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Letter from Samuel Baker to James B. Finley
Samuel Baker
March 19, 1823; River Reason (MI)Baker reports that conditions are decidedly worse for him due to lack of cooperation from Brother Brunson, difficulties with Brother Tate, and failure to be reimbursed for his expenses. He again asks Rev. Finley to visit him, and requests his advice. Abstract Number - 14
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Letter from David McMasters to James B. Finley
David McMasters
March 28, 1823; Mt. Pleasant, OhioMcMasters is not in very good health. Religion in the area is at a standstill and there is little hope of revival, but Rev. Waterman (Presiding Elder, Muskingum District) is making a good effort. Mr. David L. Evans proposes to buy Finley's property for $450. Evans will pay $100 down and $100 in annual payments. Finley can hold the property as security until the debt is paid off. Several renters have not paid their rent and McMasters would like to know what to do. McMasters is very much in need of his money. Abstract Number - 16
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Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley
Martin Ruter
April 05, 1823; CincinnatiMartin Ruter (Book Agent at the Cincinnati branch of the Methodist Book Concern, 1820-1828), rejoices in the success of Finley's work at the Wyandot Mission. He reports that an independent missionary society has been formed in Cincinnati (not an auxiliary of the Missionary Society of the MEC) with the aim of supporting only the Wyandot Mission. $30 has already been raised. In addition, $60.00 worth of goods and clothing have been collected at West Union. Ruter has asked Jacob Young to collect $100 owed to the Book Concern in his district, which will then be forwarded to Upper Sandusky. He has also asked G.R. Jones to procure 100-150 yards of factory cotton cloth for the mission. Abstract Number - 1008
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Letter from Nathan Emery to James B. Finley
Nathan Emery
April 16, 1823; WorthingtonEmery has received a letter from Rev. Young stating that the Indians at the Mission are greatly in need of potatoes to plant. He and his congregation have gathered forty or fifty bushels. He asks Finley when he will be able to pick them up. He would like Finley to write a short piece about the progress of arts and religion among the Indians at the Mission. Emery indicates that he will have it published in a Columbus paper. Abstract Number - 677
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Letter from Socrates Adams to James B. Finley
Socrates Adams
April 23, 1823; BeavertownA letter from a young man who has just finished studying "Physic" and is trying to find a suitable place to settle and begin his practice. He places the utmost confidence in Rev. Finley and asks his advice as to the best section of the country in which to settle. Abstract Number - 17
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Letter from James Tawler to James B. Finley
James Tawler
April 25, 1823; XeniaTawler (Towler) sends Finley a discouraging letter about the refusal of traveling preachers, local preachers, and society members to donate to the cause of Indian reform. "Mention mission and the dogs of averice roar like bull dogs at an intruding villain on their masters' treasures. Whole congregations of avericious gentlemen and ladies it is said are grossly insulted when called upon to assist in Indian reform." Towler has faced opposition at every turn. Brother Elliott's letter about the need for supplies at the mission produced nothing. Towler still believes that a traveling preacher would have more success collecting donations than a local preacher (himself). "The more authority, the better among the Methodists and the world generally." Nevertheless he will continue to help as he is able. Abstract Number - 678
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Letter from Alfred Brunson to James B. Finley
Alfred Brunson
April 27, 1823; DetroitBrunson urges Finley to be present at the next camp meeting. Charges against Brother John P. Kent (inappropriate behavior with Caroline Starks) will be discussed. Construction on the new meeting house has commenced and work may be completed by fall. The government pays $2,000 per year to teach the Indians. Governor Cass has told Brunson that this money could be appropriated to a Methodist mission for the teaching of agriculture to Indians. Abstract Number - 619
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Letter from G.R. Jones to James B. Finley
G.R. Jones
April 28, 1823; West UnionGreenberry Jones, Presiding Elder of the Scioto District, tells of his interest in the Indian Mission. He "has felt a lively interest in the red brethren since my acquaintance with them." He summarizes the work of his district as follows: "In this district we have rather dull times with the exception of Deer Creek and Columbus Circuits where there is good work especially in Columbus." Abstract Number - 679
