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Finley Letters

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Letter from Lyman C. Draper to James B. Finley

Lyman C. Draper
May 23, 1849; Philadelphia

Draper thanks Finley for his letter and reports that he has found a copy of History of the Wyandot Mission. He is delighted to know that Finley is distantly related to John Finley, early Kentucky explorer. Draper proceeds to question Finley concerning his family and ancestors. Abstract Number - 789
Letter from Swormstedt & Power to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Power
May 23, 1849;

On behalf of the Book Concern, Swormstedt offers $700 for the copyright and manuscript of Finley's book, Memorials of Prison Life. $300 will go to the editor, Brother Benjamin Franklin Tefft. The remaining $400 can be received by Finley in one of two ways -- the entire amount in cash, or $300 in cash and $100 in books at wholesale price. It is hoped that Finley will accept this offer and come to Cincinnati soon. Abstract Number - 589
Letter from Swormstedt & Power to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Power
June 02, 1849; Cincinnati

Swormstedt writes to let Finley know that editor Benjamin Franklin Tefft is ill and must wait to send Finley a list of proposed plates for Memorials of Prison Life. In the meantime, it would be helpful if Finley could send a list of plates he thinks are suitable for the book. Abstract Number - 590
Letter from Thomas Coke Wright to James B. Finley

Thomas Coke Wright
June 02, 1849; Xenia

For some reason, Finley did not receive information about A.J. Hamilton sent to him by Wright. In this letter, Wright tells the story of Hamilton's emotional arrival at the Ohio Penitentiary. Abstract Number - 1142
Letter from Samuel Bradford to James B. Finley

Samuel Bradford
June 09, 1849; Lockport

Bradford speaks about his work in the lumber business in Celina. He mentions that 18 or 20 houses are being built in Celina, including his own. He informs Finley of the recent marriage of his son. He asks Finley to attempt to sell a house and lot of his which could bring $1,000. He expects to visit Columbus soon. Abstract Number - 446
Letter from Joshua Clarke to James B. Finley

Joshua Clarke
June 28, 1849; Rencellaer, IN (Jasper County)

Clarke's medicine seems to have helped Finley, and now he suggests opening a shop in Ohio, with Finley and a religious physician sharing the profits. His medicine is a cure for diarrhea, cholera, fever, ague, chills and typhoid fever. He encloses the recipe for the medicine. Abstract Number - 447
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
July 01, 1849; Columbus

Warden Dewey writes of a cholera epidemic which has struck the State Prison. Nine cases were reported the day before, two of which were fatal. There were several new cases during the night. Dewey asks Finely to pray for them. Abstract Number - 1143
Letter from Benjamin F. Tefft to James B. Finley

Benjamin F. Tefft
July 01, 1849; Cincinnati

Cholera is sweeping Cincinnati. 137 died just yesterday. Due to the "awful severity" of the cholera epidemic nearly every business is suspended and some of Cincinnati's best citizens are gone. If he survives,Tefft has six pictures he would like to see published in Memorials of Prison Life. Henry Howe's plates are not good enough. The pictures selected must be daguerrotyped and then engraved. Tefft has finished editing the book, but no work will be done on publication until the epidemic subsides. Abstract Number - 591
Letter from Cyrus Brooks to James B. Finley

Cyrus Brooks
July 18, 1849; Columbus

Cyrus Brooks writes to reassure Finley that his absence from the prison (due to ill health), where a terrible epidemic is raging, is understood and desired by his friends and well-wishers. They do not believe that Finley will survive if he returns at this time. Brother Donahoo has been temporarily appointed in Finley's place. Brooks wants Finley to understand that he has not been dismissed. He describes conditions in the prison and the eagerness with which the dying men receive the preaching of the Gospel. He reports that several prisoners have died. Abstract Number - 1144
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
July 21, 1849; Columbus State Prison

