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Finley Letters

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Letter from Thomas Beach & Committee to James B. Finley

Thomas Beach & Committee
June 13, 1848; Greenfield, OH

Thomas Beach replies to Rev. Finley concerning the latter's acceptance of an invitation to be with the Greenfield Division #316, Sons of Temperance. He regrets that he omitted the date of the celebration -- July 4th. Abstract Number - 1194
Letter from Hocking Valley Division, Sons of Temperance to James B. Finley

Hocking Valley Division Sons of Temperance
June 17, 1848; Logan

A committee of five from the Hocking Valley Division No. 66 of the Sons of Temperance writes to request the presence of Finley at a public meeting on July 15th. They would like Finley to deliver an address at the meeting. Abstract Number - 381
Letter from Joseph Cox to James B. Finley

Joseph Cox
June 20, 1848; Cincinnati

The bearer of this letter, Mrs. Holloway, is visiting her husband in the penitentiary. She asks Finley to provide spiritual guidance to him. Abstract Number - 1097
Letter from Ann Russell to James B. Finley

Ann Russell
June 24, 1848; Putnam

Ann Russell writes to say that the petition for the release of Jacob Lamb has been written and presented to Judge Lock and Judge Springer. The judges have requested that Finley send them a letter regarding Lamb's health situation, which should include his opinion about the man's possible release. Abstract Number - 1098
Letter from William Johnston to James B. Finley

William Johnston
June 27, 1848; Sidney

A letter from an old grandfather, William Johnson/Johnston (blacksmith), whose fourteen year old grandson James has been imprisoned at the state penitentiary through the treachery of another boy. The writer is most anxious to get him out, and begs Finley for help. Abstract Number - 1100
Letter from Michael Marley to James B. Finley

Michael Marley
June 28, 1848; Urbana

Marley (Marlay) has heard that Finley is coming to Urbana sometime this year and he would like Finley to write and let him know when, so they can make arrangements. He is pleased with the action of the 1848 General Conference. The Nullification Act (repudiation of 1844 plan of separation) passed with more unanimity than he expected, and the course proposed regarding the property question -- arbitration -- is a good one. He praises Finley for his speech on the Nullification Act during the General Conference. Abstract Number - 383
Letter from William Porter to James B. Finley

William Porter
July 05, 1848; Johnstown

Rev. Porter is serving the Johnstown Circuit, Columbus District, Ohio Conference. He reports that the state of the circuit is vigorous, spiritual, and lively. Membership has greatly increased and $650 of church debt has been paid. Presiding Elder John W. Clarke is a highly esteemed preacher, and Porter's colleague James Mitchell is doing an outstanding job on the circuit. A camp meeting is scheduled to commence on August 17 at a location north of Alexandria. Porter invites Finley to attend and preach on the sabbath. Abstract Number - 829
Letter from George H. Hood to James B. Finley

George H. Hood
July 17, 1848; Brownsville

Mr. Hood writes on behalf of Mr. Vermillion, a Methodist brother who would like a job as guard at the prison. Hood asks Finley to use his influence to get Vermillion the position. Abstract Number - 1101
Letter from W.J. Wells to James B. Finley

W.J. Wells
July 20, 1848; Findlay

Rev. Wells (preacher appointed to Findlay Circuit) has learned that Finley plans to travel in Hancock County. He invites Finley to attend a camp meeting to be held near Fort Findlay on August 4th. Abstract Number - 384
Letter from Tobias Spicer to James B. Finley

