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Finley Letters

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Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
January 27, 1847; Cincinnati

Young [Grand Scribe of the Sons of Temperance] sends a package containing the charter and Blue Books for the Jefferson Division. Also enclosed is Finley's commission as Deputy. According to Young, Finley's position is a "general one." He has the authority to supervise any division not having a deputy. Young asks Finley to report when a new division is formed, giving the date of founding and names of officers. Abstract Number - 313
Letter from Adam Miller to James B. Finley

Adam Miller
January 29, 1847; New York

Miller is busy day and night preaching to the Germans. When he is not preaching to the Germans he is preaching in English at other churches in the city. Miller discusses the tracts on temperance that he published in Baltimore last year (written by Finley as an article for the Christian Apologist). The tracts have been extensively circulated in New York. He would like to see them circulated among the distilleries of "the western country." He offers to sell the printing plates to Finley for $2.00 in order to get this accomplished. Miller is searching for J. McDowell and wonders if Finley knows of his whereabouts. Abstract Number - 1166
Letter from Daniel Brusman to James B. Finley

Daniel Brusman
February 04, 1847; Little York

Brusman reports his safe arrival at home after receiving a pardon and leaving the prison. He writes about a very serious flood. Half of Little York is under water. He also writes about a very successful revival at Concord Meeting House -- 50 converts. He hopes to hear from Finley soon about conditions at the prison. Abstract Number - 1062
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
February 05, 1847; West Alexandria

Finley's grandson has had significant health problems, but plans to move to New Castine in a week if the roads permit. There appears to be confusion as to New Castine's township. He has learned from a traveler that it is located in Butler Township, Darke County. Abstract Number - 314
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
February 05, 1847; Lithopolis

Musgrove invites Finley to a two day meeting of the circuit on the 3rd Saturday of February. He hopes nothing will prevent Finley from coming. Abstract Number - 315
Letter from Homer M. Carper to James B. Finley

Homer M. Carper
February 06, 1847; Delaware

Carper informs Finley of his recent conversion at a revival meeting. Town members, Ohio Wesleyan faculty, and students, have all benefited from the very successful meeting. He gives details about his conversion. Abstract Number - 316
Letter from F.A. Finley to James B. Finley

F.A. Finley
February 11, 1847; Mechanicsburg

F.A. Finley writes that he and his mother are in very poor health and that his father has died. Although his father was so sick that had no desire to live, it was still a great loss. Abstract Number - 980
Letter from T.A.G. Phillips to James B. Finley

T.A.G. Phillips
February 12, 1847; Bowling Green Township (Licking County)

Rev. Phillips is currently serving the Irville Circuit (Zanesville District). He writes with appreciation for the "kind counsels and admonitions" he received as a young preacher from then presiding elder James B. Finley. He describes the state of the Irville Circuit. Money is being raised for a new church building, and classes are much better attended than they were. He sends greetings from Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Abstract Number - 317
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
February 13, 1847; Cincinnati

Young responds to Finley's query about Sons of Temperance fees. Men who join by card must pay an additional 1/2 of the initiation fee. Abstract Number - 1174
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
February 15, 1847; Cincinnati

Young responds to Finley's query concerning inspection duties of a Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch. As soon as Young receives a supply of Blue Books, he will send one to Finley. He then describes the duties as follows: See that all divisions comply with the rules laid down in the Blue Book and rules of the National and Grand Division. Visit each division once per quarter to inspect its accounts. Report any irregularities regarding a division's opening, initiation, or accounting to the Grand Worthy Patriarch. The general rules for governance of deputies were actually published the previous week in the "Organ." [Ohio Washingtonian Organ and Temperance Record]. Abstract Number - 335
Letter from Nancy Spear to James B. Finley

Nancy Spear
February 21, 1847; Sallie Dale

Nancy Spear (Speer) apologizes for not writing sooner, and thanks Finley profusely for his last letter. She tells of activities in her own home, and in Zanesville. She is sitting by the fire with Sarrah and Mrs. Taylor, who sends her love to Mrs. Finley. David is again out in the fields. There have been many recent deaths in Zanesville, including Mrs. George and Mrs. Calhoun. Rev. Culbertson is lying on his death bed. The families of Brothers Crum & Miley are well. Cousin David is obliged to Finley for his kind offer to "tie the knot", but is still too young to marry. Cousin Sallie might give Finley "a knot to tie" before too long. As for herself, she can find no man that she loves as much as herself. She asks for a long letter from Finley soon. Abstract Number - 318
Letter from Thomas Davis to James B. Finley

Thomas Davis
March 02, 1847; Xenia

Thomas' son, Samuel, has "commenced reading medicine" and "has attended a course of lectures at Louisville." Samuel wishes to commence the practice of medicine, and Thomas thinks there might be "several advantages derived from being associated with an old and respectable practitioner." He hopes that Finley can "make the necessary enquiry" for his son. "In regard to the state of religion" in his neighborhood, Davis thinks the membership is holding its own. They have good class meetings, but no recent accessions to the church. Abstract Number - 319
Letter from Ezekiel Dimmit to James B. Finley

