Follow

• 

  Letter from Alfred Brunson to James B. Finley

  Alfred Brunson
  June 11, 1823; Detroit

  Brunson writes to clarify his feelings about Rev. Samuel Baker. Finley evidently believes that Brunson is displeased with Baker's work. Not so says Brunson -- He is supportive of Baker and wants the best for him. He then speaks of the charges against Brother John P. Kent, which have been dropped. Abstract Number - 621

• 

  Letter from Harriet Stubbs to James B. Finley

  Harriet Stubbs
  June 15, 1823; Georgetown (Washington City)

  Harriet Stubbs speaks of the joy and satisfaction of doing missionary work. She wishes she could return to the Wyandot Mission as an assistant teacher, knowing full well that it is not possible. Her soul "would take delight in it." Harriet asks how the children at the mission are doing with regard to reading and writing, in particular Maria and Eliza. She will write back to them if they send her letters. Sister (Rebecca) and "Mr. McLean" (John) send their love and are hoping that James will come to Georgetown for a visit when he attends General Conference. Sister would love to stay in Baltimore with Hannah during the conference. Harriet asks to be remembered to her friends Between-the-Logs and Mononcue. [Harriet is living in Georgetown, outside Washington City, with Rebecca and John McLean. John has been appointed to serve as United States Postmaster General]. Abstract Number - 690

• 

  Letter from William Blair to James B. Finley

  William Blair
  June 19, 1823; Ridgeville, OH

  Blair continues to feel pain about being expelled from his Society (Union Circuit), but will continue in the Christian life. He repeats what he told Finley in a previous letter -- that he confessed his crime (being at a tavern and drinking too much) to the members of the Society and the members accepted his confession and true repentance, but he was called before a committee and expelled anyway. Abstract Number - 11

• 

  Letter from Elizabeth Burge to James B. Finley

  Elizabeth Burge
  June 22, 1823; Mt. Vernon

  Elizabeth Burge is answering a letter she received from Finley in 1814. She reports that her husband, Dr. Burge, left her in 1816. She received news of his death last winter. Through all her misfortune her belief in God has been a constant strength and consolation to her. She hopes to hear from Finley soon. Abstract Number - 23

• 

  Letter from R. Tydings to James B. Finley

  R. Tydings
  June 24, 1823; Pittsburgh

  Tydings writes to congratulate Finley for his fine work at the Wyandot mission. Brother Elliott has been in Pittsburgh sharing the great reception of the gospel by the red brethren in Finley's care. There is still no missionary society in Pittsburgh, but Elliott's visit has sparked a lot of interest in forming one. A meeting will be held next Thursday to form the society. Tydings would like to see at least two of the Wyandots travel with Elliott to Pittsburgh, possibly Mononcue and Between-the-Logs. Abstract Number - 691

• 

  Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

  John McLean
  June 25, 1823; Washington City

  McLean tells of a good return trip to Washington with his family and urges Finley to stop and visit on his way to General Conference. He then tells of his appointment as U.S. Postmaster General on the first of July and his pride and pleasure concerning the appointment. Abstract Number - 990

• 

  Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

  John Johnston
  June 26, 1823; Piqua

  Indian agent, John Johnston, regrets having missed the annual meeting of the Indians and seems rather pessimistic about their fate. He believes that removal is the best solution and tries to convince Finley that this is the case -- " All good persons are pleased with the account of your progress in the cause of Indian reform. I fear, however, your subjects will ere long have to go the way of all their race, that is, that they will be compelled to move westward, where the Delawares and many others are gone since our Treaty in 1817. I find a great proportion of my Indians are looking to remove. There is no such thing as preserving the Indians for any length of time on what is called 'Reservations.' I believe I am fully warranted in the conclusion that under the present arrangements of the Government, the Indians cannot be saved from destruction." Abstract Number - 692

• 

  Letter from Martin Hitt to James B. Finley

  Martin Hitt
  June 27, 1823; Delaware, Ohio

  Martin Hitt writes an anti-Masonic letter to Finley. He is convinced that Masons have been sent by the devil to corrupt the Church. He tells the story of J. Cooley (a Mason) using the meeting house pulpit against his wishes. Hitt initially denied the request of the Masons to meet in his meeting house but was overruled by trustees. Abstract Number - 626

