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Finley Letters

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Letter from Swormstedt & Poe to James B. Finley

Swormstedt & Poe
July 03, 1852; Cincinnati

Acknowledgement of a letter from Finley and restatement of the last letter sent him, concerning the availability and cost of the book Modern Arianism. Abstract Number - 596
Letter from C. Moore to James B. Finley

C. Moore
July 08, 1852; Cincinnati

Rev. Moore lets Finley know that the first quarterly meeting at Union Chapel (Cincinnati) will be held on July 17,1852. He invites Finley to spend several days with the congregation. Finley's friends are very anxious to see him. Abstract Number - 480
Letter from Joseph White to James B. Finley

Joseph White
July 12, 1852; Crawfordsville, IN

Rev. Joseph White writes from the Ladoga Circuit, North Indiana Conference. He is planning a camp meeting for the Ladoga and Middletown Circuits beginning August 27th. White invites Finley to attend and suggests that he bring copies of his book, Memorials of Prison Life, to the meeting, believing that many can be sold. Abstract Number - 1154
Letter from E. Thomson to James B. Finley

E. Thomson
July 29, 1852; Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH

Edward Thomson [President, Ohio Wesleyan University] has received Finley's note of resignation from the Board of Trustees at Ohio Wesleyan University. Though Thomson would be happy to have Finley continue, he understands the health reasons behind it. In response to Finley's reports of being abused by clergy colleagues, Thomson reassures him that he is still valued -- "You are still beloved & valued as ever by your brethren generally. Your services to the Church can never be forgotten or lightly esteemed. Your name will go down to posterity as that of one of Methodism's strongest & most honored champions." Abstract Number - 1236
Letter from Adam Sellers to James B. Finley

Adam Sellers
August 03, 1852; Lebanon

Sellers is astonished by what Davis has said to Finley in a recent letter. He feels that God is testing him or using him to develop Davis' character. He tells Finley that Davis is capable of doing or saying anything, frequently twisting the truth. Unfortunately, the editor of the Lebanon Star can't remember whether Davis' name was on the ticket he printed. Sellers feels that his case is "falling apart." (Note: see Davis' letter to Finley, May 18, 1852 from Lebanon). Abstract Number - 1227
Letter from T. Gorsuch to James B. Finley

T. Gorsuch
August 14, 1852; Dayton

Rev. Gorsuch writes to explain why the new church being built by Finley Chapel in Dayton will be renamed Raper Chapel. As the current pastor, he is not happy that the Trustees and members have voted to change the name, but he has little recourse. The members were deeply affected by the death of former pastor Rev. Raper. Gorsuch knows that this matter has caused Finley a great deal of pain, and hopes that the two of them can remain friends. Abstract Number - 481
Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

Jacob Young
August 19, 1852; Somerset

Young reports that he has opened a negotiation with the M.E. Church South on the subject of the proposed McKendree Monument. in conversations with J.B. McFerrin, Young has learned three things -- 1) The Nashville Conference would have moved McKendree's remains from Fountain Head Cemetery to Nashville long ago, and erected a monument, if the McKendree family had not objected. Since those family members are now deceased, we are free to transfer the remains. 2) The Methodist Episcopal Church South would be happy to work with MEC on this project. 3) The family graveyard (Fountain Head Cemetery) is in dilapidated condition. It will not be long before McKendree's grave is unidentifiable. Finally, Young asks Finley to take the lead on this project. [Note: On October 3, 1876, the remains of Bishop McKendree and Bishop Soule were interred side by side at Vanderbilt University.] Abstract Number - 482
Letter from David Reed to James B. Finley

David Reed
August 31, 1852; Hillsborough

David Reed (Finley's nephew by marriage -- married to Finley's niece Hannah Finley, 1814-1884) has sold his farm for $1200 more than he paid for it. There is a possibility that he can visit Finley following Conference. Abstract Number - 667
Letter from H.S. Elliott to James B. Finley

H.S. Elliott
January 01, 1853; Germantown

H.S. Elliott wishes to publish a magazine titled The Class Mate. The monthly magazine will deal with Christian experience and practical Christianity. He asks Finley to send an article about his personal religious experience to print in the first issue. Abstract Number - 556
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
January 02, 1853; Eaton

Brooke writes that serious floods have again caused much damage. In spite of that, most of the work of harvesting and slaughtering has been done. A religious meeting held in town was not well attended due to the weather, but he was able to go and hear the preaching of Thomas Arnett, a Quaker. Abstract Number - 483
Letter from A.W. Musgrove to James B. Finley

A.W. Musgrove
January 05, 1853; New Carlisle

Musgrove is glad to hear that Finley is going to publish The Life and Times of J.B. Finley, advising him to include the pictures that he mentioned earlier [actually Autobiography, or Pioneer Life in the West, edited by W.P. Strickland, Cincinnati (1853)]. The New Carlisle Circuit is flourishing. Clever J.B. Ellsworth is the senior preacher and Musgrove the assistant preacher. Musgrove has received a letter from Brother Inskip, inviting he and Finley to visit him at the New York World's Fair in May. Abstract Number - 484
Letter from C.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

C.F. Brooke
January 06, 1853; New Castine

Finley's grandson is trying to decide between two jobs -- one in the Book Room paying $500 and another paying $400. He does not think he can get along on $400 per year and asks Finley's advice. Abstract Number - 485
Letter from John S. (J.S.) Inskip to James B. Finley

