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Finley Letters

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Letter from H.W. Smith, Ian Runkin & E.L. Hazel to James B. Finley

H.W. Smith, Ian Runkin, and E.L. Hazel
October 04, 1847; London, OH

Smith heads a committee from the London Division, Sons of Temperance. The committee invites Finley to speak at their group's celebration, to be held on October 14th. All expenses will be paid. Abstract Number - 1180
Letter from Samuel Bradford to James B. Finley

Samuel Bradford
October 11, 1847; Columbus

Deputy Warden, Samuel Bradford, writes on behalf of Warden Dewey who is ill. Dewey acknowledges the receipt of a letter containing an apology from Rev. Finley. Bradford indicates that Dewey did not intend to hurt Finley's feelings. Abstract Number - 451
Letter from James L. Street to James B. Finley

James L. Street
October 11, 1847; New Paris

James L. Street (Preble County Surveyor, 1840-1848) replies to Finley's query about surveying land east of Eaton which he owns. Street will be happy to do it once his term as county surveyor ends. Abstract Number - 338
Letter from Samuel Findley to James B. Finley

Samuel Findley
October 13, 1847; Atrim

Findley writes to ask about an inmate, Joseph Sparrowgrove. His family has learned that he was badly injured in a stone quarry accident, and is greatly concerned about him. Findley would like Finley's help to get Sparrowgrove released. Findley and his son William are both ministers. Abstract Number - 1085
Letter from George Dent to James B. Finley

George Dent
October 16, 1847; New Birmingham

Dent's letter is in regard to a man, James Snyder, who has been sent to the State Prison and whom Finley has visited. Dent claims that Snyder is an innocent man and gives details of the alleged crime. He tells Finley about Snyder's good traits and says that he is not guilty of any crime. Mr. Dent requests that Finley continue to visit Snyder if possible and write to him about his condition. It seems that Snyder was a brother of Dent's wife. Abstract Number - 1036
Letter from Joseph M. Trimble to James B. Finley

Joseph M. Trimble
October 19, 1847; Cincinnati

Trimble reports that E.W. Sehon has declined an offer to serve as Superintendent of the Blind Asylum. Sehon intends to recommend some of his "friends" for the position. Trimble says that Mr. McCurdy is trying to get the position. He hopes that Finley will intervene in some way because McCurdy is not fit. A man by the name of Parsons is in town and drawing quite a crowd, but Trimble thinks they can overcome his influence. Abstract Number - 339
Letter from Robert O. Spencer to James B. Finley

Robert O. Spencer
October 22, 1847; Cincinnati

Spencer was present during a meeting between Dr. Charles Elliott (editor, Western Christian Advocate) and Bishop Joshua Soule (MEC South), and feels compelled to tell Finley about it. The bishop complained "most grievously" about the statement in the Advocate alleging that he withdrew from the MEC "under grave charges." Soule has continually requested a copy of the charges, but has been denied. He claims that he was accountable to the MEC only until the General Conference of the MEC South in May of 1846. Spencer says Finley's friends are of the opinion that Bishop Soule should receive a copy of the charges, along with the reasons why there was no prosecution. Abstract Number - 340
Letter from William Wood to James B. Finley

William Wood
October 26, 1847; Martins Ferry

Wood has placed his name before the Board of Trustees of the Blind Asylum, as a candidate for the superintendency. He is very anxious to get the appointment. He would like Finley to use his influence with the Trustees in this endeavor. Abstract Number - 341
Letter from Samuel F. McCoy to James B. Finley

Samuel F. McCoy
October 28, 1847; Chillicothe

McCoy asks Finley for information on crimes caused by intemperance. He is writing a report for the Sons of Temperance. Abstract Number - 1181
Letter from A.J. Clawson & Hannah M. Clawson to James B. Finley

A.J. Clawson and Hannah M. Clawson
November 03, 1847; West Alexandria

Clawson (Andrew Jackson Clawson, husband of Finley's granddaughter Hannah Marie Brooke) writes to assure Finley that he is on the lookout for property for him. Abstract Number - 342
Letter from Andrew Steelman to James B. Finley

Andrew Steelman
November 07, 1847; Clermont County, Amelia

Steelman writes concerning his incarcerated son James. He would like Finley to deal strictly with him. Author is great grandson of Andrew T. Steelman. He has recently gone home to New Jersey to deal with the estate of his great grandfather. Folks do not want James to return home when released. Abstract Number - 1086
Letter from D. Coon to James B. Finley

D. Coon
November 15, 1847; Alexandria, Ohio

Coon writes on behalf of the Alexandria Division (Licking County) of The Sons of Temperance. They desire to have Finley address a public celebration at a date and time of his choosing. "We have rather grown cold in the cause of late and are strong in the faith that you could do us much good in the way of a public address." Abstract Number - 1182
Letter from J.B. Mann to James B. Finley

J.B. Mann
November 25, 1847; Milford Center

Mann invites Finley to deliver a course of lectures to the Milford Center (Union County) Sons of Temperance. Abstract Number - 1184
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
November 25, 1847; Cincinnati

Young writes to Finley with concern about the condition of Christianity and the state of the country. He tells Finley "that the war spirit has put us back in the moral reformation ten years at least." He feels that the hearts of men have grown cold and "many more are lukewarm." Christians "thoroughly imbued with love of human kind" will be necessary to bring us out of darkness. Abstract Number - 529
Letter from James S. Cheever to James B. Finley

