. [Note: The Vine Street society did vote to go with the MECS, becoming Soule Chapel in the Covington District of the Kentucky MECS Conference. In 1846, E.W. Sehon and Samuel E.Latta are listed as the appointed pastors.]. Abstract Number - 811
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
November 12, 1845; Cincinnati

Joseph Trimble is currently appointed to Wesley Chapel in Cincinnati. He is distraught about the behavior of Rev. Sehon (Edmund W.) and Rev. Maley (George W.), both of whom have transferred to the newly formed Kentucky Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Sehon has purchased the old Baptist church building on Sycamore between 5th and 6th, planning to organize an MECS congregation. In fact, both men expect to be stationed by the Kentucky MECS Conference in Cincinnati. Sehon has been boasting that Wesley Chapel (Trimble's appointment) "must go down." Her doors must be closed and the congregation taken for the southern church. "If falsehood & slander & deceit can make a good cause they have it." Trimble has lost all confidence in George Maley as an honest man, declaring that the MEC is "well rid of him." Abstract Number - 243
Letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley

George W. Walker
December 30, 1845; Cincinnati

Rev. George W. Walker writes to Finley to get his recollections about the settlement of affairs between Dr. Latta, Dr. Elliott, and himself, at the 1845 Ohio Conference in Cincinnati. [Settlement involved charges against Dr. Latta brought by Finley. Latta accused Finley of writing a "proslavery letter" in 1839]. Dr. Latta has published a letter in the Richmond Christian Advocate insinuating malfeasance by Walker and Elliott at a settlement meeting held in the basement during Conference. Walker intends to submit his own version of the meeting to the Western Christian Advocate. After the meeting, Walker described the conversation to Finley in great detail. Walker needs Finley's testimony about that description. Walker understood that a settlement had been reached by which no charges would be brought against Latta, and that the parties would work things out among themselves. He was thus surprised to see Latta's critical article in the Richmond Christian Advocate. Abstract Number - 245
Letter from D. Chamberlain & Co. to James B. Finley

D. Chamberlin
January 01, 1846; Boston

An advertisement for a new hotel in Boston -- Adams House. Abstract Number - 506
Letter from Charles W. Hamisfar to James B. Finley

Charles W. Hamisfar
January 01, 1846; Somerset

Charles W. Hamisfar (1788-1855) encloses Josiah Lovett's notes. You will be so kind as to place them in the hands of the proper official for collection. P.S. Since you left, we have not received any information whatever from Leroy (son). We had anticipated a letter long before this time and I suppose in consequence of the river being closed up, the mail cannot pass with that speed on land -- Believe that to be the reason for not getting a letter. Our family is well, hoping this will find you enjoying the same blessing. Abstract Number - 248
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
January 01, 1846; Poplar Ridge

McDonald argues that the various systems of theology around the word are filled with "superstitions and absurd dogmas." In his opinion, religion consists of moral, virtuous and charitable actions, and the "knowledge of the existence of God is innate in the human mind." The Bible contains "absurd superstitions." The writers all believed in astrology, charms, magic, ghosts & witchcraft. All of these beliefs have grown obsolete in countries where science and rational knowledge prevail. He is very proud that the American framing fathers proclaimed the inalienable rights of men and the right to free exercise of thought with regard to social, religious, and political matters. Rev. Webster has been preaching on the Frankfort Circuit. Abstract Number - 291
Letter from A. Truesdale to James B. Finley

A. Truesdale
January 01, 1846;

Truesdale writes to ask Finley whether he had said or done anything to injure Brother Sehon. He believes that Finley seems to have misunderstood the nature of a previous conversation in which Brother Sehon commented on Truesdale's "mathematicks and prophetic spirit." Truesdale let the remark pass and forgot about it. He loves Brother Sehon as much as ever but will await Finley's advice about how to proceed. [Note: Date of letter is uncertain]. Abstract Number - 525
Letter from Moses B. Walker to James B. Finley

