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 Samuel D. Clayton to James B. Finley

Samuel D. Clayton
April 08, 1853; Maysville, KY

Clayton invites Finley to attend the third quarterly meeting of the Maysville Circuit, which will begin on April 16th. Abstract Number - 494
Letter from William Fee to James B. Finley

William Fee
April 08, 1853; Hillsborough

Fee writes to Finley letting him know that he gave him the wrong date for the cornerstone laying service at the Hillsborough M.E. He gives Finley the correct information -- April 13, 1853. Fee relates that folks are very excited that Finley is coming. Fee asks Finley to bring several newspaper issues to place in the cornerstone -- Christian Advocate and Journal, Pittsburgh Christian Advocate, and The Apologist. Abstract Number - 495
Letter from Elizabeth P. Hutt to James B. Finley

Elizabeth P. Hutt
April 12, 1853; Little Rock, AR

Elizabeth Pelham Finley Hutt writes to her uncle James B. Finley from Little Rock Arkansas. She and her family have recently moved from "The Springs," a God-forsaken community where she was very unhappy. She thanks her uncle for the books and letter, and asks him to write again soon. Abstract Number - 496
Letter from Jacob Phisler to James B. Finley

Jacob Phisler
April 13, 1853; Maysville. KY

Jacob Phisler writes from Maysville, Ky, inviting Finley to deliver temperance speeches in town. Rev. Sam Clayton told Phisler that Finley might be willing to speak. Phisler would like Finley to stay in town for a week or two, with all expenses paid. Abstract Number - 497
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
April 19, 1853; Columbus

McLean encloses $25.00, half his subscription, with a promise to send the rest soon. McLean encourages Finley in his work, as he "approaches the end of his warfare." Abstract Number - 1007
Letter from M.D. Brooke to James B. Finley

M.D. Brooke
April 21, 1853; Somerset, OH (Perry County)

M.D. Brooke finds himself in very poor financial circumstances, having been out of business for three years and having his property forfeited to pay bills. He would like to find a place in some business in Somerset. He hopes to hear from Finley. Abstract Number - 498
Letter from George Wells to James B. Finley

George Wells
May 06, 1853; Wellsville

George Wells [son of Wellsville founder William Wells] invites Finley to visit and preach in Wellsville. He remembers Finley staying with his family while riding the circuit. Wells argues that there has been a great departure from the "simplicity of the gospel" on the Western Reserve, naming the doctrine of infidelity as preached by O'Kelley and abolitionism as preached by Giddings, for leading many men to ruin. Wells believes it would be extremely helpful to have an old time church planter like Finley in the pulpit once again to counter these teachings. Abstract Number - 832
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
May 14, 1853; Zanesville

Young reports that he has received the mattress from Finley. He is glad about Finley's good health. Young encloses $3.00 for an old debt. "God bless you and bring us all to a better world, where time and old age shall have performed their last separation." [Note: David Young died on November 15, 1858] Abstract Number - 914
Letter from D.H. Sargent to James B. Finley

D.H. Sargent
May 17, 1853; Franklin

Sargent requests that Finley send him a dozen or more copies of On Salvation By Christ (published in previous year) if they are available. He is hoping to counter the rampant denial of the vicarious suffering of Christ (doctrine of the atonement) in their town by providing this literature to folks. Abstract Number - 557
Letter from F. Rand to James B. Finley

F. Rand
June 01, 1853; Boston

Rand (publishing agent for Zion's Herald) has learned that Finley has continued to receive the paper even though his subscription has been cancelled. Rand assures Finley that the subscription will end and he will not be charged for the issues received. Rand thanks Finley for his commendation of the Herald. He states that the publishers have tried to make the paper useful to the church and the world. Abstract Number - 558
Letter from Ludwig S. Jacoby to James B. Finley

Ludwig S. Jacoby
April 07, 1854; Bremen, Germany

Ludwig S. Jacoby, MEC missionary to Germany (Bremen), sends a letter of support to Finley. Jacoby tells Finley -- "We are still going on in the good war against the world and the Devil." Abstract Number - 499
Letter from Werter R. Davis to James B. Finley

Werter R. Davis
March 22, 1855; Rushville

Davis is glad that Finley has recommended an arbitration. He saw Brother Robinson, who will comply with Finley's request and fill Davis' appointment. Davis consents to hold a quarterly meeting for Finley at Etna on the Granville circuit. Davis asks Finley to let Brother Hood know that he received word from the Lutheran Standard office informing him that they have agreed to the proposition of the Committee and are going to strike-off a thousand copies as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 500
Letter from Leonidas Lent Hamline to James B. Finley

L.L. Hamline
September 25, 1856; Schenectady

Bishop Hamline has read Finley's article in the September 17, 1856 Western Christian Advocate, telling of his journey to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Finley apparently crossed paths with proslavery ruffians on their way to fight antislavery folks in Kansas. Hamline praises Finley on the article. He is very glad to know that Finley is supporting the Republican candidate for president (1856), John C. Fremont, instead of American party candidate, Millard Fillmore. Hamline mentions having converted Samuel Stowe of Troy Conference (old Father Stowe) to Fremont's candidacy. Hamline reports that he is in failing health. Abstract Number - 833
Letter from George Mole to James B. Finley

George Mole
February 08, 1857; Ashland, Wayne County, PA

Mole says Finley is unknown to him except through the press and reports. He has a little boy who he intends to name James B. Finley. He asks Finley to send his full name. Abstract Number - 501
Letter from D.C. Howard to James B. Finley

D.C. Howard
May 28, 1858; Portsmouth

Howard invites Finley to dedicate a new chapel near Portsmouth (Old Town, 2 miles from Portsmouth, Rockville Circuit) on July 3rd and help raise $400 to pay off the debt. There are many in that part of the country who know him and are anxious for him to come. Abstract Number - 502