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Finley Letters

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Letter from James Birdsell to James B. Finley

James Birdsell
December 20, 1821; Wilmington

Birdsell (aka Birdsall) writes that he will be coming from Wilmington to Upper Sandusky to purchase furs. He wants to know what articles to bring in exchange and the best sleigh route to Upper Sandusky. Brother Strange (John Strange, P.E. Lebanon District) will be attending the quarterly meeting in Urbana on January 20th, and then plans to visit the Wyandot Mission and head on to Detroit. Birdsell and Strange plan to travel together in the sleigh. Birdsell is concerned about travel conditions between Upper Sandusky and Detroit and wonders whether there is ongoing communication about conditions between the two towns. Abstract Number - 858
Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

John Davenport
January 01, 1822; Barnesville

Memorandum of goods (camp meeting songbooks, combs, velvet, pins, thimbles, leather) sent from Barnesville to the Wyandot Mission. Davenport is sending these articles which were bought by subscription. There is enough velvet to be taken off the piece for Brother Gibson's adopted son [for a] a suit. If Davenport's adopted son were there, the same thing might be done for him, but he is gone. Davenport offers to purchase items for the mission in the future without charging a commission. The Radical Party in Baltimore sent Davenport a circular which contains strange contradictions. Abstract Number - 647
Rules for the regulating of the Mission Family

James B. Finley
January 01, 1822; Wyandot Mission

A three page list of regulations for governance of the mission family, in J.B. Finley's handwriting. Included are rules concerning meal times, bed times, community prayers, and work responsibilities of the children, "helpers" and "helpers' wives." Also included are rules related to school attendance and behavior. The document is undated, but is likely from 1822 or 1823. The mission school commenced in the latter months of 1822, but was not officially opened until summer of 1823. Abstract Number - 793
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
January 01, 1822; London (Ohio)

William Simmons has been appointed to the London Circuit, Lebanon District, for the conference year 1821-1822, along with Rev. Daniel D. Davidson. He describes the progress he is making in his circuit. He has received a letter from Rev. Swormstedt, who is serving the Zanesville appointment. A wonderful revival was held there in late December which resulted in the addition of many new members. Simmons reports that Bro. Davidson is doing good work on the London Circuit. He is "all on fire preaching and shouting." Simmons has learned that Rev. Morey (Platt B. Morey, Detroit appointment) has died (December 18, 1821), and asks Finley to send him "particulars." Finally, Simmons would like a letter from Finley telling about how he is "progressing among the savages." Abstract Number - 603
Letter from Thomas McKenney to James B. Finley

Thomas McKenney
March 23, 1822;

Thomas McKenney writes to let Finley know that he needs to follow the regulations in order to receive appropriations for "Improving the Indians." It is necessary for the Corresponding Secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society to send a letter of request to a named officer, "in conformity with printed regulations." Abstract Number - 670
Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
March 25, 1822; Piqua

Robert writes to James concerning the death of his wife, Rebecca, James' mother. He describes her last days in agonizing detail. Abstract Number - 951
Letter from James Tawler to James B. Finley

James Tawler
April 01, 1822; Xenia

James Tawler (Towler), Local Preacher from Xenia, has collected supplies for the Wyandot Mission from Dayton, Cincinnati, and Xenia. His letter includes a list -- "Articles gathered for the Sandusky Mission and forwarded to the mission family April 1, 1822." Listed items include tools, books, housewares, food, nails, bedding, and wash boards. Abstract Number - 1208
Letter from Daniel Hitt to James B. Finley

Daniel Hitt
May 04, 1822; Baltimore

This letter is written by Daniel Hitt on behalf of Bishop McKendree. Hitt reports that Indian missions to the south are doing well. Finley has evidently asked about the propriety of the Wyandots attending the 1822 Ohio M.E. Conference. Hitt responds -- "As respects the Indians visiting the Conference at its next session, the Bishop is unwilling to give advice therein; but thinks, as you know the place and country round about the seat of Conference, you must judge of the propriety or impropriety of their attending, at the same time not doubting, but their attendance might be productive of salutary effects in various points of view." Thus, the decision is left to Finley. Hitt tells Finley that he will be traveling with Bishop McKendree this year, and will therefore be present at the Ohio Conference. [Note: Wyandots did attend the Conference] Abstract Number - 671
Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
June 04, 1822; Urbana

Robert writes that he is resigned to a life of sorrow. He wishes that he had stronger confidence in God. He feels like a piece of lumber that no one has use for. Work on the Piqua Circuit has been difficult because his colleague Robert Dobbins is not pulling his weight and is not liked by folks on the circuit. To make things even worse, family members are not coming to visit him. Abstract Number - 952
Letter from George S. Houston to James B. Finley

