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Finley Letters

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Letter from E.W. Field to James B. Finley

E.W. Field
February 09, 1848; Worthington

Field speaks of the conversion of over 40 persons, mostly children in his district. He wishes to be informed of the result of Finley's conference with Col. Dewey respecting the probability of his brother-in-law being employed as a guard at the State Prison, and on what two Sabbaths Finley wishes Mr. Boring and himself to serve Finley in order that they might make arrangements to the best advantage. He also indicates that Mr. Swormstedt will vacate his place in the Book Agency, and suggests that their delegation nominate and do whatever is right and proper to secure the election of Rev. Uriah Heath to that position. Rev. Heath, he said, is in every way qualified. Field had understood that Mr. Trimble was a candidate, but said there were other prominent places he might fit better. Abstract Number - 1092
Letter from W. Slade to James B. Finley

W. Slade
February 15, 1848; Lancaster

A six person committee invites Finley to speak in Lancaster at an event celebrating their Sons of Temperance divisions -- Lancaster Division and Ark of Safety Division. Abstract Number - 1187
Letter from Damaris R. Solomon to James B. Finley

Damaris R. Solomon
February 21, 1848; Groveport

Miss Damaris R. Solomon (later Champe), reports the death of her father, Rev. John Fleming Solomon, on February 2, 1848. She asks Finley to submit an obituary to the Western Christian Advocate. Abstract Number - 364
Letter from R. Bowland to James B. Finley

R. Bowland
February 23, 1848; Mansfield

A very long and detailed account of the case of Robert Bowland and Franklin Barker, as written by R. Bowland, father of Robert. Briefly: Barker married a daughter of Bowland, and then proceeded to accuse the wife of Robert, Julia Bowland, of being a "lewd", "base", "bad" woman. Barker continued his persecution and insults over a period of some six years. Robert, having reached the limit of his patience, shot and fatally wounded Barker. Bowland asks Finley to mention the case to the Governor (Bebbs) and hopes and believes that when the Governor understands the full particulars of the case, he will extend clemency towards Robert. Abstract Number - 1093
Letter from Mordecai Bartley to James B. Finley

Mordecai Bartley
February 24, 1848; Mansfield

Bartley forwards a statement from Robert Bowland, a father whose son needs some kind of intervention. Bartley, on behalf of Bowland, asks Finley to show the statement to Colonel Dewey "and such other gentlemen as you may deem friends who will sympathize with him in his affliction." Abstract Number - 365
Letter from Augustus Eddy to James B. Finley

Augustus Eddy
February 26, 1848; Chillicothe

Eddy fears that the preachers and people have ceased to look to ordinary means of conversion, such as regular preaching. He is trying to get back to the "old ways," and greatly misses his colleagues from the olden days of Methodism who are now deceased -- Brother Strange, Brother Cooper, and Brother Roberts. "With regard to dividing our Conference (Ohio), I have only to say, that I think it should be less than it is now, but if I were a delegate from Ohio (to General Conference) I should feel myself instructed, not to divide at all, so as to make any division in the boundary within this state." Eddy asks Finley, in confidence, how he might feel about Dr. Bond coming west to serve as editor of the Western Christian Advocate. Abstract Number - 366
Letter from D. Fisher to James B. Finley

D. Fisher
March 01, 1848; Washington City

Fisher (U.S. Representative from Ohio) has received Finley's letter and states that their views with regard to the War with Mexico are the same. Fisher reports that there is a proposition for peace from the government of Mexico before the Senate which will likely be ratified. The Senate is in secret session. The "Loco" (Focos) do not like the proposition, but will have to accept it. As to the subject of the presidency, Fisher wishes that the Whigs in Ohio would unite for one man -- McLean, Clay, or Scott. He thinks if they can unite on one man, he could be nominated, but if they come to the Convention divided, General Taylor will most certainly be nominated. Fisher wants Finley to tell him how McLean stands in Ohio. McLean would be Fisher's choice after Corwin. Fisher says he would like to see Clay as president. As to religion in Washington City, there are some good people, but a great many bad ones as well. Abstract Number - 862
Letter from Joseph Newson to James B. Finley