This letter is written some three weeks after the outbreak of the cholera epidemic. 110 of the inmates have died from the disease. Col. Dewey reports that there are still several cases, but most of it is over. None of Dewey's family members got sick. He would like to see Finley and asks him to come for a visit as soon as possible. Dewey says that the Prison Directors intended no disrespect by appointing another man in his (Finley's) place, as the emergency demanded speedy action and there was no time to consult or correspond with him in relation to the matter (Evidently Finley was still at Conference in Pittsburgh when the epidemic hit the State Prison - and in his absence they needed a chaplain). Abstract Number - 1145
Letter from Frederick Fick to James B. Finley

Frederick Fick
August 19, 1849; Cincinnati

Fick sent Finley a letter which was not answered, so he is writing again. Fick says that when he came to Cincinnati, he and his wife joined the church and are members in good standing. In fact, he is Secretary of the Sunday School. His business of house painting is very good and he has three employees. He now lives on Everett Street and would welcome a visit from Finley. Fick asks Finley to pass on greeings to friends and shop mates. Abstract number - 1146
Letter from John McDonald to James B. Finley

John McDonald
September 01, 1849; Poplar Ridge

The two ministers serving in the Frankfort Circuit are both highly respected -- Rev. Nelson and Rev. Steele. People would be pleased if they could be assigned for another year. Local Preacher Samuel Donahoo is a very promising young preacher in the neighborhood. McDonald's family is in good health but he has been afflicted with rheumatism. Abstract Number - 449
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
September 06, 1849; Zanesville

Young has been in very poor health for 3 weeks. He doubts that he can attend the Ohio Annual Conference. He saw Finley's letter in the Western Christian Advocate and learned that his old friend is now at home and in poor health. Abstract Number - 911
Letter from Thomas Coke Wright to James B. Finley

Thomas Coke Wright
September 07, 1849; Xenia

Wright has not heard from Finley regarding the A.J. Hamilton biography. Will Finley be including some or all of it in his book concerning the Ohio Penitentiary? He supposes that the cholera epidemic is slowing everything down. Wright describes in great detail the effects of cholera in Xenia. There have been selfless folks who cared for others who were sick, and fearful folks who ran away from the sick. Wright has heard that Finley is being accused of running away from the Ohio Penitentiary due to fear of infection from cholera. He does not believe this story to be true, knowing that Finley would never run away in fear from anything. Wright looks forward to hearing if and how Finley will use the Hamilton biography in his upcoming book. Abstract Number - 1147
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
September 14, 1849; Zanesville

Young again tells Finley about his illness, reporting the loss of 32 pounds in the past six months. He is now certain that he will not be able to attend the Ohio Annual Conference. In lieu of attendance, he offers the following thoughts: Church property is protected in New York and Ohio (Book Concerns in both states), but in some states such as Pennsylvania (home of Chartered Fund), it is not. In order to avoid dividing property, Young suggests that Finley needs proof from the 1844 General Conference Journal that both sides agreed that the Sixth Restrictive Rule would need to be amended by all conferences to allow division of the Publishing House funds. Finley will also need proof that this amendment failed among the conferences. Enclosed is Young's letter of resignation as Trustee of Ohio Wesleyan University. Abstract Number - 912
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
September 25, 1849; Columbus State Prison

Warden Dewey apologizes for not having answered Finley's letter sooner and hopes that Finley will visit him soon. He is going on a trip north to visit his mother since she has written and asked him to visit her once more before she leaves this life. Dewey tells of the decrease of men in the State Prison as a result of the cholera epidemic, and how the men were weak and sickly for a time but are all well now. He asks Finley to write him the particulars about a farm which Finley mentioned in his last letter. After his signature he writes, "How does the book get along?" (Evidently, Finley was engaged in writing Memorials of Prison Life). Abstract Number - 1148
Letter from Edward B. Stevens to James B. Finley

