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Finley Letters

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Letter from Henry Bidleman Bascom, A.L.P. Green & S.A. Latta to James B. Finley

H.B. Bascom, A.L.P. Green, and S.A. Latta
August 25, 1846; Cincinnati

Bascom, Green and Latta write representing the Methodist Episcopal Church South. They were appointed to serve as the Board of Commissioners to negotiate with a similar board of the M.E. Church concerning the division of property and funds, as laid out by the Plan of Separation (General Conference, 1844). The financial hardships faced by clergy, wives, widows, and retired clergy in the M.E.C. South are difficult to bear. The M.E.C. South board pleads with the M.E.C. board to schedule a meeting of the Joint Commissions as soon as possible to work out a final settlement. Abstract Number - 821
Letter from Cyrus Prentis to James B. Finley

Cyrus Prentis
August 26, 1846; Ravenna

Cyrus Prentis (Prentiss) writes to thank Finley for his letter concerning Brother Dewey [Laurin Dewey]. His friends had been most anxious when they heard there was little hope for recovery. They are so pleased to hear that Dewey is getting better.. Abstract Number - 1049
Letter from Henry Wilson to James B. Finley

Henry Wilson
August 27, 1846; Newark, OH

Wilson writes to the presiding elder of the Zanesville District, James B. Finley. He requests a change of appointment for Newark. The congregation is greatly in need of a good preacher of high standing. The current preacher, John W. Stone, is well loved by the people but he is not a good fit. The congregation would like Rev. G.W. Walker appointed in Stone's place. Abstract Number - 288
Letter from G.G. White to James B. Finley

G.G. White
August 29, 1846; Oxford, Ohio

George G. White [postmaster of Oxford] writes to Finley in confidence about a preacher assigned to the Oxford congregation named Zeceriah _________. He would like Finley to use his influence to get this man replaced. If the preacher is sent back he will be used and paid but White would certainly like another man to come in his place. He will also write to the Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District with his request. White calls Finley "the old chief of the Saddlebag Tribe." Abstract Number - 204
Letter from Alfred Jenkins, Aaron Jenkins & Joshua James to James B. Finley

Alfred Jenkins, Aaron Jenkins, and Joshua James
August 31, 1846; Salem

The authors write concerning the suspension of Local Elder Abraham Robinson from the Wilmington Circuit at its last Quarterly Conference. Robinson wants to appeal his case before the Ohio Conference, hoping that the suspension will be lifted. The authors encourage Finley to do all he can to get Robinson ("a perfect nuisance to the Church") rebuked by the Ohio Conference, and the decision of the Wilmington Quarterly Conference sustained. Abstract Number - 289
Letter from James L. Mitchell to James B. Finley

James L. Mitchell
August 31, 1846; Columbus

Mitchell writes from the Town Street M.E.C. to let Finley know that there is a group of members opposed to the reappointment of Rev. Granville Moody. The group has composed a letter to the Ohio Conference requesting that a different pastor be appointed. Mitchell does not believe that the letter is right and proper. If the Conference decides to reappoint Moody there will be many members who will be pleased. The letter does not represent the wishes of the entire congregation. Abstract Number - 290
Letter from Francis A. Morrison to James B. Finley

Francis A. Morrison
September 01, 1846; Mutual

Morrison assumes that Finley has heard of the difficulties in the church at Mechanicsburg which resulted in the expulsion of John Milice and Samantha Mann, two of the most prominent members of the church. The two were found guilty of adultery in a church trial and expelled. Morrison is adamant in his belief that they are both innocent. He wants Finley to arrange another trial for them. Abstract Number - 292
Letter from M.A. Milligan to James B. Finley

M.A. Milligan
September 04, 1846; Brownsville

Milligan has learned about a "clandestine remonstrance" against Rev. Philip A. Mutchner (Muchner), currently serving the Hebron Circuit. There are folks who do not want Mutchner appointed for another year to the circuit. Milligan rode the Hebron Circuit for two years and knows the people very well. He can think of no better person to serve the Hebron Circuit and hopes that Mutchner will be reappointed. Abstract Number - 293
Letter from James Savage to James B. Finley

James Savage
September 04, 1846; Germantown, KY

Rev. Savage writes from Germantown, Kentucky to ask for Finley's help. The split between the MEC North and MEC South has left their congregation in an untenable situation. Their old conference, Kentucky MEC, no longer exists. It is now the Kentucky MECS. There are 40 white and 50 black members in the Germantown church, and they desire to stay with the northern church and join the Ohio MEC Conference, perhaps as part of the Augusta Circuit. The original Germantown church building is now under injunction by the southern church, so they have decided to build their own church. Savage asks Finley to use his influence with the bishop or the conference to do something for the congregation. They need a preacher sent to them by the authority of the bishop. When the new building is completed, they would like Finley to come for the dedication. Abstract Number - 822
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
September 06, 1846; Zanesville

Young wants to know if Finley has been released from the District [Zanesville], and if so, to send him the travel plan and any unfinished business on the district. [Note: Finley was released from his duties as Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District prior to commencing the chaplaincy at the Ohio Penitentiary on April 2, 1846]. Abstract Number - 903
Letter from J. Milliken to James B. Finley

J. Milliken
September 07, 1846; Paducah, KY

Milliken responds to a letter from Finley regarding a young inmate at the prison. He tells Finley that the young man (not named) will not be prosecuted when he returns to Paducah. Finley can tell the young man that he need not be uneasy about it. Abstract Number - 1050
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
September 13, 1846; Pleasant Hill

