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Finley Letters

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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 lying 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 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 and children are very sick and there is no one to care for them. He would like Hannah Barrett to return to Lancaster from the Wyandot Mission to assist with their care. 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 mentions being appointed Conference Missionary. To head off criticism, he advises Finley about the importance of keeping regular accounts and making specific reports of all monies and goods which come into or pass through their hands. "You perhaps are not aware of the narrow views & envious dispositions indulged by a great many of the preachers & people of the O Conference; if not directly against the mission, yet most assuredly against the agents." 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
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
December 09, 1823; Piqua

Johnston plans to come to Upper Sandusky around Christmas with money received from the government for the Wyandot Mission. Prior to handing over the money, he will make an inspection of the buildings. He mentions again Finley's plans to establish a mission in the north on the lakes and discourages it. Abstract Number - 696
Letter from Isaac Smith to James B. Finley

Isaac Smith
December 20, 1823; Asbury Mission, Creek Nation, AL

Rev. Isaac Smith is grateful for Finley's letter. He reports that things are going better at the Asbury Manual School and Mission since his last letter. Some of the children actually meet with him in class meetings and appear "determined to live for God." The Creek Indian chiefs also appear to be more friendly toward the school. Smith shares information about his health and that of his wife. He is advancing in years and has difficulty hearing the voices of the children, making it more difficult to teach them reading. His wife is suffering from palsy of the left side, rendering her incapable of doing what she once did. The girls are nevertheless attentive to and affectionate toward Mrs. Smith. He tells of a fall taken from his sulky three years ago which has left him "tottering." He is filled with love for the Creek Indians. In discussions about a possible replacement at some point, he doubts "whether there are any who feel a greater willingness to live and die with and sometimes I feel as if I might say for this people." Abstract Number - 697
Letter from John Davenport to James B. Finley

John Davenport
December 22, 1823; Rushville

I received your favor by Hannah and was pleased to hear that you are well. Hannah has been recruiting since she has been at Barnesville. I will comply with your request. I have but little time to write at this time, but expect to see you on your way to Conference. We have considerable articles at Barnesville for the Mission, but I have been from home and so hurried that I have not had time to pay attention to it but expect on my return to attend to it. Abstract Number - 642
Letter from Thomas Mason to James B. Finley

Thomas Mason
December 22, 1823; New York

Mason writes to correct a misunderstanding regarding the education of the Indian boy, John Summerfield. The Juvenile Finleyan Missionary Society has agreed to pay $100 in total for four years of education and maintenance, not $100 per year. Coshocton County Postmaster John L. Meredith has been requested by members of the Methodist Church to obtain the agency of the Methodist Magazine in his area, with subscribers donating produce for the Wyandot Mission in lieu of cash. Abstract Number - 612
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
December 23, 1823; Upper Piqua

Due to the weather, Johnston is forced to postpone his trip. He sends the money and letters to and from the US War Department (Bureau of Indian Affairs) via Colonel McPherson. In the spring, Johnston will send plans and recommendations for Finley's new mission in the north. Johnston mentions a $15 debt owed by Mr. John P. Johnston (former work hand at the mission) which he, the writer, will pay as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 698