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Finley Letters

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Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
June 22, 1846; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson Charles writes that he had every intention of accepting the position in Columbus, but was taken by an attack of ague and intermittent fever which made it impossible for him to travel. Moreover, the citizens of his town absolutely refused to let him leave the school, as he had begun another quarter. Abstract Number - 271
Letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley

George W. Walker
June 23, 1846; Cincinnati

Rev. George W. Walker writes to put Finley "on guard" about a troublesome situation. Bishop Soule has taken exception to Dr. Elliott's assertion that he left the Methodist Episcopal Church under charges. Soule contacted Elliott to learn who his source was. Elliott provided Finley's name as the authority. It is Elliott's understanding that Finley wrote to Soule threatening to prefer charges against him. Walker hopes that Finley can clarify what actually happened. [Bishop Soule was instrumental in founding the MEC South, presiding at the May 1845 Louisville conference which declared the MECS as a separate denomination. At the first General Conference of the MECS in May of 1846, Soule declares his formal affiliation with the new denomination and is received as one of its bishops]. Abstract Number - 819
Letter from Nelson F. Emery to James B. Finley

Nelson F. Emery
June 28, 1846; Delaware

Nelson F. Emery is attending Ohio Wesleyan University and speaks well of it. He would like to continue his studies but does not have the money to continue. He asks Finley if there is a vacancy at the prison where he can work. He hopes that after working a year he can go ahead with his studies. Abstract Number - 1045
Letter from Samuel Maddux to James B. Finley

Samuel Maddux
June 28, 1846; Buffalo, Mason County, VA

Rev. Samuel Maddux (1818-1851) has been studying the doctrine of endless punishment for many years. He has proposed written correspondence with Universalist preacher M.L. Edwards on the subject. Before this can happen, Edwards needs a scholarly recommendation for him. Maddux asks Finley to provide this recommendation. [Note: Samuel Maddux was a member of the Ohio Conference appointed to Point Pleasant in the Kanawha District at the time this letter was written. In 1851, the Methodist Book Concern published his book -- The Doctrine of Future Punishment Philological and Theologically Established]. Abstract Number - 272
Letter from Joshua Clarke to James B. Finley

Joshua Clarke
July 12, 1846; Rencellaer, IN (Jasper County)

Clarke writes that he is pleased to hear that Finley has been appointed to the chaplaincy of the state prison. He bewails the changes that have taken place in the Church since they last met. He discusses Bishop Joshua Soule -- "Soule may talk & wright as much as he pleases about princible, but if he has much of the princible of Christ as we thought he once had he would have suffred as much as Human Nature is able to suffer before he would have rent the Body of Christ in two & I believe he could have saved it if he would." He mentions a preacher sent by Conference who did more harm than good by turning out many faithful members. Abstract Number - 195
Letter from R. McMund to James B. Finley

R. McMund
July 14, 1846; Piqua

McMund writes to Finley concerning the prisoner Robert Sanders. He would like Finley to send him a letter listing the details of the case against Sanders -- the prisoner's own statement and that of the state. Abstract Number - 273
Letter from Swormstedt & Mitchell to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Mitchell
July 16, 1846; Cincinnati

Mitchell looks forward to seeing Finley when he comes to Cincinnati to pick up the books he ordered for the prison library. He encloses a receipt for $79.75, Finley's payment for the ordered books. Swormstedt is attending the Pittsburgh Conference but should be home by the start of next week. Mitchell expresses the Book Concern's desire to help the unfortunate men under Finley's care at the State Prison. Abstract Number - 574
Letter from James B. Finley to Werter R. Davis

James B. Finley
July 18, 1846; Columbus

James says that he received Davis' letter of the 15th. He has no doubt that Davis could have served well at any station in the district, but is sorry to hear Davis claim that a "fat station" is due him. James advises that it is not the spirit of the Methodist itinerancy to fix on a place for one's labor, but rather, to accept the appointments one is given. According to Finley this letter is a "duplicate on an important subject", in other words, a copy preserved for future use. Abstract Number - 274
Letter from James B. Brooke & M.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

James B. Brooke and M.F. Brooke
July 20, 1846; Hagerstown, IN

Grandson James warns Finley that he should take care of his health since he is no longer a young man. He apologizes for not having written sooner and then writes news of the family (wife is Margaret Fisher Brooke). Many have suffered from bilious attacks but are generally well now. He plans to go home about the first of April. Abstract Number - 275
Letter from Joseph Newson & Joseph Carper to James B. Finley

Joseph Newson and Joseph Carper
July 21, 1846; Thornville

Joseph Newson and Joseph Carper are both serving the Thornville Circuit (Zanesville District). The two preachers write to Finley requesting that he attend the last quarterly meeting of the year, to be held in August. Abstract Number - 276
Letter from Werter R. Davis to James B. Finley

Werter R. Davis
July 27, 1846; Rushville

Davis writes to his "father in the Gospel" (Finley) and is grateful that Finley has been satisfied with his recent work. He feels that many presiding elders of the Ohio Conference have not thought he was worthy of their confidence, and have not given him good appointments. He speaks of his "odious lot" and talks of others getting the "fat places." He lists several men who have been favored more than himself. Among them is George C. Crume who, out of 14 appointments, has received nine stations. Davis claims that he should have better positions in the Conference. Abstract Number - 278
Letter from R.M. Hannah to John Meloy

R.M. Hannah
July 27, 1846; Eaton

Asa Meloy forwards a letter from Mr. Hannah to his incarcerated son John Meloy. In a brief note on the back of the letter, Asa asks Finley to urge the governor to take up the case of executive clemency for his son John. In the forwarded letter Mr. Hannah lets John know that he recently talked with Finley, who has agreed to bring Meloy's case before the governor. Abstract Number - 277
Letter from James B. Finley to Samuel Arminius Latta

