Skip to main content

Finley Letters

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from S.W. Cox to James B. Finley

S.W. Cox
April 20, 1851; Yellow Springs

S.W. Cox (Samuel W.) describes conditions at the Yellow Springs M.E. Station. A few have joined the church, among them his son. Finley served as preacher of the Yellow Springs congregation in 1850-1851. Abstract Number - 475
Letter from John M. Armstrong to James B. Finley

John M. Armstrong
June 03, 1851; Wyandot Nation St. Louis

Armstrong is worried and anxious over the Indian situation. The Superintendent of Indian Affairs at St. Louis is a cruel, dishonest, profane man and as a result of his conduct, the Indian situation is getting out of control. "With such men at the head of Indian matters in the west how can it be expected that the Indians will improve?" All this is told in confidence. Abstract Number - 776
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
July 29, 1851; Fultonham (Muskingum County)

Young has received Finley's unhappy letter and responds with words of encouragement. Young is very critical of Granville Moody's treatment of Finley but assures him that he still has many friends among preachers and members alike who love him. He advises Finley to "set aside all gloomy thoughts" and attend Annual Conference cheerfully. Abstract Number - 657
Letter from Edgar Conkling to James B. Finley

Edgar Conkling
August 19, 1851; Cincinnati

Conkling writes to Finley about the new Union Chapel MEC in Cincinnati, a "pewed church" (members rent or buy pews). The Ohio ME Conference has refused to assign a preacher to the church, following the resolution passed by the conference in 1847 banning pewed churches. Conkling bewails the fact that the members are being deprived of the Gospel. Abstract Number - 1211
Letter from Thomas A. Morris to James B. Finley

Thomas A. Morris
September 30, 1851; Cincinnati

This letter from Bishop Morris is an answer to Finley's request concerning a possible appointment in the Cincinnati area. Morris regrets that this is not possible. Morris assures Finley that he continues to have the kindest regard for him. He also reports that Finley was granted a superannuated (retired) relation at the Ohio Annual Conference. Abstract Number - 470
Letter from John S. (J.S.) Inskip to James B. Finley

John S. (J.S.) Inskip
October 18, 1851; Troy, Miami County

J.S. Inskip writes to Finley concerning his recent trial at the 1851 Ohio Conference. For the second year, Inskip has been censured for allowing men and women to sit together in pews ("promiscuous seating" ) during worship. Inskip has a copy of the proceedings and will be appealing to the 1852 General Conference. He would like Finley's assistance. [Note: Finley is supportive of promiscuous seating, to the displeasure of many colleagues. This is a separate issue from "free pews."] Abstract Number - 471
Letter from W.P. Strickland to James B. Finley

W.P. Strickland
December 01, 1851; Dayton

Strickland served as reporter for the 1851 Ohio Annual Conference held at Springfield. He sends a letter of certification stating that Finley "vindicated himself" at the 1851 annual conference from aspersions cast upon him by Rev. G. Moody at the 1850 annual conference. [At this 1850 conference, Finley had supported promiscuous seating/family seating as advocated by Rev. John Inskip. Moody was extremely critical of Finley for changing his mind on this issue, calling Finley "a dying prophet."] Finley defended himself at the 1851 conference. As reporter Strickland documented Finley's remarks. While Strickland was absent from the room, the remaining preachers voted not to publish Finley's remarks. Abstract Number - 1221
Letter from Abel Stevens to James B. Finley

Abel Stevens
December 16, 1851; Boston

Stevens, editor of Zion's Herald, writes to say that his "columns" will be open for Finley's articles provided they are not too long and are written in a spirit of brotherly kindness. Stevens asks Finley to consider two things before submitting an article -- Is it necessary, and what will be its probable influence? (Note: Finley is still feeling angry about the "abuse" he experienced at the 1851 Ohio Annual Conference when trying to clarify his position about pewed churches and family seating.) Abstract Number - 555
Letter from Benjamin F. Tefft to James B. Finley

Benjamin F. Tefft
December 17, 1851; Lima, New York

Tefft writes from New York after being appointed president of Genesee College. He is very upset at the "doings" of the 1851 Ohio Annual Conference, but grateful that the proposed resolutions against him were not passed. He also cannot understand the backstabbing he has endured from Dr. Charles Elliott. He supported Elliott through the contentious 1848 General Conference, and now has been betrayed by him. He describes himself as a martyr in relation to his work in Cincinnati (editor of Book Concern & Ladies Repository). As editor of the Repository, he dramatically increased circulation. When he began at the Book Concern, no books were being published. At the time he left, one book was being published each month. Apparently, members of the Ohio Conference did not appreciate his labors. [Note: When Tefft resigned as editor of the Ladies Repository in 1852, he wrote a farewell letter, discussing the controversy over his 1849 series called "The Shoulder-Knot," criticized as being a work of fiction rather than history as claimed. He states that "a complaint was raised against my Shoulder-Knot articles, and it was roundly but childishly asserted, sometimes by persons of official consequence, and by a great many of no consequence, that a continuance of the series would infallibly break down the work. Well, reader, it is now enough to say, that the series was continued, in the face of a great deal of shallow but mischievous talk." See Ladies Repository, v.12, 1852, p. 280, "Editor's Table: Farewell Words."] Abstract Number - 593
Letter from Edgar Conkling to James B. Finley