Tobias Spicer
July 27, 1848; Lansingsburgh, NY

Rev. Tobias Spicer, supernumerary preacher in the Troy MEC Conference, writes to Finley concerning the June 1848 annual conference. He reports that a "Mr. Magician" (Ezra Sprague??) was expelled after three sessions with an almost unanimous vote. There was also a conversation about a questionable sermon preached at Troy by Rev. John Clark on "Being born again." Clark told his congregation that all things are made new at conversion -- All elements of holiness are introduced into the soul, and all opposing elements removed. This stance was called into question by many of his colleagues who disputed Clark's theological argument that all opposing elements are removed (no room left for perfection or sanctifying grace). Clark explained what he meant by removal of opposing elements. It is actually "enmity to God" that is taken away. Clark's "tolerable" explanation was accepted by members of the conference. Following annual conference, Spicer traveled to New York to assist with the publication of the new Discipline. Abstract Number - 386
Letter from William Stevens to James B. Finley

William Stevens
July 27, 1848; Beaver, PA

Stevens has a son who has lost his mind. He asks Finley to get the young man admitted to the Insane Hospital in Columbus. Abstract Number - 385
Letter from Wyandot Nation & Squire Gray Eyes to James B. Finley

Wyandot Nation and Squire Gray Eyes
July 27, 1848; Wyandot Nation, KS

This is an official letter from members of the Wyandot Nation and Chief Squire Grey Eyes. They would like Finley to inform the Ohio Conference that they have decided not to go with the MEC South and want their old friends in the MEC North to take them back under their wing. They feel it is their right to belong to the church of their choice. Abstract Number - 830
Letter from Catherine Hicks & John Hicks to James B. Finley

Catherine Hicks and John Hicks
July 29, 1848; Wyandot Nation, Indian Territory

Catherine and John Hicks have heard that Finley might be coming to Kansas to see his Indian friends, and they are delighted to hear it. "Many years have passed since we first met in the wilderness of Sandusky and learned to sing praises to the Redeemer." It would mean a great deal to see Finley before they die. Abstract Number - 855
Letter from M.D. Brooke to James B. Finley

M.D. Brooke
July 30, 1848; Thornville

M.D. Brooke thanks Finley profusely for his letter. He reports the sale of his mill and the purchase of property -- a house and spring. He asks Finley's cooperation in getting a certain man (Joseph Newson) for the circuit where he will live next year -- Rehoboth Circuit. Abstract Number - 281
Letter from Squire Gray Eyes to James B. Finley

Squire Gray Eyes
July 31, 1848; Wyandot Nation Indian Territory

Squire Gray Eyes reports that great work is being done among the Indian tribes. At a quarterly meeting recently held among the Shawnee group, the question of the M.E. Church South was brought before them, and they decided to stay with the M.E. Church (North). Some of their old friends have died. Squire Gray Eyes mourns the loss of a dearly beloved daughter-in-law, wife of his son John. She was in good faith with God. The Wyandots wish to be part of the Ohio Conference. As to their future missionary, they will gladly receive whoever the Ohio Conference sends. Abstract Number - 781
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
July 31, 1848; Cincinnati

At the recent session of the Sons of Temperance, Grand Division of Ohio, a resolution was passed that an agent be employed to travel the state of Ohio, in order to share the story of the Sons of Temperance and start new divisons. The editor of the Ohio Washingtonian Organ, Brother J.A. Collins, has been hired. Collins is to visit the Western Reserve area first, making Wooster his headquarters. Young asks Finley to assist Collins wherever and whenever possible. Abstract Number - 1195
Letter from Robert E. Prior to James B. Finley

Robert E. Prior
August 11, 1848; Eaton

Prior writes asking Finley to help bring about the pardon of his brother James, who is in prison and very ill. Governor Bebb is aware of the situation, but Finley will need to advocate for James' release. Abstract Number - 1102
Letter from J.V. McElvaine to James B. Finley

J.V. McElvaine
August 13, 1848; Columbus

McElvaine writes that nothing significant has happened during Finley's absence from the penitentiary. His place has been filled satisfactorily. Abstract Number - 1103
Letter from James B. Finley to Samuel Arminius Latta

James B. Finley
August 14, 1848; Columbus

James asks Latta to stop sending him material. "I never read it but cast it from me as I would any other filthy thing." Abstract Number - 387
Letter from Joshua Robinson to James B. Finley