George S. Houston
July 22, 1822; Dayton

Houston is gratified to hear about Finley's success with the Wyandot Mission. He reports an "increase in Methodism" in Dayton, but bewails the fact that there is such indifference about the cause of the mission in the city. He wishes presiding elders and preachers would speak more about its importance. Houston has recently seen John P. Finley. The latter has returned to Piqua to prepare for his move to Augusta, KY. Abstract Number - 672
Letter from Harriet Stubbs to Mrs. J.B. Finley

Harriet Stubbs
August 11, 1822; Richland

Stubbs writes to express sorrow and encouragement regarding Hannah's illness and reports news of family and friends. Elizabeth Brooke (daughter of James B. & Hannah) is doing very well, as is their grandson James. Sister's [Rebecca] health is declining. [Harriet is living with John McLean and his wife, Rebecca Edwards McLean. Rebecca is most likely Harriet's stepsister. Rebecca was the daughter of Dr. Uriah Edwards II (1760-1790) and Sarah Edwards (1760-1838). Harriet was the daughter of Sarah Edwards and second husband, Robert Stubbs, d. 1815. Genealogical record is confusing. See Familysearch.org] Harriet mentions that "Mr. McLean" has taken Rebecca on his circuit (Ohio Supreme Court) to see if her health will improve. The rest of the letter is devoted to reminiscing over time spent in Upper Sandusky as the first teacher at the Wyandot Mission. Harriet hopes that Lydia (Barstow) has not forgotten her. She would be happy to see her students again, particularly Eliza and Maria, and hopes that they are obeying Lydia. She remembers Big Tree smoking a pipe with a bearskin by his side, conversing with James B. Finley with as much dignity "as though he were president of the United States." Abstract Number - 12
Letter from Thomas Mason to Charles Elliott and from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

Thomas Mason and Charles Elliott
December 10, 1822; New York

Thomas Mason (Board of the Methodist Episcopal Missionary Society) writes to Charles Elliott at the Wyandot Mission informing him that a box of clothing prepared by the Methodist Female Missionary Society of New York has been sent to Finley, but he fears that it has not yet been delivered. Apparently the Juvenile Society of Baltimore sent money to fund the education of two Indian children, to be named Francis Asbury and Mary Fletcher. Mason chastises Elliott because the Society has not received a report from Finley as to who was selected. The Managers of the Parent Society want missionaries to write often about the progress at their missions. Otherwise, the excitement to assist will dwindle. Charles Elliott, sends this letter on to Finley in Warren County to report on conditions at the mission. He discusses the new fence enclosure, and the proposed kitchen and school building. Abstract Number - 610
Letter from John Shaw to James B. Finley

John Shaw
January 01, 1823; Wyandot Mission

Text of a lease contract, "Article of Agreement," by which John Shaw, Indian Sub-agent, leases the gristmill and sawmill owned by the Wyandots to John Johnston, Indian agent, for a period of six months. This lease is purportedly for the benefit of the Wyandot Indians. Johnston is to run the mills, providing priority services to the Wyandots toll free, but also making money for himself. Shaw is to have personal access to the mills for his own use. [Note: Mills were built in 1820 by the U.S. government 3 miles northeast of Upper Sandusky on the Sandusky River, for the use of the the Wyandots and other tribes in the area.] Abstract Number - 792
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
January 06, 1823; Columbus

Young [Presiding Elder of the Lancaster District] sends a newsy letter to Finley [Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District & superintendent of the Wyandot Mission]. As P.E. of the Lancaster District, Young visited the Wyandot Mission in December for a quarterly meeting. Charles Elliott [appointed to Wyandot Mission] hosted him in the absence of Finley. Young reports that Elliott preached an excellent sermon on Sunday. The following day, Young went to the mission house to discuss proposed rules for the school with the Wyandot Council. Once approved the Council went to the school, where Brother Elliott read the rules to the children. Note: The first page of the letter is dated January 6, 1822, but Finley himself dates the letter as 1823. Given the description of appointments and events, it is reasonable to conclude that the actual year is 1823. Abstract Number - 648
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
January 28, 1823; Washington City

McLean is serving as the Commissioner of the General Land Office in Washington. He praises the work that Finley is doing with the Wyandots and encourages him. He is very satisfied with his new position, and has the confidence of the president. The Ohio members of the Legislature have nominated Henry Clay for president. McLean believes that John C. Calhoun is more talented than Clay. Abstract Number - 988
Letter from Samuel Baker to James B. Finley