James B. Finley
July 28, 1846; Columbus

This morning I received the first issue of your paper and I suppose to try to harass my mind with things which you will say about me, and I say now to you, I want you to send me no more. I have lost all confidence in you as an honorable man. You have treated me badly as the best and finest friend you ever had and I look upon ingratitude as the worst exhibition of the human heart. I want nothing to do with you and all you can say about me. I know you will not injure me for we are both known in this community. I want no controversy with you and I hope you may yet have gratitude enough just to let me be at peace. I can do the same with you. All the arguments you could use in a life time if it should as long as Mathesolus will not change my mind. I am your much injured and maltreated friend. Abstract Number - 280
Letter from William Gunckel to James B. Finley

William Gunckel
July 28, 1846; Germantown

Gunckel has been appointed by the Germantown ME Board of Trustees to reply to a letter recently received from Finley, requesting that he be released from fund raising for the new Germantown MEC building. Gunckel declares that the Board cannot release Finley from the obligation. Finley promised to raise the money and the Trustees expect him to fulfill his promise. The Board wishes to avoid litigation and unpleasant feelings regarding this matter. Abstract Number - 279
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
August 03, 1846; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson speaks about efforts made to procure a charter for the Lafayette Division of the Sons of Temperance. He then asks Finley to go into a partnership with him in a hat and cap business he wants to establish. He assures Finley as to the soundness of his investment and agrees to buy out his share, if after a trial Finley is not satisfied. Abstract Number - 283
Letter from P.A. Mutchner to James B. Finley

P.A. Mutchner
August 05, 1846; Jacksontown

Mutchner writes to the presiding elder of the Zanesville District, James B. Finley. He tells Finley that he would like to be reappointed to the Hebron Circuit because he has unfinished business to complete, including building the new meeting house in Kirkersville. However, Stephen Conrey thinks Mutchner should succeed him on the Franklinton Circuit, a prospect which appeals greatly to him. Abstract Number - 284
Letter from David Patten to James B. Finley

David Patten
August 06, 1846; Findlay

Patten (Patton) has received Finley's inquiry about the land of Moses B. Walker. Patten visited the auditor, but he could find only one land holding for Moses B. Walker -- 60 acres in Union Township, Hancock County, Range 9. Patten asks Finley to provide more detailed information. Once he has the correct location for the land, he will happily have Finley's deed recorded and sent on to him. Abstract Number - 285
Letter from Benjamin Ellis to James B. Finley

Benjamin Ellis
August 09, 1846; Alexandria

Ellis reports that his health is improving. He reports to Finley (Presiding Elder of Zanesville District) that he is having difficulty with his colleague assigned to the Granville Circuit. R. Doughty is not visiting "delynquent'' members. Some of the members believe that Doughty ought not to be traveling a circuit at all, and that he would be better off as a Local Preacher. Ellis tells Finley that he bears no ill will against Doughty. Abstract Number - 851
Letter from Jonathan Lyon to James B. Finley

Jonathan Lyon
August 12, 1846; New York

A letter from the father of a boy in prison. Lyon gratefully acknowledges the kindness and sympathy of Finley and asks for information about his son. Abstract Number - 1046
Letter from J.W. Stone to James B. Finley

J.W. Stone
August 13, 1846; Newark, Ohio

Rev. J.W. Stone has completed the second year of his appointment to Newark. He will be leaving "the dear people of Newark" in a few days, and is feeling great sadness about it. "I have become more strongly attached to the people, and they to me." He shares personal news concerning his family. Abstract Number - 297
Letter from Leroy Hamisfar to James B. Finley

Leroy Hamisfar
August 16, 1846; Somerset

Leroy Hamisfar writes that he has been ill but is now better. There is currently a four day camp meeting going on at Judge Wilson's Camp Grounds. Leroy has just returned from Iowa and reports some disappointment about the lack of wood and poor quality water there. His Uncle W.B. Delany died last April in Harrison County. His death was caused by a "disease almost resembling hydrophobia." Abstract Number - 286
Letter from Mordecai Bartley to James B. Finley

Mordecai Bartley
August 17, 1846; Mansfield

Gov. Bartley discusses a Mr. Glascock who is at present in a prison hospital, sick and despondent -- convicted for life. He is to be released, however, before the year is out. Abstract Number - 1047
Letter from P.A. Mutchner to James B. Finley

P.A. Mutchner
August 18, 1846; Jacksontown

Mutchner writes to the presiding elder of the Zanesville District, James B. Finley. He has just taken his last trip around the Hebron Circuit and says he would like to be returned to this circuit for another year. Several of the churches on the circuit are preparing petitions requesting his return. Mutchner does not approve of this methodology because it seems too much like Radicalism. Abstract Number - 287
Letter from B.W. Chidlaw to James B. Finley

B.W. Chidlaw
August 19, 1846; Cleves

Chidlaw begins by praising Finley for the great work he is doing as chaplain of the prison. He then asks if Finley would accept a library of 100 books published by the American Sunday School Union. If so, he should write soon. Chidlaw asks for a few words about the prison Sunday School -- the number of pupils and teachers, the utility of religious and moral reading among the convicts. Abstract number - 1048
Letter from Thomas Dickerson to James B. Finley

Thomas Dickerson
August 22, 1846; Harrison County

Dickerson has just recovered from a severe attack of dysentery. He is very glad to hear that Finley has taken a stand against slavery. Dickerson asks Finley to write soon for he does not expect to live much longer. Abstract Number - 820