• 

  Letter from John P. Finley to James B. Finley

  John P. Finley
  June 28, 1823; Augusta, KY

  John recently had a pleasant trip to Ohio and found all their friends in good health. He brought Samuel back with him to Augusta and put him in school. The Missionary Society left $15 with Brother Ruter for use at the Wyandott Mission. Augusta College is doing as well as can be expected "in its infant state," though it is feared that the Church will fail to raise any funds for the success of the college. The Trustees have been organized and building is progressing rapidly. The Presbyterians have already predicted the failure of the college. John is very impressed with James Armstrong, who has said he will finish the building even if he has to do it by himself. "The subject of reform - alias - deform - is agitated in this state", and John prays that the agitators never get a seat at General Conference. In a postscript, John advocates that David Young should be selected to collect funds for the college. Abstract Number - 953

• 

  Letter from Isaac Smith to James B. Finley

  Isaac Smith
  July 05, 1823; Asbury Mission, Creek Nation, AL

  Rev. Isaac Smith (South Carolina Conference) has been appointed missionary to the Creek Indians at Asbury Manual School and Mission near Fort Mitchell, Alabama. Even though he and Finley have never met, Smith initiates correspondence regarding their mutual missionary work. Smith reports that the chiefs accept his work as school teacher for the mission school, but sadly will not allow him to preach to the adults. He describes the activities of the mission school where several Indian children have learned to read and write. The children participate in public prayers at the school, sometimes laying prostrate on the floor, but since preaching is not allowed, he has not attempted to form a society amongst them. Smith's wife has been teaching the girls to sew and knit and is greatly loved by the children. [Note: Smith serves as missionary to the Creek Nation from 1822-1827). Abstract Number - 693

• 

  Letter from Charles Elliott to James B. Finley

  Charles Elliott
  July 10, 1823; Hartford

  Elliott reports that agents have been appointed on the different circuits for the purpose of soliciting and receiving contributions of flax, wool, articles of clothing, and money for the Mission. Elliott would like Finley to see if he can bring "the chiefs" to Newcastle and then he will take them on to Pittsburgh. The rest of the letter concerns gossipy rumors which started after Finley took Elliott's place at the Mission. Elliott has been accused of running away and committing misdemeanors, neither of which are true. Elliott asks Finley for an explanation. Abstract Number - 694

• 

  Letter from A. Sutherland to James B. Finley

  A. Sutherland
  July 14, 1823; Steubenville

  Sutherland responds to Finley's query regarding the estate of Michael Johnston. The administrator of the estate believes that it will be considerable time before settlement can be made. It would be helpful for Finley to come to Steubenville in person. Secondly, Bernard Lucas is applying to be a mail carrier. Sutherland asks Finley to recommend Lucas to John McLean, Postmaster General of the U.S. and Finley's friend. Finally, things are going well at the Steubenville Station. The congregation is large and growing, with an excellent meeting house. Folks would like to have a new preacher appointed because Rev. James McMahon is in precarious health. As a result, his voice is weak and his sermons lack animation. Brother Bascom or Brother Durbin might be a good replacement. Sutherland is anxious that this request be kept confidential so that McMahon is not hurt. Abstract Number - 24

• 

  Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

  Jacob Young
  July 30, 1823; Jeromesville, Richland County

  Young requests that Finley talk to the Honorable John McLean and use his influence to get Jacob K. Detreck reappointed to the office of Postmaster in Lancaster, Ohio. Abstract Number - 649

• 

  Letter from Thomas Mason to James B. Finley

  Thomas Mason
  August 15, 1823; New York

  Corresponding Secretary, Thomas Mason, asks Finley to select another male Indian child for a four year education, to be funded by the Finleyan Missionary Society. The boy is to be named John Summerfield. Mason recommends that the mission school adopt the Lancasterian plan of teaching. He also argues that there should be a missions committee in every conference, in order to facilitate funding of mission projects. Abstract Number - 611

• 

  Letter from Jacob Young to James B. Finley

  Jacob Young
  August 20, 1823; Lancaster

  Young asks Finley to help him in his time of trouble. His wife is very sick and if she does recover it will take a long time, and his dear children have no one to take care of them. Abstract Number - 650

• 

  Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

  John Davenport
  August 26, 1823; Barnesville

  I send by Brother Goddard the bill for the medicine. The medicine will be at Lancaster about the 10th. I received the money for the draft. When I send the medicine I will send some goods that are collected here. If you will send me a memorandum of such articles as you want for the Mission, I will send them at cost and carriage. The money due the establishment I will pay to Brother Jacob Young or bring it myself or you can direct how to pay it. Brother Gibson and myself will send with the medicine a suit of clothes for each of our boys. Abstract Number - 640