Edward B. Stevens
October 06, 1849; Monroe, Butler County

Edward Stevens is the new Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch for the Monroe and Amanda Divisions of the Sons of Temperance. He sends a report to Finley, who is currently serving as Grand Worthy Patriarch. Stevens reports that there is apathy in his region regarding the cause of temperance. He shares several ideas with Finley about improving the efficacy of the Sons of Temperance -- advocating limits regarding the sale of liquor, paying closer attention to the beautiful ceremonial rites of the order, adopting an interchange of officers, and the universal dissemination of temperance tracts. Abstract Number - 1202
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
October 08, 1849; Cincinnati

Young is sorry to hear about Finley's illness and hopes he is better by now. He regrets that Finley cannot be there a few days before the session of the Grand Division (Sons of Temperance), because he wanted them to work together on a report. As an alternative, he will try to get material to Finley so that he can write his own report. Young asks Finley to resurrect the Camden Division by putting up a new division "on the ruins of the old ones." Abstract Number - 450
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
October 17, 1849; Cincinnati

Young is sorry to hear that Finley's health has not improved. He prays that God will strengthen Finley so that he will be able to attend the upcoming meeting of the Grand Division (Sons of Temperance). The Columbus 'Sons' complained at the last session about irregularities in appropriations and disbursements, resulting in a member being charged. Young angered these Columbus brethren by suggesting an impartial investigation into the charges. All of this has caused his own antagonism to rise, and he is very worried about the session to come. Abstract Number - 452
Letter from Jacob Miller to James B. Finley

Jacob Miller
November 20, 1849; Columbus

Jacob Miller has heard that Finley might be removing his name from the Franklinton Division of the Sons of Temperance. He hopes that this will not happen because the members think of Finley as the "Father of Franklinton Division." Miller has been very busy organizing a Washingtonian Society (movement founded in 1840's, very similar to Alcoholics Anonymous). He would like Finley to send him copies of the temperance magazine, Western Fountain, published out of Cincinnati. He would like to introduce the publication to members of the Division and the Washingtonian Society. Abstract Number - 453
Letter from Jacob Miller to James B. Finley

Jacob Miller
November 26, 1849; Columbus

Miller presented Finley's request for removal from the membership of Franklinton Division. The brothers approved the request but are grieving the loss of their esteemed friend. A public meeting will be held on November 29th, where Brother Galloway and others will present the Washingtonian principles. All those who attend will be urged to sign the abstinence pledge, whether or not they intend to join the Sons of Temperance. Abstract Number - 1198
Letter from Charles W. Miller to James B. Finley

C.W. Miller
November 30, 1849; Richmond, IN

Rev. Charles W. Miller (North Indiana Conference), informs Finley that the second quarterly conference for Richmond Circuit will be held in two weeks -- December 15 & 16. Miller invites Finley to attend. He would be happy to host Finley at his home, offering "Methodist Preachers fare" for meals and a "Prophets room" which contains a fireplace. Abstract Number - 454
Letter from George M. Young to James B. Finley

George M. Young
December 09, 1849;

Young reports that a "spirited and glorious time" was had by attendees at last night's session of the Grand Division. His only regret is that some of the divisions were not represented and attendance was poor. Young tells Finley -- "We have reason to be encouraged in our labor. A new spirit is apparent." He is sorry he did not get to see Finley. Abstract Number - 455
Letter from Laurin Dewey to James B. Finley

Laurin Dewey
December 13, 1849; Columbus State Prison

Dewey remarks how strange it is that Finley has not written for such a long time. Dewey says that the Legislature is in session and invites Finley down for a visit. Instructions are included for finding his home. Abstract Number - 1149
Letter from Charles W. Hamisfar Jr. to James B. Finley

Charles W. Hamisfar Jr.
December 13, 1849; Somerset

Charles W. Hamisfar Jr. (1829-1905) hopes that Finley will not think badly of him for not joining the Sons of Temperance. He says that he will never be drunk and despises a drunkard, but he will not join because he thinks he can live soberly without being part of the organization. Hamisfar invites Finley to his house for Christmas holidays. He says that he and his brother Leroy are at home for the winter. Abstract Number - 1203