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Finley Letters

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Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
January 31, 1849; Germantown

Finley's son-in-law is in Germantown arbitrating with the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church on behalf of his father-in-law. He is attempting to settle financial claims for Finley against the trustees. He reports that Elizabeth Dolley has died. Abstract Number - 421
Letter from Sarah Gossett to James B. Finley

Sarah Gossett
January 31, 1849; Carthage

Mrs. Gossett writes concerning her son. She has been a faithful member of the M.E. Church for 44 years. Her son, John Gossett, is confined at the Ohio State Penitentiary for a supposed burglary. When the case went to trial, the "witness" did not appear, but John was convicted anyway. Mrs. Gossett would like Finley to talk with her son on the subject of religion and see if he has reformed any since he has been there, and what his general conduct has been. Adam N. Riddle thinks that a positive statement from Finley might help to get John released. Abstract Number - 1131
Letter from William T. Hand to James B. Finley

William T. Hand
January 31, 1849; Gallipolis

Rev. Hand writes to Finley informing him of the vacancy for the office of Associate Judge for Gallia. Brother Calvin Shepard has been proposed by friends as a Methodist, Whig candidate. Hand asks Finley to use his influence concerning Shepard's candidacy. Brother Bundy will supply Finley with information concerning Shepard. Abstract Number - 422
Letter from James B. Brooke to James B. Finley

James B. Brooke
February 02, 1849; New Castine

Finley's grandson James reports on the death of Elizabeth Dolley on January 24th. James' business partner plans to go to California to seek gold. James needs $150 to buy him out. He is still attempting to find a lot for the new Meeting House. Abstract Number - 423
Letter from Richard D. George to James B. Finley

Richard D. George
February 03, 1849; Hancock County

Richard George, who appears to be managing Finley's property, lets Finley know that someone may be trespassing on his land, but the property is not well marked so he is not sure. He suggests that Finley get his borders marked to avoid this problem in the future. Abstract Number - 424
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
February 05, 1849; Eaton

Finley's son-in-law sends a note reporting on the arbitration which took place with the trustees of the Germantown congregation. The trustees have agreed to pay Finley $146. Abstract Number - 505
Letter from A.J. Clawson & Hannah M. Clawson to James B. Finley

A.J. Clawson and Hannah M. Clawson
February 06, 1849; West Alexandria

Andrew Jackson Clawson (married to Hannah Marie Brooke, Finley's granddaughter) reports on the health of the family and then tells Finley that his clothing business is not doing well. He has difficulty collecting money and has a debt that he cannot pay. He asks Finley to send him some money. Abstract Number - 426
Letter from Solomon Howard to James B. Finley

Solomon Howard
February 06, 1849; Springfield

Solomon Howard (principal, Ohio Conference High School in Springfield) feels that reform is necessary in "our university at Oxford" (Miami University). He would like Finley to use his influence with the Legislature to see that trustee vacancies are filled with "suitable men." He would like Finley to serve as a trustee, and he himself would like to serve. Abstract Number - 427
Letter from Joseph Moore to James B. Finley

Joseph Moore
February 08, 1849; Scioto County

Judge Joseph Moore has not forgotten Finley. Moore has had a hard struggle. He has been widowed twice and his three youngest children are living with him. He writes about their "old friend" Ransom Hodges, currently serving time at the state prison. Moore has heard that Hodges has undergone a reformation while in prison. Members of the community have signed a petition asking for Hodges' release. Moore wants Finley to write him about it. Abstract Number - 425
Letter from Moses B. Walker to James B. Finley

Moses B. Walker
February 08, 1849; Dayton

Moses B. Walker met with the trustees of the Germantown M.E.C. in late January, to present Finley's claim against the church and represent him during the arbitration. [The issue is most likely Finley's previous promise to raise money for the new Germantown church building, from which he asked to be released in 1846.] One of the trustees argues that Finley collected $64 for and in the name of the church, then applied it to his personal subscription of $75 for the new building. Walker was able to bargain successfully with the trustees on Finley's behalf [possibly payment to Preachers Aid Society. See letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley, February 14,1849]. Abstract Number - 428
Letter from Joshua Robinson to James B. Finley

Joshua Robinson
February 14, 1849; Pittsburgh

Robinson returns the George W. Jackson letter to Finley with an explanation. Apparently, the "contemptible" letter involved a delivery by Mr. Jackson to the prison, and had nothing to do with Finley. Abstract Number - 1132
Letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley

George W. Walker
February 14, 1849; Dayton

Presiding Elder [Dayton District] George W. Walker asks Finley to call and pay the tax on his land in Hancock County for him. He will reimburse Finley later. Walker updates a letter sent to Finley regarding arbitration with the Germantown trustees. Evidently they have paid off the note to the Preachers' Relief Society. Walker wonders if Finley has heard about the "anti-Methodistical' manner of seating at the new meeting house in Dayton [Wesley Chapel] -- "Free seats, but the men and women mixed up together." Brother Inskip is pushing ahead with this reform "at all hazards." Walker reckons he will have some trouble dealing with this situation. Abstract Number - 429
Letter from Frederick Fick to James B. Finley