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Letter from Eliza H. Brooke to James B. Finley
Eliza H. Brooke
May 03, 1823; RidgevilleFinley's daughter Eliza misses her parents a great deal. She talks about her children James and Charles. She looks forward to a time when they will all meet in the place "where parting will be no more." Abstract Number - 19
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Letter from Thomas S. Hitt to James B. Finley
Thomas S. Hitt
May 03, 1823; Sharpsburgh, MDThomas Hitt writes that he has been in poor health. He has not been able to preach very much. [Hitt is listed as supernumerary status, Ohio Conference, in 1823]. His time of medical leave and recuperation has been spent reading theology and learning Greek. He encloses the minutes from the Baltimore Conference. Bishop McKendree and Bishop George were both in attendance. Abstract Number - 18
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Letter from Charles Thorn to James B. Finley
Charles Thorn
May 07, 1823; Granville CircuitRev. Charles Thorn (appointed to Granville Circuit, Lancaster District) has collected a small amount of money for the Wyandot Mission from the societies on the Granville Circuit. Thorn shares a progress report about the circuit, recent conversions, etc. Abstract Number - 680
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Letter from Henry Wilkins to James B. Finley
Henry Wilkins
May 07, 1823; Baltimore, MDDr. Henry Wilkins [1767-1847, author of revised version of John Wesley's Primitive Physic for an American audience, The Family Adviser, first edition 1793] writes to Finley concerning medicine among the Wyandots. Do they use medicine or prescribe drugs? What are the diseases they suffer? Is their medical knowledge learned from ancestors or from Europeans? If they do have effective medicines, Wilkins wants to know about it. He writes that prevention is always better than trying to cure a disease. He provides advice on prevention (bark, bitters, calomel, etc.) and medical recipes. Abstract Number - 681
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Letter from James Hinthorn to James B. Finley
James Hinthorn
May 09, 1823; ?Hinthorn's letter is full of good wishes for the success of Finley's work among the Wyandots. He also asks for an ointment recipe. Abstract Number - 682
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Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley
Martin Ruter
May 10, 1823; CincinnatiRuter writes to Finley giving an accounting of money still owed the mission, a total of $529.46. $275 has already been forwarded to Finley, leaving $254.46 to be paid. Ruter encloses $254.46 in cash (Chillicothe paper) which "settles our account til next Conference." He also sends $28 which was raised by the recently formed independent missionary society in Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 1009
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Letter from Leroy Swormstedt to James B. Finley
Leroy Swormstedt
May 10, 1823; CincinnatiSwormstedt says that he received Finley's letter and rejoices to hear of his success among the Indians. He regrets that he cannot comply with Finley's request to pay a visit but now is not a good time to be absent from his station (Cincinnati). He would like to see Finley very much as he has many things to tell him. Abstract Number - 683
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Letter from James Montgomery to James B. Finley
James Montgomery
May 11, 1823; Lower Sandusky (Fremont)Local preacher James Montgomery was appointed by the U.S. government in 1819 as sub-agent to the Seneca Indians in Lower Sandusky (Fremont area). Prior to this assignment he had served as a missionary alongside John Stewart at the Wyandot Mission in Upper Sandusky. He reports that the Mohawk Indians in Lower Sandusky were promised a school which never materialized. The Indians are sorely disappointed and have lost all confidence in Montgomery and Finley. He asks Finley to visit with some of the Wyandots, hoping to restore confidence among the Indians he serves. Abstract Number - 684
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Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley
John C. Brooke
May 12, 1823; Ridgeville, OHBrooke, Rev. Finley's son-in-law, begins on a religious note, expressing gratitude for the mercies of God. He states that he has more liberty in preaching and more power with God in many places on the circuit, and more good times and flattering prospects in Dayton. However, there has been some trouble. Some members on his circuit have recently been expelled "for getting drunk at the election." Brooke reports that he gave Judge John McLean "a talk" when he provided whiskey to folks, resulting in much drunkenness. He asks Finley for a decision regarding family property, whether "to sell or rent or build and live on it." He does not wish to locate. He also expresses the need for better means of collecting funds for the mission. Abstract Number - 685