Edgar Conkling
January 21, 1852; Cincinnati

Brother Moore has asked Conkling to inquire about Finley's health, because he has not visited them as planned. Conkling invites Finley to visit next Sabbath, and promises to "post him up with all that is going on." Much is being prepared for next General Conference. Stationery contains image of Conkling. Abstract Number - 472
Letter from Adam Sellers to James B. Finley

Adam Sellers
February 22, 1852; Lebanon

Dr. Sellers has been expelled from the Lebanon Methodist Episcopal Church. Sellers has decided to appeal his expulsion at the next annual conference in September of 1852. On a different topic, Sellers shares the story of the General Conference ticket fiasco. Sellers believes that the "tickets" presented at the last Ohio annual conference (lobbying for delegate candidates to General Conference of 1852) were printed in Lebanon at the local newspaper office by W.R. Davis, and circulated prior to the election of delegates at the 1851 annual conference. Davis' motivation was evidently his desperate desire to attend the General Conference. Sellers is writing a history of the enterprise which he will send to Finley when completed. Abstract Number - 1222
Letter from John Price Durbin to James B. Finley

John P. Durbin
March 01, 1852; New York, Mission Rooms

Durbin's letter concerns the desired increase in circulation of the Missionary Advocate, the only Methodist Episcopal paper dealing with missions. Circulation of the paper is very poor in the west. Durbin asks Finley's help to get churches and pastors in the west to subscribe. Abstract Number - 625
Letter from Adam Sellers to James B. Finley

Adam Sellers
March 03, 1852; Lebanon

Dr. Sellers has been expelled from the Lebanon Methodist Episcopal Church after 28 years of membership, by Rev. Werter R. Davis. The reason for the expulsion is not given, but Sellers is convinced that his vocal opposition to Davis' appointment to the Lebanon church for the 1851-1852 conference year was shared with Davis after his arrival, and that was the grounds of Davis' crusade against him. Sellers has decided to appeal his expulsion at the next annual conference in September of 1852. Sellers then shares the story of the General Conference ticket fiasco. Sellers has learned that the "tickets" lobbying for delegate candidates to General Conference were printed in Lebanon at the local newspaper office by W.R. Davis, and circulated prior to the election of delegates at the 1851 annual conference. He would like to see charges preferred against Davis at the1852 annual conference and is collecting documentation to that end. Davis' motivation was evidently his desperate desire to attend the General Conference. When confronted about the tickets, Davis suggested that the "pew men" were behind the enterprise. Abstract Number - 1223
Letter from John S. (J.S.) Inskip to James B. Finley

John S. (J.S.) Inskip
March 08, 1852; Troy, Miami County

Inskip does not understand why a letter from Finley supporting promiscuous seating (men and women sitting together during worship) has not appeared in the Zion's Herald newspaper. Inskip is worried that Finley may have changed his mind about supporting family seating. He is most anxious that Finley attend General Conference in May -- "I hope you still intend to go to Boston. You must not on any account give up this idea. You can do more for the cause of "toleration" than all the rest of us put together." Abstract Number - 473
Letter from Swormstedt & Power to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Power
March 13, 1852; Cincinnati

Swormstedt & Power agree that Finley may purchase copies of his books Wyandot Mission and Prison Life at 40% discount. Swormstedt will talk with Finley about certain private matters when they meet. Abstract Number - 594
Letter from John S. (J.S.) Inskip to James B. Finley

John S. (J.S.) Inskip
March 20, 1852; Troy, Miami County

Inskip is indignant over the treatment of Finley in his old age. Members of the Ohio Conference opposed to promiscuous seating have been unmerciful in their criticism of Finley for championing the idea of family seating. Inskip is convinced that the Ohio Conference accusers will meet with failure at General Conference. [He was right]. Finley Chapel at Dayton has changed its name to Raper Chapel in order to honor the memory of Rev. Raper. Inskip's accusers are spreading the rumor that the church no longer wishes to bear Finley's name due to his support of promiscuous seating. Inskip reassures Finley that this was not the reason for the name change. He is hopeful that Finley will be able to attend General Conference in Boston. Abstract Number - 1224
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
March 31, 1852; Point Pleasant, VA