Ezekiel Dimmit
March 04, 1847; Batavia

It seems that Dimmit's brother-in-law, James May, has owned five farms for forty years and now there is a question as to the titles. Dimmit asks Finley to check with the State Auditor's office and see if he can find evidence which would be presentable in a court of law. Abstract Number - 320
Letter from Richard D. George to James B. Finley

Richard D. George
March 05, 1847; Hancock County

Finley is coming for the quarterly meeting on the first Saturday and Sunday of April. George writes that the "rale road" will be the best mode of travel. It appears that Finley will be looking at a possible location for a new pottery business where there is ample clay. Abstract Number - 321
Letter from Jonathan Potter to James B. Finley

Jonathan Potter
March 09, 1847; Brookfield, NY

Potter concludes that the prison inmate who recently died was indeed his brother -- George L. Potter. He cannot understand how his brother got there. He had been a respectable citizen, 32 years old, and a single man. Potter asks Finley to supply information -- the crime committed, the length of his prison term, and whether he owned property. Abstract Number - 1063
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
March 11, 1847; Milford

Marley (Marlay) has finished his second round of quarterly conference meetings this year. Since this will be his last year as Presiding Elder of the Cincinnati District, he desires to see the district in a flourishing condition at the end of his appointment. Marley wants to know what Finley thinks about the proposed division of the city of Cincinnati into different districts so as to put part in one district and one part in another. He then asks Finley for an opinion on Sen.Thomas Corwin's recent speech (February 11,1847 -- regarding Mexican-American War). Marley sees Corwin as one of the few U.S. senators with a moral conscience. Abstract Number - 1217
Letter from H.P. Eaton to James B. Finley

H.P. Eaton
March 12, 1847; Cannonsburg, OH

Eaton writes on behalf of George Bridgeman, who is willing to rent a portion of land owned by Finley in Hancock County. In exchange, Bridgeman will repair the fences and clean up the old brush and timber. Since the land has been neglected for two years Eaton advises Finley to rent the land. Abstract Number - 322
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
March 12, 1847; Charleston, VA

Reed is serving as the Presiding Elder of the Kanawha District (Ohio Conference, MEC). He cites an article which he recently contributed to the Advocate, dealing with the efforts of the Methodist Episcopal Church South to recruit within his district, principally in the mountainous and remote circuits. It is preachers from the bordering Kentucky Conference of the MECS who are attempting to sway societies to join the southern church. The "Plan" of General Conference, he says, is not more regarded in this district by the MECS than it is by the Presbyterians or Baptists. Abstract Number - 661
Letter from Jacob Gimperling to James B. Finley

Jacob Gimperling
March 30, 1847; Ravenna

Gimperling is very pleased to hear that William Hind is a changed man. He is willing to do anything he can to get him out of prison. Gimperling will be sending a petition requesting a pardon for Hind. Abstract Number - 1064
Letter from Joseph Newson to James B. Finley

Joseph Newson
April 01, 1847; Rehoboth (Perry County)

Rev. Newson writes to describe the condition of the Rehoboth Circuit (Zanesville District). Times on the circuit are "just tolerable," but "improving." Old difficulties are being settled. The congregation of Somerset has increased in size by one-third. Newson asks Finley to attend the 2 day meeting being planned in Rehoboth. Abstract Number - 323
Letter from Watson Tripp to James B. Finley

Watson Tripp
April 04, 1847; Columbus

16 year old Watson Tripp writes to Finley about a subject he has kept secret for a long time. He received a pardon for his transgressions three years ago. Ever since, he has felt a strong call to do something for his Saviour, sensing "the impression of a future duty." He can no longer run away from these feelings so he puts his life into the hands of God. He asks for Finley's spiritual advice. Abstract Number - 324
Letter from William P. Tripp to James B. Finley

William P. Tripp
April 04, 1847;

William Tripp writes a long letter detailing the circumstances of his alleged crime and incarceration. He was apparently swindled by scoundrels in Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 1065
Letter from E. Thomson to James B. Finley

E. Thomson
April 07, 1847; Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH

Edward Thomson [President, Ohio Wesleyan University] has received Finley's invitation. He regrets that he will be unable to visit and preach for Finley. However, he hopes that Finley's health will improve enough so that he can come to visit him in Delaware. He is glad to hear that Finley is still employing his pen for useful purposes and agrees to assist him with the editing of a manuscript. Abstract Number - 1234
Letter from George Johnson to James B. Finley

George Johnson
April 08, 1847; Fort Wayne

Johnson had promised to write Finley as soon as he succeeded in establishing a Division of the Sons of Temperance in Fort Wayne. This is a communication to that effect, stating details of organization and difficulties that were overcome. Abstract Number - 1167
Letter from Jane Kelley to James B. Finley

Jane Kelley
April 10, 1847; Columbus

Jane Kelley, Corresponding Secretary for the Columbus Trinity MEC Ladies Bible & Prayer Book Society, writes to let Finley know that two dozen prayer books have been purchased for the convicts. She asks Finley to distribute them and let her know if more are needed. Abstract Number - 1067