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Finley Letters

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Letter from Samuel F. Cary to James B. Finley

Samuel F. Cary
April 15, 1847; Cary's Academy/Temperance Cottage

Cary writes to express sympathy concerning Finley's illness. The Divisions (Sons of Temperance) entrusted to Finley will regret that he is unable to fulfill his official duties due to failing health. He discusses at length their work together to eradicate the vice of alcohol. He tells Finley -- "You have witnessed in this great valley the ravages of intemperance for perhaps forty years and doubtless have wept and prayed over the desolation of Zion growing out of this vice." Cary also states -- "I am a Son of Temperance, not for personal honor or glory, they are but dust -- but that God may be glorified and man blessed." He then expresses his solicitude for the inmates of the prison and asks to be remembered to them. Abstract Number - 1068
Letter from E. Thomson to James B. Finley

E. Thomson
April 15, 1847; Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH

Edward Thomson [President, Ohio Wesleyan University] is looking forward to Finley's visit to Delaware with Brother Strickland. In response to a question about J.S. McDonough, Thomson reports that he is only slightly acquainted with him. However, Brother Pilcher reports that "he has known him for four years past & considers him in politics, a Whig, in religion, a Methodist & in general, a safe & substantial man." Abstract Number - 1235
Letter from Nancy Spear to James B. Finley

Nancy Spear
April 19, 1847; Sallie Dale

Nancy Spear (Speer) tells of much illness and death she has seen lately, including that of Rev. James Culbertson, her old pastor. She reports that Mrs. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mrs. and Mrs. Converse, Mrs. Brush, and Brothers Crum and Miley are all doing well. She invites Finley to come and visit soon, believing that the fresh country air will do him good. She speaks encouragingly about Finley's work. Abstract Number - 325
Letter from John S. Kalb to James B. Finley

John S. Kalb
April 20, 1847; Van Wert

Preacher John S. Kalb believes that youth who have received sabbath school instruction do not end up committing crimes for which they are incarcerated in prison. He writes to Finley asking for data to support this idea -- How many convicts received sabbath school instruction prior to incarceration? Kalb would like to include vice prevention as one of the benefits of sabbath school instruction. Abstract Number - 1069
Letter from William Bebb to James B. Finley

William Bebb
April 23, 1847; Hamilton

Gov. Bebb has just received Finley's letter of the 21st. The evidence of Piles' repentance and reformation seems to be strong and he regrets that his attention was not specially directed to Piles' case before he left Columbus. He will return about the 10th of May and will embrace the earliest opportunity to examine the case. Abstract Number - 1071
Letter from R. Bowland to James B. Finley

R. Bowland
April 24, 1847; Mansfield

Mr. Bowland regrets that he may have violated prison rules by writing lengthy letters to his son, Robert. He felt that the letters would prevent Robert from becoming bitter and morbid concerning his own fate. He thanks Rev. Finley for writing him, and asks him to see Robert as often as possible and soothe his wounded pride. He still hopes that Robert will be pardoned. Abstract Number - 1070
Letter from Jonathan Lyon to James B. Finley

Jonathan Lyon
April 28, 1847; Middle Village

Lyon finds great comfort in his religion in this time of trouble and hopes his son, through Finley, can also find this comfort. Lyon requests that his son write to him if possible. Abstract Number - 1072
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
April 28, 1847; Milford

Marley (Marlay) writes to Finley concerning the plan of separation and ensuing border controversy. Bishop Capers has announced in a letter (published in The Christian Advocate & Journal, April 21,1847??) that all territory of the slave holding states will fall under the governance of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Marley believes that the possibility of the plan of separation being nullified has been dissipated by Capers' statement. Marley talks about the societies in Kentucky still being served by the Methodist Episcopal Church North. He vows that the work will continue despite statements about a firm border separating the two denominations. Derogatory remarks are made about President James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor ("Old Rough and Ready"). Abstract Number - 326
Letter from William G. Finley to James B. Finley

William G. Finley
May 02, 1847; Laporte, IN

William says that he is in good health and recently learned that James has left Germantown. William states that he is now farming in Indiana. He speaks in some detail about his father's inability to stay in one place. William is looking forward to a visit with James in Ohio. Abstract Number - 981
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
May 03, 1847;

Young [Grand Scribe, Sons of Temperance] sends Finley a certificate naming him Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch in the Grand Division, State of Ohio, with oversight of all divisions in Franklin County except those in Columbus. Abstract number - 1168
Letter from D.H. Sargent & Sons of Temperance to James B. Finley

D.H. Sargent and Sons of Temperance
May 07, 1847; Tarleton

The committee, representing the Tarleton Division No. 110 of the Sons of Temperance, invites Finley to speak at their jubilee celebration on May 22nd. Abstract Number - 1169
Letter from A. Cushing to James B. Finley

A. Cushing
May 10, 1847; Gallipolis

Cushing has received a letter from Finley asking about the character of Miss Gilmore. He explains that he knows very little about her. She evidently lived with the Frost family for several months. Mr. Frost reported that "her conduct was unexceptionable & that she was an industrious, good girl." Abstract Number - 1066
Letter from J. Walters to James B. Finley