Joseph Newson
March 01, 1848; Rehoboth (Perry County)

Rev. Newson writes to Finley about the current state of the Rehoboth Circuit. 86 people have been received on probation since last Conference. There has been active "revival influence" throughout the circuit, and many difficulties have been healed. Newson reports that he has seen many articles in the Advocate from "the other side of the Scioto" supporting the proposed division of the Ohio Conference. Newson is strongly opposed to the division and asks Finley to vote against it at the General Conference of 1848. Abstract Number - 367
Letter from D. Lewis to James B. Finley

D. Lewis
March 02, 1848; Rushville, Fairfield County

Lewis writes to tell Finley about the death of his father, Tilman Lewis (1767-1848). He asks Finley to submit an obituary to the Western Christian Advocate. He provides biographical information concerning Tilman's life as a dedicated member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Abstract Number - 551
Letter from William Revard to James B. Finley

William Revard
March 08, 1848; Clarksburgh, OH

On behalf of the Clarksburgh Division No. 276, Sons of Temperance, Revard invites Finley to speak at an April celebration event, which will include the divisions of Frankfort, Bloomingburgh, New Holland, and Williamsport. The division hopes that Bro. Samuel Galloway will be able to speak as well. He also mentions the new Temperance Hall recently built in Clarksburgh. Abstract Number - 1188
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Charles Elliott
March 09, 1848; Cincinnati

Elliott pens this letter concerning a book Finley has written, Memorials of Prison Life, and states that he has laid the book before the Book Agents. They asked Elliott to report as follows -- Since General Conference is so near at hand they do not not feel at liberty to enter into a contract for a book which cannot be issued during their term. They have declined works of other authors. The Book Committee also feels that they will not be able to examine the book with care until after General Conference. However, there is no doubt as to whether the book will be approved. Elliott has procured a pamphlet for Finley containing a decision on the Maysville Case and would like Finley to read it and write his views on it for publication. Elliott feels that it was one of the most dangerous assaults ever made on the M.E. Church, as it robs her of her very existence and puts in her place an entity, the M.E. Church South, and a non-entity, the M.E. Church North. Elliott has also prepared an article on the history of the property question and will follow up with several articles on other matters, including slavery. Dr. Bond argues for a division of the Book Concern. Elliott said his articles will not be directed against Bond personally, but he does fear some of Bond's proposals. Abstract Number - 578
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
March 10, 1848; Kanawha, VA

Finley's letters have always been a source of pleasure and encouragement to Reed. There has been "considerable prosperity" in the Kanawha District over the past quarter. 200 folks have joined as probationers. MECS folks from Kentucky have been trying to gain headway but have not had much success. He is very anxious to know how the General Conference of 1848 will settle with the south over property. He reports that the Kanawha District has $10,000 worth of property with parsonages and churches combined. Reed argues that no MEC property should be transferred to the MECS. Any unconditional arrangement with the MECS over property will definitely injure his district. Abstract Number - 663
Letter from Henry B. Gilbert to James B. Finley

Henry B. Gilbert
March 13, 1848; New Albany

Gilbert (former prisoner) writes to invite Finley to attend the April 1848 quarterly meeting at New Albany. Circuit riders G.G. West and J.C. Havens are riding the Blendon Circuit and have been very successful. There have been many conversions and several backsliders have returned to Christ. Gilbert tells the story of an older man who once persecuted church members and has now been saved. Abstract Number - 368
Letter from S. Louis Francisco to James B. Finley

S. Louis Francisco
March 17, 1848; Winchester

Francisco has received Finley's letter in which he agrees to come on April 17th and 18th. There is confusion about the address -- Will he be giving an address to the public or to Gratis Division 208 (Sons of Temperance)? Abstract Number - 370
Letter from P. F. Holtzinger to James B. Finley

P.F. Holtzinger
March 17, 1848; Marysville

Rev. Holtzinger invites Finley to attend the 3rd quarterly meeting and dedication of the new Pleasant Valley Meeting House (Union County) on April 22nd. It is hoped that $150 will be raised at the dedication to pay off the indebtedness. Abstract Number - 369
Letter from Lane & Tippett to James B. Finley