• 

  Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

  Nathaniel McLean
  August 30, 1823; Columbus

  Nathaniel McLean (1787-1871), brother of John McLean, has been appointed "keeper" at the Ohio Penitentiary. His family is still living in Ridgeville. He loves the people of Columbus. He asks Finley for two favors -- 1) arrange Columbus as the location of the next Ohio Conference 2) aid Columbus to get good preachers at that conference. Abstract Number - 25

• 

  Letter from Harriet Stubbs to James B. Finley

  Harriet Stubbs
  September 13, 1823; Georgetown (Washington City)

  Harriet writes that many of her acquaintances are "the most fashionable people in Georgetown." The manners and customs are vastly different here from those in Ohio. Stubbs tells about formal society life and describes a typical afternoon call and the role of calling cards. Unfortunately, she despises this formality and is much more comfortable with members of the Methodist society. Her friends seem to enjoy her but "do not see her heart." She longs to return to Ohio and "that sweet retreat from the world which I once enjoyed at Sandusky." Whenever Harriet mentions returning to Ohio, Rebecca (stepsister) becomes very upset. Harriet cannot bear to hurt Rebecca who has "so tenderly guarded the helpless orphan that my dear departed father committed to her care." [Most likely Rev. Robert Stubbs, Campbell, Ky, Episcopal priest and renowned teacher, taught John McLean, died 1815. See will of Robert Stubbs, Ancestry.com]. Finally she worries what will become of her mother [Sarah Edwards Stubbs?, appears to have abandoned her daughter following death of husband]. Harriet states -- "Before I came away she seemed to dislike my very appearance." Abstract Number - 26

• 

  Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

  John Davenport
  September 23, 1823; Rushville

  Davenport states that he has brought Finley's medicine this far and has directed Rev. Young to send it on as soon as possible. He asks Finley to send a memorandum, and he will get what articles Finley wants as low as they can be purchased. Davenport will leave home for Baltimore the 22nd and will be there till the 28th of October. He asks Finley to address his letters to Baltimore in care of Elder and Taylor Merchants. Davenport ends his letter with the following -- "I am sorry to hear that you elected any revolutionists as delegates. Although I hope many of them will take the back track before they will let a few influential local men dictate to and destroy the itinerancy to set themselves at the head." Abstract Number - 641

• 

  Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

  Nathaniel McLean
  October 01, 1823; Columbus

  McLean sends Finley a receipt for items purchased from the Ohio Penitentiary for the Wyandot Mission -- mostly buckets and shoes. Abstract Number - 27

• 

  Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

  David Young
  October 07, 1823; Zanesville

  Young has just been sick but has now recovered. He feels rather gloomy. He thinks there should be regular amounts paid to the Mission, and specific reports made of these gifts. Abstract Number - 874

• 

  Letter from John P. Johnston to James B. Finley

  John P. Johnston
  October 21, 1823; Greenville

  Former work hand, John Johnston, finds himself in the midst of a bad spell of sickness. He is very anxious to settle an account with Finley which was not taken care of because he left rather suddenly. It was always his intention to return to the mission to fulfill his contract, but it has not been possible for him to do so. Abstract Number - 28

• 

  Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

  John Johnston
  November 01, 1823; Upper Piqua

  Indian agent, John Johnston, was glad to learn from Bishop McKendree that Finley has returned to Upper Sandusky. Johnston believes that Finley should now be able to extend his work among other Indian tribes. He lets Finley know that the Chippeways will not be at their town until the last week of April. He warns Finley that they are wild and uncivilized, and it will not be easy to make them farmers. Abstract Number - 695

• 

  Letter from Billings Otis Plympton to James B. Finley

  Billings Otis Plympton
  December 06, 1823; Detroit

  Plympton is serving the Detroit Circuit of the Sandusky District, Ohio Conference, along with Elias Pattee. Plympton reports that there is peace and harmony in the societies of the circuit. He declares that the Detroit field is "ripe and ready to harvest." He has heard of Finley's great progress among the Wyandots and is rejoicing. Plympton asks Finley to come to Detroit for the next Quarterly Meeting, to be held in 7 weeks. Abstract Number - 834

• 

  Letter from John P. Johnston to James B. Finley

  John P. Johnston
  December 07, 1823; Piqua

  John P. Johnston (former work hand at the mission) sends a complete statement of his account as near as he can remember it. He requests that his belongings (books, etc.) be kept for him and that his certificate and a note for his land be sent to him through John Johnston (Indian agent). Abstract Number - 29