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Finley Letters

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Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
April 16, 1846; Springfield, OH

Simmons is Finley's successor as Presiding Elder of the Urbana District. He writes to let Finley know that the debt on the Ohio Conference High School has been paid. Thus, the property is now "safe." Based on amounts subscribed and expected, he and Brother Heath gave a note for $24 to complete payment. He would now like Finley to make his $5 payment and ask Brother Moody to do the same. The school is doing better than ever, Simmons reports, with more than 100 students enrolled. Abstract Number - 257
Letter from N.C. Coffin to James B. Finley

N.C. Coffin
April 17, 1846; Jacksontown (Licking County)

On behalf of Mr. Ransom, Mr. Coffin sends Finley a requested recipe for an unnamed medicine. Abstract Number - 258
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
April 17, 1846; Lawrenceburg, IN

Eddy reports how much the Lawrenceburg church has grown. 600 people wish to attend the services but there is only room for 375. The congregation has raised $7,000 to build a new church during the summer. Eddy also mentions that the "Church South have showed their love for their old friends in the North...especially in Wood County, Virginia, by indicting Uncle Charley and the Western Christian Advocate! What an argument, this, to enable them to carry out the benevolent system of perpetual slavery, which they have so zealously promoted for two years past." Eddy wishes to leave the Indiana Conference and return to this former circuit (old Miami) in the Ohio Conference and asks Finley's advice on the matter. Abstract Number - 817
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
April 17, 1846; Lithopolis

Musgrove writes that even though Finley has not written to him in six years, he still loves him. He looks upon Finley as his "second father." Musgrove wants Finley to write and write often. He congratulates Finley upon his appointment as chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary. Abstract Number - 1040
Letter from James F. McAdow to James B. Finley

James F. McAdow
April 18, 1846; Chillicothe

James expresses regret (in a teasing way) that Finley has "come to so bad an end" as to be at the State Penitentiary. McAdow would like Finley to officiate at his wedding in late May. The letter concerns possible arrangements for the ceremony. James asks Finley to keep the wedding a secret. Abstract Number - 1041
Letter from Charles W. Hamisfar & Katherine Hamisfar to James B. Finley

Charles W. Hamisfar and Katherine Hamisfar
April 20, 1846;

Enclosed with this letter is a duplicate of the letter sent to the Hamisfars, Charles W. (1788-1855) & Katherine, from their son Leroy telling about his experiences. Abstract Number - 259
Letter from Francis A. Morrison to James B. Finley

Francis A. Morrison
April 21, 1846;

Morrison met Brother David Young on the way to Columbus and he requested that Morrison ask Finley to preach the dedication of the new church at Summerford six weeks from Sunday. If Finley is unable to come, could he please ask Brother Moody to come in his place? Abstract Number - 260
Letter from Joseph Newson to James B. Finley

Joseph Newson
April 23, 1846; Thornville

Rev. Newson writes to inquire about Finley's new position as chaplain of the Ohio State Penitentiary. [Finley was released from his position as Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District on March 23, 1846]. Newson is very anxious to see how things are going with the new job. He has just learned that Brother Young will be replacing Finley as P.E. and is very glad to hear it. He and his colleagues will "feel safer in the Old King's (David Young) hands" than with a younger man. Abstract Number - 261
Letter from Nathan Massie to James B. Finley

Nathan Massie
May 02, 1846; Chillicothe

Massie met with folks last night to discuss the guest list for the celebration on the 20th. He asks Finley to send him the names and addresses of all the "old settlers." He invites Finley and his wife to stay with him during the celebration. Abstract Number - 262
Letter from James F. McAdow and Malinda Kopp to James B. Finley

James F. McAdow and Malinda Kopp
May 06, 1846; Chillicothe

James F. McAdow and his fiance Malinda Kopp (Ropp, Rupp) reply to Finley's recent letter stating that he cannot officiate at their wedding on May 29th, but is available on May 20th. This doesn't work for James F. because he has school until the 29th. The couple suggests that Finley select any day after the 29th that is convenient for him, and they will be happy. James F. is interested in Finley's work with the prisoners, and would like to visit the prison when he and Malinda come to Columbus for a visit following their wedding. Abstract Number - 1042
Letter from John Davenport and William Leeper to Matthew Simpson James B. Finley

John Davenport and William Leeper
May 08, 1846; Batesville, OH

Davenport and Leeper write to Matthew Simpson inviting him to attend the Summerfield Quarterly Conference on May 30th at St. Paul's Chapel (Monroe County), where they have "some little matters of church reform to submit to our old friends whom we expect to be in attendance." This humorous letter ends with a P.S. "If you would wish a traveling companion we would recommend to your notice our old friend of juvenile memory James B. Finley whom we learn has recently been sent to the penitentiary at Columbus probably for some misdemeanor against Bishop Soule or some other one." Abstract Number - 646
Letter from Thomas Brown to James B. Finley