J. Walters
May 14, 1847; Dayton

Walters writes to Finley concerning the whereabouts of Rev. A.W. Musgrove. Walters' much loved friend promised to attend the Christmas quarterly meeting but never responded to any correspondence about the meeting. When Musgrove first came to Dayton to serve Finley Chapel [1842-1844, assisted Brother Herr], there was no place for the nearly blind minister to live. The Walters family took him in and grew to love him. Walters does not understand why all communication has ceased and wants to know whether Musgrove is "dead or alive." He is also upset that Finley appears to have forgotten him. Walters declares that he needs to withdraw temporarily from the Methodist Episcopal Church for the sake of his soul and body, as he has been the subject of slander from church members for the last five years. Abstract Number - 327
Letter from E. Barwise to James B. Finley

E. Barwise
May 15, 1847; Cincinnati

Barwise asks Finley to send a letter to Governor Bebb of Ohio concerning a possible reprieve for his son William. If it can be proved that William has reformed, his reprieve will be granted. Abstract Number - 1073
Letter from James B. Brooke to James B. Finley

James B. Brooke
May 18, 1847; Hagerstown, IN

Grandson James expresses the hope that Finley's health is improving. He is working very hard, is nervous, and finds it difficult to write. His letter has a strong religious tone -- preparation for life after death. He plans to move to Castine next winter and start a "potting" business. Abstract Number - 328
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
May 24, 1847; Columbus State Prison

Warden Dewey discusses the recent fire at the State Prison. He says that the new buildings have gone up so fast that one can hardly tell there was a fire. Dewey tells Finley that Mrs. Dewey has returned but is not in very good health. Dewey invites Finley to visit as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 1074
Letter from James A. Dunmore to James B. Finley

James A. Dunmore
May 29, 1847; Mt. Vernon

Dunmore would like to hire a young man he observed working at the cooper shop of the State Prison. The man appeared to be very skilled. Dunmore will happily employ him, and no one needs to know about the prisoner's past. He asks Finley to see if this can be arranged upon the young man's release. Abstract Number - 1075
Letter from Uriah Heath to James B. Finley

Uriah Heath
June 01, 1847; Marietta

Heath has been asked by Finley to solicit books for prisoners at the penitentiary. Heath has collected 340 books, 389 pamphlets, and 4085 pages of tracts, which he will send to Finley as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 1156
Letter from Watson Tripp to James B. Finley

Watson Tripp
June 05, 1847; Columbus

Young Watson Tripp received Finley's response and was blessed by it. He is feeling far less confused about the "future duty" to which he feels called. Nevertheless, he does feel unworthy and unprepared for whatever that is. His father needs his help over the summer, and may have difficulty paying for books and tuition should Tripp decide to attend school. His cousin has offered to house him in Delaware if he ends up attending school there [Ohio Wesleyan University]. Tripp hopes that Finley will continue to advise him on his spiritual journey. Abstract Number - 329
Letter from John Greiner to James B. Finley

John Greiner
June 06, 1847; Louisville, KY

Greiner was glad to hear from Finley. He is much better and expects to come home in a couple of weeks. Greiner has "paid most of his expenses with his paint brush." The Indiana Penitentiary is nearby and he is hoping to visit the institution before he returns home to compare it with their penitentiary. The "Sons" recently dedicated a new hall in Louisville. Quite a number of divisions were represented and the "Daughters" were out in their regalia. Greiner is surprised to hear that Cary has not yet appointed Deputies for Columbus. Abstract Number - 1076
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
June 07, 1847; Poplar Ridge

McDonald is unable to work on the farm and has no business to attend to. He is finding idleness to be "irksome." He has finished writing about western pioneers and has no other subject to write about. He is pleased with the sermons and ministry of Rev. J.F. Wright. He is convinced that virtue is the passport to eternal life, independent of faith in particular dogmas. The Sons of Temperance in his region are not making much headway. Abstract Number - 1171
Letter from Jonathan Lyon to James B. Finley

Jonathan Lyon
June 08, 1847; Middle Village

Lyon would like to know when his son's prison term will end. Abstract Number - 1077
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
June 11, 1847; Cincinnati

Young [Grand Scribe, Sons of Temperance] asks Finley to insert "Finley Division 213" in his commission certificate. It was omitted by mistake. Abstract Number - 330
Letter from Luther T. Barwise to James B. Finley

Luther T. Barwise
June 12, 1847; Cincinnati

Another letter on behalf of the prisoner William Barwise -- this one from his brother. He asks Finley's help in obtaining a pardon for the reformed youth. Abstract Number - 1078
Letter from David N. Smith to James B. Finley

David N. Smith
June 15, 1847; Newark, OH

Rev. David N. Smith is serving the Newark appointment, Zanesville District. He writes to let Finley know that a box of books is coming (presumably for the prisoners). He reports that the last quarterly meeting was pleasant. Bro. Jameson (James M. Jameson, P.E., Zanesville District) was in attendance, though lame. Smith told Jameson that Finley intends to visit Lancaster, Rushville, and Somerset. Jameson is very anxious to see Finley and hopes that it can be arranged when Finley is in Somerset. Abstract Number - 1035