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Finley Letters

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Letter from J. Waterman to James B. Finley

J. Waterman
December 29, 1823; Steubenville

John Waterman (Presiding Elder of the Muskingum District) suggests that Finley bring some of the Wyandot Indian chiefs to the 1824 General Conference in Pittsburgh. Doing so would surely improve support of missionary work and result in increased contributions to the Wyandot Mission. Abstract Number - 699
Letter from John C. Brooke to James B. Finley

John C. Brooke
January 22, 1824; Ridgeville, OH

Brooke tells of much sickness and suffering -- bilious fever and measles have taken their toll. Abstract Number - 10
Letter from Hannah Barrett to James B. Finley

Hannah Barrett
January 24, 1824; Rosemans, OH

Hannah Barrett (student at the Wyandot Mission School, part Wyandot?) writes to let Finley know that she has been visiting family members. During the visit, she was interrogated on the subject of ________. She told them she would tell them all about it before going home. Some of the family told her they hoped she would never go back to "that wretched place" to be killed by "indeans." She responded "No, they know me too well to kill me." It appears that the "subject" is William Walker, Jr. (part Wyandot, taught school at the mission). She eventually shares the news about her impending marriage to Walker. Hannah issues an invitation to Finley to visit. [Note: Wedding took place on April 8, 1824]. Abstract Number - 30
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
January 27, 1824; Piqua

Johnston has discovered a movement to have him removed from his position as U.S. Indian Agent, led by Gen. McArthur. Johnston requests that Finley and the Wyandots send petitions to the U.S. Secretary of War and the President on his behalf. Greatest secrecy is desired. Abstract Number - 700
Letter from Nathan Bangs to James B. Finley

Nathan Bangs
February 13, 1824; New York

Bangs invites Rev. Finley and two Indian chiefs to attend the anniversary of the Missionary Society in New York on April 23, 1824. It is expected that their presence will add considerably to the number of attendees, thus resulting in a larger collection for the Mission. Abstract Number - 701
Letter from William Blair to James B. Finley

William Blair
February 13, 1824; Washington City

Mr. Blair writes a letter of thanks to Rev. Finley for being a friend and carrying on a great but difficult piece of work in this world. This letter is a beautiful expression of love and confidence in God. The writer pictures Finley in a "smoky wigwam on the shores of Lake Huron--holding a prayer meeting pursuing his task of spreading the Gospel to the natives of the forest." Blair asserts that God is present in both the country (among the Wyandots) and the city (Washington, DC). He invites Finley to visit him on his way to General Conference in Baltimore. Abstract Number - 702
Letter from James Montgomery to James B. Finley

James Montgomery
February 16, 1824; Fort Seneca

Montgomery, sub-agent for the Seneca Indians in Lower Sandusky, has heard rumors that Indian agent John Johnston is about to be replaced. Montgomery feels that removal of Johnston will be disastrous for the poor Indians and they "will be scattered who knows where." He asks Finley to pressure folks in Washington to keep Johnston in place. Montgomery will be gathering the Senecas next week to prepare a letter of protest for the U.S. president and Secretary of War. He asks for Finley's aid to find a translator. Abstract Number - 703
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
February 16, 1824; Zanesville

Young responds to Finley's query about the best way to provide clothing for the Wyandots. He says Finley's idea about raising sheep might be a good one, but it would be more profitable to raise hogs. Pork could easily be exchanged for clothing. Abstract Number - 875
Letter from Billings Otis Plympton to James B. Finley

Billings Otis Plympton
February 17, 1824; Detroit

Plympton is serving the Detroit Circuit of the Sandusky District, Ohio Conference, along with Elias Pattee. He reports to Finley concerning the recent quarterly meeting, which produced five new converts. The following sabbath, ten more folks were converted. Plympton has just formed a new society at Mount Clemens. He reports that the Hurons are in a state of prosperity. Brother Jackson and Elder Case have traveled through the area and tell of the good work of religion in Canada. Abstract Number - 705
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
February 23, 1824; Upper Piqua

Johnston has received the papers from Finley and he is very grateful. From them he learns that the chiefs have taken quite a stand against sub-agent John Shaw. This bears investigation. Johnston plans to visit Upper Sandusky soon if agreeable with Finley. He also announces the birth of a son, his 12th child. Abstract Number - 31
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
February 28, 1824; Cincinnati

Ruter is trying to finish up work at the Book Concern so that he can leave for General Conference. He tells Finley that it is probably too close to General Conference to do anything about establishing a mission in Saginaw (Michigan) for the Chippewa Indians. Nevertheless, Ruter believes that it will eventually happen. He has heard that Finley's brother John P. Finley (professor, Augusta College) is in tolerable health. Ruter has learned that Jonathan Stamper (Kentucky Conference) has raised over $3,000 for the college. Abstract Number - 1010
Letter from James S. Reed to James B. Finley

James S. Reed
March 10, 1824; Detroit

James S. Reed gives an account of the wonderful results of Finley's visit to Detroit. Many people were converted -- Stephen Hazel, Temperance Merton, Allice Jackson, Charlotte Ann Taylor, Rebecca Suckel, Rebecca Silsby, Effy McClain, Hannah Eaton, Robert Wagstaff, and Arthur Edwards, among others. Abstract Number - 32
Letter from William McLean to James B. Finley