Reed writes to Finley to let him know that Bishop Morris has given him a transfer from the Western Virginia Conference back to Ohio, effective June 1st. He will hopefully be a member of the new Cincinnati Conference. His wife Hannah has been living on a farm in Highland County for about year. She and the family are very anxious for Reed to return to Ohio. Abstract Number - 666
Letter from W. Herr to James B. Finley

W. Herr
April 17, 1852; Urbana

Herr writes to share travel arrangements for the Ohio Conference delegates attending the 1852 General Conference in Boston, which starts on April 26th. Herr is sad to hear that Finley is in poor health, and will most likely not attend Conference. He tries to convince hm to come anyway, stating that the delegation will take good care of him. Finley has evidently asked Herr and Strickland to "do him justice" when they write his memoir. Herr promises that they will do so. Abstract Number - 474
Letter from Werter R. Davis to James B. Finley

Werter R. Davis
May 18, 1852; Lebanon

Davis has heard allegations that Finley has written a letter to Joseph Newson accusing Davis of having tickets printed to solicit votes for his election to General Conference of 1852. He explains to Finley that he did not order the tickets and he and Dr. Elliott had determined that Davis had been duped by an "enemy." Davis cannot believe that Finley would write such a letter to Newson and writes to gain a better understanding of Finley's position on the matter. Abstract Number - 476
Letter from D.H. Sargent to James B. Finley

D.H. Sargent
June 08, 1852; Franklin

Rev. D.H. Sargent (appointed to Franklin MEC) writes to Finley concerning the "pew question." Sargent wants Finley to know that he has not changed his position and still supports Finley's view that churches should be able to allow mixed seating ("promiscuous seating"- men and women sitting together in church pews). As a young man in the Cincinnati Conference, he has not felt able to express his own position publicly, but wants Finley to know that he stands with him on the issue -- A society should be able to govern itself with regard to seating, singing, etc. Abstract Number - 477
Letter from Adam Sellers to James B. Finley

Adam Sellers
June 16, 1852; Lebanon

Sellers continues to share information about the "ticket enterprise" with Finley. He has been in contact with one of the Ohio Conference delegates who claims to have some of the original tickets and the accompanying letter. Sellers has asked this delegate to send the materials to him. Davis is now changing his story, announcing that he plans to prosecute Sellers for libel. He is now telling everyone that he and Brother Elliott felt it best to suppress the tickets he had printed at the Star office after learning that others were printed and circulated by the "pew men" to discredit them. Sellers has several ministers lined up to support his expulsion appeal at the next annual conference, but they are insisting that Sellers give the opening speech in his own defense. Abstract Number - 1226
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
June 16, 1852; Fultonham (Muskingum County)

Young has been appointed to a three person committee by the 1852 General Conference to collect subscriptions and come up with a plan for the erection of a monument to Bishop William McKendree, who died in 1835. The other committee members are J.B. Finley and Peter Cartwright. Young asks Finley and Cartwright to begin the process of collection and asks them to meet him at the next Cincinnati Annual Conference in order to decide on size, workmanship and cost. [Note: See 1852 General Conference journal, page 294 "Monument to Bishop McKendree."] Abstract Number - 656
Letter from Swormstedt & Poe to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Poe
June 19, 1852; Cincinnati

Finley may purchase the book Modern Arianism for 20 cents a copy if he agrees to purchase 200 copies. A letter from Rev. J. Young is enclosed. Abstract Number - 595
Letter from James B. Finley to Jacob Young

James B. Finley
June 28, 1852; Eaton

Finley has received Young's letter pertaining to a possible Bishop McKendree memorial. Finley says McKendree richly deserves the honor, but he is doubtful that the south would allow them to do it. Finley is feeling sorry for himself due to the abuse he endured at the hands of Brother Moody and company at the 1850 Ohio annual conference in Chillicothe. Finley had argued that promiscuous seating (men and women together) should be allowed, causing Moody to call him a "dying prophet." He will never attend another conference, for he cannot associate with men who have no confidence in him. Finley says that he hates to see brethren who ought to be doing the work of God causing such discontent. Nevertheless, he will do what he can to assist with the monument. Abstract Number - 478
Letter from E.G. Wood to James B. Finley

E.G. Wood
July 02, 1852; Connersville, IN

Rev. Enoch G. Wood, Presiding Elder of the Connersville District, South-Eastern Indiana Conference, invites Finley to attend a quarterly meeting in the town of Liberty. Abstract Number - 479