Brooke has hired a young married man at wages of about $7.50 a month. He mentions several accounts settled recently and the good health of everyone. Abstract Number - 196
Letter from Newton E. Wright to James B. Finley

Newton E. Wright
September 16, 1846; Hickman, KY

Newton E. Wright has received Chaplain Finley's letter concerning the gold watch stolen by prisoner Mr. Piles from Mr. Lester. Finley says that Piles will return the stolen watch to Mr. Lester, provided that he will not be prosecuted. Wright (brother-in law of Mr. Lester) states that he cannot promise Piles will not be prosecuted, but he thinks it unlikely. Wright asks Finley to get the watch to Cincinnati and he will forward it on to Mr. Lester who has moved to Texas. Wright hope that Piles will be converted in prison. He was an excellent worker and could have done very well in life. Abstract Number - 1051
Letter from Leroy Hamisfar to James B. Finley

Leroy Hamisfar
September 18, 1846; Somerset

Leroy Hamisfar writes that Brother Phillips reported seeing Finley at Conference. Hamisfar is recovering from a severe attack of the fever. He and his family (father Charles, mother Katherine) are very anxious to have Finley visit them. Leroy asks Finley to help him get a job because times are bad and they have very little money. Abstract number - 294
Letter from David Patten to James B. Finley

David Patten
September 24, 1846; Findlay

Patten (Patton) has received the deeds of the Moses B. Walker land from Finley. He reports that the property is 12 miles southwest of Findlay. There is a cabin on the site but it is in dilapidated condition.The transfer has been made and the deed recorded. Abstract Number - 295
Letter from Mordecai Bartley to James B. Finley

Mordecai Bartley
September 25, 1846; Mansfield

Gov. Bartley indicates that he is trying to do his duty in the Executive Office "with fidelity," but owing to the earnest solicitations of the friends of many of the convicts in prison, he has found it difficult to do so. "My sympathies have, no doubt, in some cases lead my judgement & caused me to liberate persons from prison who should have remained there." Abstract Number - 1052
Letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley

George W. Walker
September 25, 1846;

Walker reports that he arrived yesterday [location unknown] to pay taxes on his land and the land sold to Finley by his brother, M.B. Walker. The tax amount for Finley's land is $8.33. George has paid the tax on Finley's behalf and hopes to be paid back by him. Abstract Number - 296
Letter from Leroy Hamisfar to James B. Finley

Leroy Hamisfar
October 02, 1846; Somerset

Leroy Hamisfar asks Finley to help him procure a position as a clerk. If he must, he will work as a teacher, but he does not enjoy the occupation. Rev. Samuel Hamilton is currently staying at his house. Abstract Number - 298
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
October 07, 1846; Milford

Marley (Marlay) writes that the Covington KY members are refusing to support the presiding elder selected by Bishop Soule. The missionary meeting held at Soule Chapel ("pro-slavery conference") was not well attended. Only 100 people came. Bishop Andrew preached at the event. Abstract Number - 823
Letter from Thomas Scott to James B. Finley

Thomas Scott
October 09, 1846; Chillicothe

Judge Thomas Scott writes to share details concerning the semi-centennial celebration of the founding of Chillicothe, to take place on October 31, 1846. Finley has been invited to provide the principal address at the event. Abstract Number - 299
Letter from William Johnston to James B. Finley

William Johnston
October 12, 1846; Cincinnati

Johnston writes a letter of introduction for a Mrs. Barwise who is trying to get her son out of prison. The writer asks Finley to do all he can to help. Abstract Number - 1053
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
October 12, 1846; Cincinnati

Trimble reports that Sister Barwise, sister of Brother Luther Taylor (Indiana Conference), is visiting Columbus to get her son out of the penitentiary. He asks Finley to provide as much help as possible. Bishop Soule "and all his tribe" are in Cincinnati on their way south, but "we can spare them all." George Maley has been appointed Presiding Elder of the Covington District, (Kentucky Conference, MEC South). Several preachers in the newly formed Kentucky Conference of the MECS are very dissatisfied -- Brush [George W.], Bruce [John G.], Atmore [William C.], Coleman [Thomas K.], and Harlan [L.D.]. The MEC churches in Cincinnati are all doing well and increasing in numbers. People like their preachers. Trimble would like Finley to reason with Judge McLean concerning attendance at Soule Chapel in Cincinnati (MECS) since it sets a bad example. Abstract Number - 300
Letter from Joseph Clyde to James B. Finley

Joseph Clyde
October 13, 1846; New York (Bible House)

At the suggestion of Mr. Strickland, the Bible Society of New York is sending 120 Testaments to Finley, as chaplain, for the use of the prisoners. Abstract Number - 1054
Letter from W.P. Strickland to James B. Finley

W.P. Strickland
October 21, 1846; Dayton

Strickland writes to let Finley know that 100 large Testaments have been requested from the American Bible Society in New York for the use of convicts at the State Prison. The request has been approved and the Testaments should be arriving any day. Strickland asks Finley to give his greetings to Brother and Sister Moody, and request that Moody join the Sons of Temperance as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 1055
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
November 01, 1846; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson Charles reports that he has "united in matrimony" with Miss Susan Matthews. He is well pleased with this change. They intend to "commence housekeeping" soon. His prospects as well as his health are unusually good. Abstract Number - 301