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Letter from William Blair to James B. Finley
William Blair
May 13, 1823; Ridgeville, OHBlair has been expelled from the Society (Union Circuit) -- the charge against him was "imprudent conduct in being at the tavern and drinking too much cider." He pleaded guilty to the charge "and had previously made and exhibited all the marks of humiliation I was capable of without acting the hypocrite, but all would not suffice, although 3/4 of the Society expressed entire satisfaction to my face and I was assured by the class leader that they were all perfectly satisfied with me." However, the appointed preachers, Mr. Brook (John C. Brook, Finley's son-in-law) and Mr. Elliott (A.W. Elliott), rigged things so that the case was decided against him. He does not understand why John C. Brook acts with such animosity towards him. He tells Finley-- "I am out but God still reigns." Abstract Number - 20
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Letter from William Blair to James B. Finley
William Blair
May 18, 1823; Ridgeville, OHBlair previously wrote to Finley to collect money owed to Mr. Griffis, from whom Finley had purchased land. A lawsuit has commenced concerning the land. Finley is asked to hold on to the money until the lawsuit filed by Mr. Griffis is settled. Abstract Number - 22
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Letter from Ann Price to Mrs. J.B. Finley
Ann Price
May 18, 1823; Warren County, OHAnn Price writes a letter to Hannah Finley (wife of James B. Finley), introducing a neighbor who wishes to buy land in the area of Upper Sandusky. Mr. David Fox is a sober, industrious, moral young man who was brought up in a respectable Methodist family. Ann and her husband have known David since he was a boy. She would like James to assist David to find and purchase land. Abstract Number - 21
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Letter from John F. Wright to James B. Finley
John F. Wright
May 26, 1823; UrbanaWright is unable to travel to the Wyandot Mission due to the weather. He has asked Brother Elliott to deliver the funds from Cincinnati in his place -- $245.46 from Brother Ruter, and a $28 donation from "our missionary society." Abstract Number - 686
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Letter from Alfred Brunson to James B. Finley
Alfred Brunson
May 28, 1823; DetroitBrunson has not heard from Finley in response to his last two letters, so he summarizes the content of those letters for Finley. The situation with his colleague, Brother Baker, is improving. Brunson was unable to attend the camp meeting in May due to ill health -- inflammation of the liver and lungs. Evidently, John P. Kent behaved queerly at the meeting for an "innocent man." Brunson tells Finley about Local Elder Elias Pattee from Canada, who wishes to travel a circuit in America. Brunson feels that the Methodist Episcopal Church needs to be proactive in establishing churches in his area because many folks are migrating there. Abstract Number - 620
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Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley
Charles Elliott
May 28, 1823; DelawareElliott is on his way to Pennsylvania. He sends Finley $279.46 which is from Brother John F. Wright in Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 687
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Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley
John C. Brooke
June 05, 1823; XeniaFinley's son-in-law John sends words of encouragement to Finley in his work at the Wyandot Mission. He then asks him for advice concerning his own plans for the future -- whether to locate, build, rent, or sell. He reports on the various relatives of Finley. He writes again about he possibility of Finley selling some property. Abstract Number - 688
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Letter from Alvan Coe to James B. Finley
Alvan Coe
June 06, 1823; Mission House (Venice on Sandusky Bay??)Alvan Coe, Presbyterian missionary, writes to Finley (from Venice on Sandusky Bay?), where he is running an Indian school under the care of the Western Missionary Society of Pittsburg. The school was originally located in Greenfield. Alexander Clark, one of Coe's scholars, spent time with him last winter, and as he is acquainted with the Ottaways (Ottawa Indians), he was invited to stay and help in Coe's school. Coe is sending Clark to Malvern to get new Ottawa Indian students. He would like the Wyandot children to attend Finley's school. He hopes that what has taken place will cause Finley no hard feelings. Coe ends his letter as follows -- "Pray for us. The Wyandots appear civilized compared to these poor creatures." Abstract Number - 689
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