Joshua Robinson
August 14, 1848; Pittsburgh

European agent, Joshua Robinson, writes to the warden of the penitentiary concerning a prisoner going by the name of William Jackson, who is actually Thomas Bruton. Thomas' brother Charles Bruton served in the Pittsburgh Blues during the Mexican War, and died on the way home. Thomas and Charles were the last two boys in the family. As the only living heir, Thomas is due a large inheritance of money and land. Robinson asks Finley to determine if William Jackson is indeed Thomas Bruton. If so, Robinson would like to know the nature of his crime and length of sentence. Robinson would like Bruton to send him a power of attorney so that he can act on his behalf to acquire the estate. Abstract Number - 1104
Letter from Lucinda Thorp to James B. Finley

Lucinda Thorp
August 14, 1848; Tecumseh, MI

Lucinda Thorp has a 21 year old deaf son who she wishes to place at the Asylum in Columbus (Deaf & Dumb Asylum). She does not know anyone in Columbus, so she contacted Rev. Chatfield, the presiding elder of her district (Monroe District, Michigan Conference), for help. Chatfield advised her to write to Finley. She asks Finley to ascertain whether the asylum will take the boy, and if so, under what terms. She is a widow and has a large family. Her son is industrious and has a good disposition. Abstract Number - 388
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
August 16, 1848; Guyandotte, VA

Reed writes to discuss the formation of the new Western Virginia Conference. He has been reappointed to the Kanawha District as presiding elder and has just begun his quarterly meeting travel. Reed is not pleased with the makeup of the new conference, believing that the city of Wheeling and the Virginia valley should have been included within its borders. At this time, border societies and interior societies are making decisions about their denominational allegiance -- MEC or MECS. Both denominations have appointed preachers in the same towns, etc. Reed bemoans the fact that the conference is "without churches" because the southerners have swayed societies to leave the MEC and align with the MECS. The people in his district are generally pleased with the decisions of General Conference regarding the property question and the rejection of Dr. Lovick Pierce (delegate from MECS who attempts to "establish fraternal relations" with the MEC). Abstract Number - 664
Letter from Joshua Robinson to James B. Finley

Joshua Robinson
August 22, 1848; Pittsburgh

European agent, Joshua Robinson, rejoiced upon receiving Finley's letter concerning Thomas Bruton. He is glad that Finley is willing to take an interest in Tom's discharge. Robinson gives a short history of the young man's suffering. Tom's father was a worthless vagabond who emigrated from England to the U.S. His wife and sons followed him to the U.S. after three years. The drunken father was responsible for the death of Tom's mother, then kicked Tom out of the house with just the clothes on his back. Robinson wants Tom to have a Power of Attorney document drawn in his name -- Joshua Robinson, European Agent, Pittsburgh. The document needs to be acknowledged by a notary public and dated at Columbus. Robinson lets Finley know that he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Abstract Number - 1105
Letter from William R. P. Seman to James B. Finley

William R.P. Seman
August 22, 1848; Carrollton, KY

Former inmate, William R.P. Seman, writes to Finley about his experiences since release from prison. He is having a difficult time reintegrating into society because many shun him due to his prison record. He wants to live as the reformed man he became in prison, but this lack of acceptance from others makes it difficult. When he reflects on his past life, the evil committed and the bad habits, he is amazed that he is still alive. He feels he would have sunk even lower if it had not been for his mother's prayers. Abstract Number - 1106
Letter from George D. Hendricks to James B. Finley

George D. Hendricks
August 28, 1848; Eaton

Hendricks writes to Finley concerning the illness of prisoner J.G. Ward. Ward's family has learned of his recent "attack with bleeding of the lungs." Apparently, several of Ward's relatives died very quickly of the same malady. Ward's sister would like to have her brother released so that she can care for him during his last days on earth. The remainder of the letter is a brief discussion of politics. [Hendricks was elected to the Ohio State Senate in October of 1848]. Abstract Number - 1107