Frederick Fick
February 15, 1849; Cincinnati

German letter. Abstract Number - 1133
Letter from W.F. Stewart to James B. Finley

W.F. Stewart
February 15, 1849; Newark, Ohio

Rev. Stewart writes to let Finley known that the Newark charge is in the midst of a grand revival. Many people have been converted in the process. Unfortunately, Stewart is under doctor's orders not to preach, due to a case of influenza affecting his lungs. He issues an urgent invitation to Finley, asking him to come for a few days to carry on this revival work. Abstract Number - 430
Letter from Samuel Bradford to James B. Finley

Samuel Bradford
February 16, 1849; Celina

Bradford reports that conditions are very good for Methodist Episcopal members in Celina. He mentions the conversion of 22 people, several of whom are quite prominent. Their influence will be of importance in the town. He speaks in favor of the preacher there who desires to transfer either to the Ohio or Baltimore Conference -- Rev. Samuel L. Yourtee. He invites Finley to visit. Abstract Number - 431
Letter from George W. Walker to James B. Finley

George W. Walker
February 16, 1849; Dayton

Walker reports a misunderstanding about what he is to pay in taxes on his land, and asks Finley to straighten out the situation on his behalf. Abstract Number - 432
Letter from Henry Howe to James B. Finley

Henry Howe
February 17, 1849; Lancaster

Howe expects to be in Columbus at the end of the month and will stop in to see Finley. Abstract Number - 433
Letter from Robert C. Schenck to James B. Finley

Robert C. Schenck
February 19, 1849; Washington City

Schenck (U.S. Congressman, 3rd district, Ohio) responds to Finley's query concerning a possible vacancy at the Eaton Post Office. He assures Finley that he is a valued friend and "one of the best of the Whigs." However, a vacancy at the Eaton Post Office will likely be filled by the Postmaster General following the wishes of the citizens. At this time, there is no vacancy. The present postmaster, Mr. Campbell, is well liked. Schenck has received several letters from citizens hoping that Campbell will not be removed. Abstract Number - 434
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
February 20, 1849; Washington City

McLean responds to Finley's query about a possible job as Postmaster of Eaton. He advises Finley to solicit the goodwill of the people. Mr. Schenck (Robert C.) is serving as representative to the U.S. Congress for the district which includes Eaton. McLean is hesitant to recommend Finley to Mr. Schenck, because the latter has an unreasonable dislike for McLean. Anyone recommended by McLean will be automatically rejected by Schenck. Abstract Number - 1006
Letter from John Mears to James B. Finley

John Mears
February 22, 1849; Locust Grove, Mill Creek Township

A new tax called the Income Tax has been passed in Ohio. John Mears thinks it very unfair. He says it is robbing him of his hard earned living. It has not been enforced in many counties as yet and many are fighting against the new tax. He enlists Finley's aid to get the law repealed. Abstract Number - 864
Letter from J.W. White to James B. Finley

J.W. White
February 24, 1849; Cincinnati

Rev. John W. White has evidently been asked by Finley to intercede with judges, etc. on behalf of a prisoner. He asks Finley to let the prisoner know that he is doing all he can for him. Abstract Number - 435
Letter from Thomas Coke Wright to James B. Finley

Thomas Coke Wright
February 24, 1849; Xenia

Thomas Coke Wright has written a biography of the prisoner Andrew Jay Hamilton, arrested for burglary in Xenia. Hamilton was an intelligent, personable man, who wrote and spoke with eloquence. Unfortunately, he was found guilty of a crime and sentenced to the Ohio Penitentiary. Wright befriended Hamilton and counseled him during his trial, so he knew him well. Hamilton has since died at the prison. Wright is aware that Finley is writing a book about prison life at the penitentiary and would prefer that the biography he has written appear in Finley's book rather than publishing it separately. [Note: Wright's biography of Hamilton and several letters were included in Finley's book Memorials of Prison Life, Chapter XIX, p. 223-288]. Included in Wright's letter is poetry written by his mother, Sarah Wright. Abstract Number - 1134
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
February 25, 1849; New Castine

Finley's grandson announces the birth of two sons (3 lbs. 12 oz. and 3 lbs. 14 oz.). The babies are doing fine but the mother not so well. She is suffering from chills. He plans to name one of the children after Finley. He writes at length about religious conditions in the local M.E. society and mentions several conversions. Discussions are being held about the prospect of erecting a meeting house. Abstract Number - 436
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
February 26, 1849; Cincinnati

Young reports that he is no longer able to carry the financial burden of running the "Organ and Messenger." The attempt to unite the paper with Kentucky's version has not been a success. "The 'Sons' of Kentucky have too much state pride to consent to the support of a "Organ" published in Cincinnati." Unfortunately, they have chosen to withhold their patronage. He asks Finley whether the Book Concern might take over the paper's publication. Abstract Number - 592
Letter from Benjamin F. Tefft to James B. Finley

Benjamin F. Tefft
March 01, 1849; Cincinnati

Tefft asks Finley to delay coming until April 1st. He has read Finley's manuscript [Memorials of Prison Life] but has not started editing yet. Abstract Number - 437