William McLean
March 16, 1824; Washington City

McLean (U.S. House of Representative from Ohio) hopes Finley will come to see him on his way to Baltimore. Congress will not adjourn before the middle of May. Many of the members are anxious to repeal the law appropriating $10,000 for the civilization of the Indians. It was introduced in the House of Representatives and has been referred to a committee of seven, including himself. Three members are in favor of the law but the other four, including himself, are opposed. Abstract Number - 835
Letter from Joshua Soule to James B. Finley

Joshua Soule
March 29, 1824; Baltimore

Bishop Soule intends to move west to Ohio as soon after the Baltimore Conference as possible, and inquires about Finley's offer to accompany him and his family west and also to furnish two carriages for the journey. He tells Finley that his family will rent a dwelling in Lebanon or Xenia until a decision is reached about a permanent residence, hopefully a farm. [The date of the letter is March 29, but no year is given. Sources differ as to when the actual move took place. There is no evidence that Finley eventually accompanied the family to Ohio. Bishop McKendree (Life & Times of William McKendree, by Robert Paine, v. 2, p. 50-51) describes his trip west following the General Conference of 1824, "in company with Bishop Soule and his family, as they were moving to the state of Ohio."] At any rate, this letter to Finley was probably written in 1824 by Soule, following his selection and ordination as bishop at the General Conference. Abstract Number - 85
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
April 14, 1824; Upper Piqua

Johnston has completed the papers in the case of sub-agent John Shaw, which will be sent to Governor Lewis Cass. He hopes the case will be handled tactfully but feels that Shaw's improper actions towards the Indians is cause for his removal. Johnston suggests that James Montgomery would be a satisfactory replacement at Upper Sandusky. In a postscript, Johnston reports the disgraceful murder of three Indian women, four Indian children, and two Indian men by white setters in Madison County, Indiana. Abstract Number - 704
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
June 21, 1824; Upper Sandusky

As Johnston leaves Upper Sandusky, he leaves a note for Finley, who has been out of town. Johnston is hearing rumors that Finley himself wants to replace John Shaw as Sub-Agent. He asks Finley if he has done everything in his power to dispel these rumors. Abstract Number - 33
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
June 27, 1824; Georgetown

McLean tells of the death of William Blair's young son John. He then writes about the coming presidential election. He is certain that John Quincy Adams will be elected. Abstract Number - 991
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
August 11, 1824; Piqua

Johnston asks many questions concerning Finley's buildings, farming, preaching, and school. He is pleased that John Shaw appears to be getting along better with the Indians. Bishop Chase (Philander Chase, Episcopal Church) has just returned from Europe where he collected $50,000 towards the erection of an Ohio seminary to train ministers [Kenyon College]. Abstract Number - 706
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
August 17, 1824; Upper Piqua

Johnston is disappointed to hear that Finley and Sub-Agent John Shaw are not getting along well. Johnston implores Finley to make peace with Shaw for the sake of the work with the Wyandots. Abstract Number - 707
Letter from Thomas Mason to James B. Finley

Thomas Mason
August 21, 1824; New York

Mason reports that the Juvenile Finleyan Missionary Society has appropriated $100 for the education of a female Indian child, to be selected by Finley, and renamed Hester Ann Rogers. A draft is to be drawn upon Brother Nathan Bangs to be paid at Conference. Mason requests that Finley send in his annual report for the Missionary Society as soon as possible. Abstract Number - 613
Letter from Joseph S. Tomlinson to Mr. & Mrs. Johnson Armstrong

Joseph S. Tomlinson
August 23, 1824; Lexington, KY

Joseph S. Tomlinson has just returned from a trip to Maysville, Kentucky, where he stayed in the home of Johnson Armstrong and his wife. He writes a letter of appreciation to his hosts. [At the time, Tomlinson was completing his degree at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY. Graduating in 1825, he was admitted on trial to the Kentucky Conference in September of 1825 and appointed to a professorship at Augusta College in Maysville. Johnson Armstrong was a trustee at the college.] The letter is difficult to read and the author was initially identified as "Tolindaw". Comparing the signature in the October 31, 1844 letter, it is clear that both letters were written by Tomlinson. Abstract Number - 534
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
September 01, 1824; Piqua

Enclosed in this letter is one from the U.S. War Department concerning the relationship between Superintendent of the Mission, James B. Finley, and sub-agent John Shaw. If the two men cannot unite and work in harmony, then Shaw will have to be replaced, because the welfare of the Mission is at stake. Abstract Number - 708
Letter from Thomas McKenney to James B. Finley

Thomas McKenney
September 07, 1824; Department of War

Finley has received a copy of a letter from Thomas McKenney to Lewis Cass (Governor of Michigan Territory). McKenney reports that Finley has applied for the Wyandots to visit Washington. "These visits are very expensive and from tribes as well acquainted as the Wyandots are, should not be encouraged unless some very important object is to be effected by them." Abstract Number - 709
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
September 27, 1824; Georgetown

McLean writes concerning the removal of Mr. John P. Shaw as Indian Sub-agent. McLean will be glad when the presidential election is over. Abstract Number - 992
Letter from Lewis Cass to James B. Finley

Lewis Cass
October 14, 1824; Detroit

Lewis Cass, having received a letter of confirmation from the War Department concerning the Indian Sub-Agency, informs Finley -- "You will therefore consider the instructions and authority which I gave you, as permanent." Abstract number - 710