John S. (J.S.) Inskip
January 17, 1853; New York

Inskip opines about his Ohio Conference colleagues, Werter R. Davis & William S. Morrow, Their behavior [presumably instrumental in Ohio Conference censure resolution of Inskip for allowing "promiscuous seating"] was "radically wrong," but they have actually done him a big favor. Following the reversal of the Ohio Conference censure resolution at the 1852 General Conference, Inskip transferred to the New York Conference. His appointment in New York is wonderful. Inskip hopes that Finley and Strickland will produce a good book together, advising the use of the following words -- Indians, coons, possums, cabins, camp meetings, and revivals. Finally, Inskip speaks ill of his colleague Granville Moody. Abstract Number - 486
Letter from John M. Bradstreet to James B. Finley

John M. Bradstreet
January 20, 1853; Bedlam-Gotham, NY

Bradstreet has heard that Finley might be close to death. He writes about the wonders of heaven Finley will surely experience. He has traveled to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City on business, but appears to have spoken at several sabbath schools about "Western history." He is being regarded in New York as a "Western Specimen of Curiosities." Abstract Number - 487
Letter from E.S. Janes to James B. Finley

E. S. Janes
February 02, 1853; New York

Bishop E.S. Janes sends Finley a wonderful letter concerning the joys of preaching. Abstract Number - 488
Letter from William M. Brooke to James B. Finley

William M. Brooke
February 09, 1853; Eaton

A letter from the grandson of Finley -- Billy Brooke. This one contains a request for a position -- preferably in the Book Room where his brother Charles plans to work. "Billy" states that he would work a little cheaper than Charles, but not by much. Abstract Number - 986
Letter from R. Anderson to James B. Finley

R. Anderson
February 12, 1853; Eaton

Anderson reports that Brother Chambers will definitely come to assist Finley at a meeting, and Brother Brooke will probably attend as well. He hopes that the meeting will be successful. Abstract Number - 489
Letter from James Wise to John Bradstreet and others

James Wise
February 21, 1853; Cincinnati

Leaders of the Clinton Street Mission in Cincinnati receive a letter from James Wise. The latter sold the congregation 60 feet of land fronting on Clinton St. According to Wise's contract with the church, a payment of $1,000 was due by February 1st. Unfortunately, only $600 has been paid. Under the circumstances, Wise no longer feels bound by the contract. [Note: Finley was appointed to the Clinton Street church from 1852-1855]. Abstract Number - 490
Letter from J.C. Eby to James B. Finley

J.C. Eby
February 26, 1853; Cincinnati

Eby writes on behalf of the Board of Managers of the Cincinnati Orphan Asylum. The home is in desperate need of donations. Eby hopes that Finley will encourage Methodist Episcopal churches to lend support and give generously to the Asylum. Abstract Number - 491
Letter from James B. Finley to C. Clark

James B. Finley
February 26, 1853;

Finley was glad to receive Caleb Clark's excellent paper (The Ohio Organ, of the Temperance Reform). While looking it over Finley noticed this question: "Where were the clergy on Thursday of the County Temperance Convention?" Finley says he was ill and not able to attend but wants it known that he is a "whole soul temperance man." He tells of the extensive work he has done in the cause of temperance. Abstract Number - 1205
Letter from Edgar Conkling to James B. Finley

Edgar Conkling
March 03, 1853; Cincinnati

Conkling, president of the Cincinnati Sabbath School & Youths Friend Association of the MEC, announces two meetings to be held in March, one at Raper Chapel and the other at York Street Chapel. The members of Finley's congregation are invited to attend. Abstract Number - 492
Letter from Henry Wilson to James B. Finley

Henry Wilson
March 05, 1853; Newark, OH

Wilson invites Finley to attend the Newark Quarterly Meeting on April 9-10, all expenses paid. Religion is at a "low ebb" in Newark. Wilson has read Finley's new book, Memorials of Prison Life. He considers the book to be one of the best of the day, rivaling Uncle Tom's Cabin. He reports being deeply involved in the temperance movement in Newark. Abstract Number - 1155
Letter from Julia Finley to James B. Finley

Julia Finley
March 13, 1853; Euphemia

Julia writes to Finley saying that it is Sunday and she has just returned from Sunday School. She finds Mr. and Mrs. Harris very pleasant. Mr. Harris has gone to New York. Mrs. Harris thinks that Julia learns very fast. Julia says that they have made over 100 silk and satin bonnets. Abstract Number - 987
Letter from Elizabeth Gard to James B. Finley

Elizabeth Gard
March 25, 1853;

Elizabeth is delighted to hear that Finley has not forgotten her. She shares news of her family. Her daughter attended Worthington Seminary and is a good Christian. The niece that Elizabeth raised is now married and doing well. Groveport has been a very pleasant place to live. Elizabeth asks Finley to pray for her. Abstract Number - 15
Letter from Samuel M. Finley to James B. Finley

Samuel M. Finley
April 03, 1853; Baraboo Sauk County, Wis.

Samuel (Finley relative?) discusses a sermon he has recently heard. The preacher's text was the commission to go out into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Unfortunately, there was no mention of repentance or conversion. Samuel wants to know where James will be next July because he wishes to visit him. Abstract Number - 493