James S. Cheever
November 26, 1847; Lima

James S. Cheever writes to Finley telling of the death and funeral of his wife Elvira (Elvira Heney Finley, 1812-1847), daughter of Finley's brother Rev. John Patterson Finley. Six children are left. Members of The Sons of Temperance came to the funeral. Abstract Number - 304
Letter from B.E. Taylor to James B. Finley

B.E. Taylor
November 28, 1847; Hagerstown, IN

Bezaleel Taylor writes to his "grandfather" James B. Finley. [Taylor is married to Finley's granddaughter Catharine Rebecca Brooke (1824-1917), daughter of Elizabeth Finley and Rev. John Carrington Brooke]. He reports on the status of the Methodist society in Hagerstown. Taylor writes about the new minister and the increasing interest in the church. Before the arrival of the new preacher there were "difficulties and warfares" within the society, and low attendance. The new minister is very well liked and things have greatly improved. He asks for Finley's prayers. Abstract Number - 345
Letter from Sam R. Brockmeier [Brockunier] to James B. Finley

Sam R. Brockunier
November 29, 1847; Birmingham

Brockmeier [Brockunier] sends a letter of introduction for George H. Dent, son of Robert Dent, formerly of St. Clairsville. George is the brother-in-law of inmate James Madison Snyder. Brockmeier [Brockunier] asks Finley to be attentive to George when he comes to the prison for a visit. Abstract Number - 1087
Letter from Squire Gray Eyes to James B. Finley

Squire Gray Eyes
November 30, 1847; Wyandot City, Kansas

Squire Gray Eyes writes to Finley from Kansas. He is still well and serving the Lord. His two brothers have died and he is determined to meet them in Heaven. He has not forgotten how to pray and does pray every day. He would really like Finley to come for a visit. Abstract Number - 779
Letter from S.C. Thomas to James B. Finley

S.C. Thomas
November 30, 1847; Ravenna

Thomas has succeeded in obtaining Finley's books. They are for sale at Brother Prentiss' store. When all of the books have sold, Prentiss will forward the money to Finley. Greetings to Brother and Sister Dewey. Abstract Number - 577
Letter from H.S. Elliott to James B. Finley

H.S. Elliott
December 01, 1847; Dayton

H.S. Elliott sends a prospectus for a new temperance newspaper called Cadet of Temperance to Finley. The publication's readers will be the youth temperance orders, Cadets of Temperance and Daughters of Temperance. Elliott will need subscription promises before beginning publication. The price will be nominal. Elliott wants Finley to use his influence to promote excitement concerning the publication. Abstract Number - 1183
Letter from Samuel F. MacCracken to James B. Finley

Samuel F. MacCracken
December 02, 1847; Lancaster

Finley had promised MacCracken that he would come to Lancaster Station for a visit. It has been two months and nothing has been planned. MacCracken and Rev. Granville Moody are growing impatient and make one more request that Finley come. "You was the pioneer that first organized this church. I now trust you will make some sacrifice for our spiritual good." Abstract Number - 346
Letter from Joseph Newson to James B. Finley

Joseph Newson
December 02, 1847; Rehoboth (Perry County)

Newson is serving with Samuel Hamilton on the Rehoboth Circuit, Zanesville District. [Date of letter is uncertain, but records indicate Newson and Hamilton were appointed on September 1, 1847 to serve together on this circuit, under Presiding Elder James M. Jameson, which would indicate a December 1847 date]. Newson describes his colleague Br. Hamilton as "lost in peace making amongst his old friends." He is well received but criticized for speaking so low. Newson tells of difficulties on the circuit, particularly at Somerset and Chilcote's. Presiding Elder James E. Jameson did a very fine job at the recent quarterly meeting. All are pleased with him. Most of the letter deals with Newson's feelings about the decline of class meetings, on the part of both preachers and people. Abstract Number - 244
Letter from John M. Armstrong to James B. Finley

John M. Armstrong
December 07, 1847; Maysville, KY

Armstrong writes that he has done "his very best to guard our people from being carried off by the southerners and contending for property which I most conscientiously believed could not be taken from the Methodist E. Church or her members." He bewails the fact that a church worth $6,000 could be taken from those who built it and given to the Church South, based on the Resolution of the 1844 General Conference. Abstract Number - 347
Letter from James Roseman to James B. Finley

James Roseman
December 07, 1847; Fairview, OH

Roseman writes a letter of introduction for Captain J.M. Pumphrey, who is visiting Columbus as a lobbyist to the state legislature (possible new county). Pumphrey is a member of Roseman's congregation. Pumphrey would like to visit the prison during his visit. Any consideration shown to him will be greatly appreciated. Abstract Number - 348
Letter from George C. Crume to James B. Finley

George C. Crume
December 09, 1847; Columbus

Crume gives the plan adopted on Dec. 8 at Dr. Hoge's for meeting the Resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives in relation to morning services. Monday -- Mr. Randall and Sehman; Tuesday -- Mr. Finley and Hitchcock; Wednesday -- Dr. Hoges and Cheney; Thursday -- Mr. Richards and Crume; Friday -- Mr. Brooks and Lyng; Saturday -- Mr. Hubbard and Freese. Mr. Finley is to alternate between the Senate and House. Abstract Number - 349