Lane & Tippett
March 20, 1848; New York City

A representative from Lane & Tippett, Methodist Book Room, contacts Finley regarding the account of Cyrus Godfrey. Mr. Godrey is arrears on a subscription which was entered on his behalf by Finley in 1844. Finley is requested to look into the matter. Abstract Number - 371
Letter from Lucretia Sealy to James B. Finley

Lucretia Sealy
March 22, 1848; West Jefferson

Lucretia Sealy wants Finley to see the governor and plead for her husband's release from the penitentiary. He is an innocent man -- a kind husband, an affectionate father, and a good provider. Her children have been scattered because she has no way to care for them. She pleads for Finley's help to get Mr. Sealy pardoned. Abstract Number - 1094
Letter from Felix Marsh to James B. Finley

Felix Marsh
March 23, 1848; Eaton

Felix Marsh (Eaton lawyer) reached home on Friday after Finley left. On the next day he went with his little daughter to be enrolled in the Methodist Church and committed himself to the cause of Christianity. He discusses issues related to temperance. Abstract Number - 372
Letter from W.H. Smith to James B. Finley

W. H. Smith
March 23, 1848; Baltimore

Williams & Smith Co., editors and publishers of the temperance magazine, Crystal Fount, write to Finley for his help. The agents collecting subscriptions in Ohio, Bain and Ackerman, have failed to submit payment. Hundreds of subscriptions have been obtained by these men in Ohio, but the money has not been forwarded. Therefore, the Fount has not been distributed to Ohio subscribers. The publishers would like Finley to interview Bain and Ackerman to determine what is happening. If the latter have abandoned the Fount, the publishers would like suggestions for replacement agents. Abstract Number - 579
Letter from Joseph B. Will to James B. Finley

Joseph B. Will
March 23, 1848; McArthurstown, OH

Joseph Will invites Finley to attend the celebration of the Sons of Temperance, McCarthurstown Division, on May 24th. Abstract Number - 1189
Letter from William Wood to James B. Finley

William Wood
March 24, 1848; Cincinnati

Mr. John M.D. Mitchell of Cincinnati has been sick for two months and unable to take care of any business. Mitchell's wife is currently housed at a county insane asylum. Because he is sick, he is unable to pay the $18.00 per month to keep her there. Wood asks Finley to wield his influence in order to get Mrs. Mitchell admitted to the Ohio state asylum for the insane. [Ohio Lunatic Asylum, Columbus, OH] Abstract Number - 373
Letter from Squire Gray Eyes to James B. Finley

Squire Gray Eyes
April 03, 1848; Wyandot Reserve

Squire Gray Eyes has found out how many of the Nation are members of the Church. There are 45 in the Shawnee, 42 in the Delawares, and 30 in the Kickapoos. He tells Finley the names of church leaders and also lists the people who have died. He is not satisfied being in the Southern branch of the M.E. Church. The missionary from the M.E. Church South is not strict enough and does not please him. He hopes Finley will visit next fall. Abstract Number - 854
Letter from William Logue to James B. Finley

William Logue
April 04, 1848; Somersville

Logue asks Finley's advice as to whether or not he should join the Sons of Temperance, a secret society. He does not wish to commit any sin in the sight of God. Abstract Number - 1190
Letter from J.M. Wisehart to James B. Finley

J.M. Wisehart
April 10, 1848; Frankfort

J.M. Wisehart invites Finley to attend the celebration of the Frankfort Division, Sons of Temperance. Abstract Number - 1191
Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Charles Elliott
April 17, 1848; Cincinnati

Elliott and Finley are going to attend the 1848 General Conference in Pittsburgh. Elliott writes to arrange a time of departure. He speaks of Bishop Soule (Bishop of M.E. Church South), who is coming to the meeting to throw confusion into their ranks. He expects that a lot of southerners will attend to annoy them. Elliott suggests that Finley come prepared to meet the attack. Elliott has just written an article on slavery and expects a stir to be made because of it. Abstract Number - 825