Thomas Brown
May 10, 1846; Dayton

Brown writes that Dr. J.F. Hibberd has gone to Columbus to attend a medical convention. While in Columbus he wishes to work with Finley to obtain a pardon from the governor for two friends confined to the State Prison last year. Hibberd and many others, including Judge Twain, believe that the men are innocent. Abstract Number - 1043
Letter from Benjamin Ellis to James B. Finley

Benjamin Ellis
May 10, 1846; Alexandria

Ellis has not been well and has thought of resting for a year or so, but he feels no inclination to locate. He reports on the progress of the Granville Circuit. Abstract Number - 263
Letter from F.A. Finley to James B. Finley

F.A. Finley
May 11, 1846; Mechanicsburg

F.A. Finley says that it has been a great while since he he has had the pleasure of hearing from his uncle. He informs James that the family is well except for his father who is failing fast. There are prospects for a good crop. He would like J.B. Finley to visit this summer. Abstract Number - 979
Letter from John Young to James B. Finley

John Young
May 11, 1846; Mechanicsburg

Rev. John W. Young reports that the new chapel in Summerford (on the National Pike, 25 miles from Columbus) will be dedicated the first Sunday in June. Young invites Finley to preach the dedication sermon. Abstract Number - 264
Letter from P.A. Mutchner to James B. Finley

P.A. Mutchner
May 20, 1846; Jacksontown

Mutchner responds to Finley's letter regarding a previous land trade (Germantown farm) between them. Evidently Mutchner is in arrears on his payment. Finley has proposed that Mutchner settle the issue by paying $48. Mutchner writes back sheepishly to tell Finley he can only afford to pay $20. Abstract Number - 265
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
May 29, 1846; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson Charles has just recovered from an attack of bilious fever. He asks his grandfather Finley about the probability of getting a good job in Columbus, in which case he plans to quit teaching school. He mentions some excitement in his section as volunteers are sought for service in the Mexican War. Abstract Number - 266
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
June 02, 1846; Milford

Marley (Marlay) writes in support of Finley's work as chaplain at the Ohio Penitentiary. He has complete faith in Finley's abilities, but is uncertain that the prisoners are actually capable of redemption. Marley has completed his third round on the district and things are still moving along in Kentucky. He pontificates about the MEC South General Conference which has just taken place in Petersburg, VA, bewailing the morally inconsistent stance of a pro-slavery episcopacy. He mentions Soule Chapel in Cincinnati, the southern church established by Rev. G.W. Maley. Abstract Number - 1044
Letter from Moses B. Walker to James B. Finley

Moses B. Walker
June 02, 1846; Germantown

Moses B. Walker has received Finley's concerned letter. Yes, he did agree to pay the taxes on the land in Hancock County that Finley purchased from him. No, the payment has not yet been made. He and his brother George have written several letters to their agent to resolve some confusion over paid and unpaid taxes. Moses reassures Finley that he does still intend to pay, even if it costs $500. He asks Finley to wait patiently and the taxes will eventually be paid. Abstract Number - 267
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
June 06, 1846; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson Charles would like to know more about the job Finley has found for him in a Columbus dry-goods store. He is teaching school and insists on finishing out the term before leaving for Columbus. He asks repeatedly for an immediate answer from Finley. Abstract Number - 268
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
June 08, 1846; Zanesville

Young writes to find out how Finley is doing with his new "congregation." [Finley was recently released from his duties as Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District to assume the chaplaincy at the Ohio Penitentiary]. Young talks about traveling the Zanesville District as a temporary replacement for Finley. He is having difficulty getting completely around the district, but will try to finish the 4th round, beginning at Granville. His wife is very feeble. Abstract Number - 902
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
June 09, 1846; Pleasant Hill

A Volunteer Company, organized by Hawkins, has left for Texas. Brooke notes several facts about conditions on the farm, and mentions the possibility of Finley's going to England to the World Convention. Abstract Number - 269
Letter from J.S. Prescott to James B. Finley

J.S. Prescott
June 09, 1846; Xenia

Prescott has decided to quit his law practice and enter the traveling ministry. He would like to be admitted on trial at the Rock River Conference in the fall and wants Finley to give him a recommendation. He already has promises of references from Brother Hamline, Brother Raper, and his quarterly conference. [Note: Prescott was admitted on trial to the Rock River Conference on August 12,1846. He was admitted in full connection to the Wisconsin Conference in 1848]. Abstract Number - 270
Letter from J. Carper to James B. Finley

J. Carper
June 20, 1846; Jack Town, OH

Carper invites Finley to visit him -- "No Methodist preacher would be more gladly seen at our cottage." He would like to spend an evening with Finley talking about the MEC South -- the sect that has "gone in for slave holding Bishops." Abstract Number - 818
Letter from Swormstedt & Mitchell to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Mitchell
June 20, 1846; Cincinnati

In accordance with Finley's request, Dr. Guard, bearer of this letter, was given a tour of the Book Concern. As per Finley's request concerning the purchase of library books for the prison, Swormstedt agrees to supply books from the Book Concern catalog at cost (what they pay the New York Book Concern). Finley can send a list of desired books or the Concern can make the selection. Abstract Number - 573