Moses B. Walker
January 05, 1846; Cincinnati

Moses B. Walker, brother of George W. Walker, has learned that Finley intends to travel to Hancock County to see his land. Moses wants Finley to know that he has not yet paid the taxes on the land Finley bought from him. If Finley sees fit to pay the taxes while in Hancock County, Moses will repay him. Abstract Number - 249
Letter from Samuel Brown to James B. Finley

Samuel Brown
January 06, 1846; Charleston, VA

The writer starts by telling of his almost constant defense of Finley as a non-abolitionist against the southern members of the church. He goes on to report conditions in Charleston. When he returned from Conference he learned the church was to be sold to pay a debt. By hard work this was put off. He mentions a strong southern influence that has to be contended with. Conditions in the church itself are very bad -- no regular attendance, etc. He expresses his hatred of the evils of slavery. Abstract Number - 812
Letter from John Stewart to James B. Finley

John Stewart
January 08, 1846; Salenes, VA

John Stewart, Presiding Elder of the Kanawha District, Ohio Conference, writes to Finley about the conditions of circuits and stations in his district (located in western Virginia). There is a great deal of agitation in these circuits by southern Methodists attempting to recruit members for the MEC South. Stewart is hopeful that a new Western Virginia MEC conference can be formed, and is adamant that such a move would have wide support. Abstract Number - 813
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
January 15, 1846; Milford

Michael Marley (Marlay) writes to let Finley know that the prospects on the Cincinnati District are encouraging. There is a strong spirit of revival in the district, especially at Wesley Chapel. He briefly discusses the Maysville KY lawsuit over property ownership. As P.E. of the Cincinnati District, Marley has been asked to supply a preacher to the Covington KY area, where 8 or 9 appointments are refusing to affiiate with the MEC South. Abstract Number - 251
Letter from Joseph Reece to James B. Finley

Joseph Reece
January 16, 1846; Martinsburg, Knox County

Rev. Reece writes to Finley (Presiding Elder, Zanesville District) asking to become a member of the Ohio Conference. Slave-holding conferences (particularly Missouri Conference) are putting Methodist Episcopal members and preachers in an awkward position. These folks, himself included, cannot in good conscience remain members of slave-holding conferences. Many preachers have had to leave the Missouri Conference for this reason. Reece asks Finley if there are vacant appointments in the Zanesville District for which he might be considered. He sends a copy of his deacon certificate obtained from the Secretary of the Missouri Conference. Reece has not yet been admitted in full connection. Abstract Number - 814
Letter from C.F. & Hannah Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke and Hannah Brooke
February 20, 1846; Pleasant Grove

Finley's grandson Charles is engaged in the work of making sugar. During the summer he intends to lecture on English grammar. He extends an invitation to Finley to visit him as soon as possible. He reports that winter fever has been prevalent and fatal. Snow at present is eighteen inches deep. His sister Hannah reports that school is out and on the evening before a very fine exhibition was presented. She hopes to see Finley soon. Abstract Number - 252
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley & David Young

Charles Elliott
March 02, 1846; Cincinnati

In this letter to Finley, Elliott summarizes communications he has had regarding the Plan of Separation. Elliott received Dr. Bond's article concerning potential reunion of MEC and MECS. He immediately wrote to Bond suggesting that reunion now "would virtually recall all the Church ever did against slavery in the Church" and "acknowledge the correctness of the Southern Movement." Bond wrote to Elliott stating that he agreed with Elliott, and would never compromise concerning the system of slavery. Elliott wrote back to Bond summarizing his current feelings regarding the Plan of Separation. -- The plan is unconstitutional and never adopted, since the Annual Conferences did not confirm the 1844 General Conference plan. [Note: Date of letter erroneously listed as March 20th by past researchers]. Abstract number - 815
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
March 06, 1846; Zanesville

Young encloses Charles Elliott's letter. Since Finley is a commissioner of the General Conference Fund, Young wants him to see it soon. His wife is not well. Abstract Number - 901
Letter from Olive C. Miley to James B. Finley