Samuel Baker
February 01, 1823; Mission House (MI)

Baker describes conditions in the Detroit Circuit -- regions of River Rough, Upper & Lower River Huron, River Reason, Detroit, and Miami. He asks for advice from Rev. Finley and requests a visit. Abstract Number - 673
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
February 12, 1823; Washington City

McLean, Commissioner of the General Land Office, reports that the president has not yet received a request from the Wyandot Mission for funds available to support Indian schools. McLean sends an application to Finley, urging him to fill it out and return it immediately. The House of Representatives has been "quiet" recently, with little noise being made concerning the coming presidential election. Abstract Number - 989
Letter from Alfred Brunson to James B. Finley

Alfred Brunson
February 20, 1823; Detroit

Brunson is serving the Detroit Circuit, which includes 26 preaching points. It is his most difficult circuit to date. He confides to Finley that his colleague Brother Samuel Baker is a pious and holy man, but a terrible preacher. Folks refuse to come for worship when Baker is preaching. Brunson would like to divide the circuit in half due to family concerns, but this will only be possible if Baker is replaced ("exchanged"). Abstract Number - 618
Letter from Alfred M. Lorrain to James B. Finley

Alfred M. Lorrain
February 22, 1823; Lebanon

Lorrain finds himself too busy with his work at the Lebanon school to carry the extra responsibility of a church station. He advocates the appointment of a preacher. Lorrain believes that $1,000 could be raised for the Mission in Mississippi and Louisiana. Abstract Number - 674
Letter from Aaron Wood to James B. Finley

Aaron Wood
February 24, 1823;

Wood writes that he has inquired about the availability of bacon for the Wyandot Mission, and has found that it is unavailable. Hogs are dying by the dozens due to lack of corn. Perhaps there will be something to send next summer or fall, but Finley should not count on it. Abstract Number - 13
Letter from James Tawler to James B. Finley

James Tawler
March 18, 1823; Xenia

Local Preacher Tawler (Towler) is feeling anxious with respect to the mission family school and is still trying to do something towards its support. He wishes some qualified person could spend all of their time traveling through the western part of the Ohio Annual Conference collecting donations for the mission. The Female Missionary Societies of Xenia and Union have collected some items and Tawler will try to send the material to Upper Sandusky by the next possible conveyance. He is personally unable to come without financial help. If he could do so for free he would, because he "lives for the missionary cause." Abstract Number - 675
Letter from Samuel Baker to James B. Finley

Samuel Baker
March 19, 1823; River Reason (MI)

Baker reports that conditions are decidedly worse for him due to lack of cooperation from Brother Brunson, difficulties with Brother Tate, and failure to be reimbursed for his expenses. He again asks Rev. Finley to visit him, and requests his advice. Abstract Number - 14
Letter from David McMasters to James B. Finley

David McMasters
March 28, 1823; Mt. Pleasant, Ohio

McMasters is not in very good health. Religion in the area is at a standstill and there is little hope of revival, but Rev. Waterman (Presiding Elder, Muskingum District) is making a good effort. Mr. David L. Evans proposes to buy Finley's property for $450. Evans will pay $100 down and $100 in annual payments. Finley can hold the property as security until the debt is paid off. Several renters have not paid their rent and McMasters would like to know what to do. McMasters is very much in need of his money. Abstract Number - 16
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
April 05, 1823; Cincinnati

Martin Ruter (Book Agent at the Cincinnati branch of the Methodist Book Concern, 1820-1828), rejoices in the success of Finley's work at the Wyandot Mission. He reports that an independent missionary society has been formed in Cincinnati (not an auxiliary of the Missionary Society of the MEC) with the aim of supporting only the Wyandot Mission. $30 has already been raised. In addition, $60 worth of goods and clothing have been collected at West Union. Ruter has asked Jacob Young to collect $100 owed to the Book Concern in his district, which will then be forwarded to Upper Sandusky. He has also asked G.R. Jones to procure 100-150 yards of factory cotton cloth for the mission. Abstract Number - 1008
Letter from Nathan Emery to James B. Finley

Nathan Emery
April 16, 1823; Worthington

Emery has received a letter from Rev. Young stating that the Indians at the Mission are greatly in need of potatoes to plant. He and his congregation have gathered forty or fifty bushels. He asks Finley when he will be able to pick them up. He would like Finley to write a short piece about the progress of arts and religion among the Indians at the Mission. Emery indicates that he will have it published in a Columbus paper. Abstract Number - 677