Olive C. Miley
March 07, 1846; Zanesville

In her husband's absence Mrs. Miley is answering Finley's letter. Her husband, John Miley, left Zanesville for Chillicothe on Monday because of a very urgent invitation. She deferred answering Finley until today in consequence of Bishop Hamline's not arriving as of yet. Brother Cox is still absent and cannot tell the result of matters in Columbus. Abstract Number - 253
Letter from Horatio Cox to James B. Finley

Horatio Cox
March 10, 1846; Zanesville

Cox (one of the directors) sends an official notice of Finley's appointment to the Office of Moral Instructor at the Ohio State Penitentiary. Abstract Number - 1037
Letter from J.W. Stone to James B. Finley

J.W. Stone
March 17, 1846; Newark Ohio

Rev. Stone is writing to the Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, James B. Finley, concerning conditions at the Newark appointment. The congregation is large and class meetings are well attended. The $5.00 quarterage due Finley from the Newark congregation will be forwarded once it is raised. There has been an attempted suicide in town. Stone informs Finley that his trunk is completed and ready to be sent. Abstract Number - 254
Letter from Samuel A. Latta to James B. Finley

Samuel A. Latta
March 18, 1846; Cincinnati

Latta summarizes the compromise made between he and Finley at the 1845 Ohio Annual Conference -- Finley acknowledged that he had been misled when he charged Latta with publishing his "southern letter" to Jacky Bradley [Finley letter supposedly sympathetic to the south]. Finley and Dr. Elliott agreed to print a correction to the accusatory letter in the Western Christian Advocate. Latta asks why the correction has not appeared yet in the Advocate? Abstract Number - 550
Letter from Leonidas Lent Hamline to James B. Finley

L.L. Hamline
March 23, 1846; Xenia

Bishop Hamline releases Finley from the Zanesville District (Presiding Elder) to become moral instructor at the Ohio State Penitentiary. He regrets that Finley must leave his church duties, but due to Finley's ill-health and the distance of the district from his family, Hamline will happily consent to release him. Hamline thanks Finley for suggesting David Young as a substitute for the rest of the year, but he is not sure Young will feel equal to undertaking the work, as he is superannuated and in ill-health. Abstract Number - 1038
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
April 03, 1846; Poplar Ridge

McDonald made a trip to Chillicothe to begin planning the proposed celebration of the city's 50th anniversary. He invites Finley to attend the celebration and "hold confabs" with the citizens. David Reed came to see him and announced that Finley had been "sent to the penitentiary," a joke that scared his wife tremendously. He then explained that Finley was serving as chaplain. The two new preachers on Frankfort Circuit are well liked. However, Rev. Meharry preaches too much hellfire and damnation, and Rev. Webster is too eccentric. Abstract Number - 255
Letter from Josiah Lyons to James B. Finley

Josiah Lyons
April 05, 1846; Chillicothe

A telegram. "Dr. McAdow, senior, deceased. Funeral tomorrow 2 and half o'clock. Inform William Boswell and wife." Abstract Number - 520
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
April 09, 1846; Milford

Marley (Marlay) reports that there is a new church in Covington, KY. Following a contentious quarterly meeting at Maysville, at least 80 members of the coloured society aligned themselves with the northern church. Marley teases Finley about his new position as chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary. Abstract Number - 816
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
April 13, 1846; Akron

Col. Dewey (recently appointed warden at the Ohio Penitentiary, but not yet serving) responds to Finley's request to live in the area of the prison where the warden is housed. Dewey tells Finley that he will make every effort to accommodate Finley's wish, but he does have to consider the housing needs of his own family as well. Abstract Number - 1039
Letter from P.A. Mutchner to James B. Finley

P.A. Mutchner
April 15, 1846; Jacksontown

Mutchner writes to Finley concerning his "money matters." Mutchner owes Finley money for a previous land trade, but is unable to pay it now due to his financial situation. Abstract Number - 256