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Finley Letters

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Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
October 26, 1824; Upper Piqua

A letter concerning finances and money allotted to Finley for 1825. Finley is to take over the work of sub-agent John Shaw. Shaw and Finley should take an inventory of public property on hand before Shaw leaves. Johnston attended the first trial of the Fall Creek Massacre defendants. One of the murderers of the Indians, mentioned in the April 14, 1824 letter, has been convicted with a capital sentence, and no expense will be spared till the others are all convicted and justice done for the Indians. Abstract Number - 711
Letter from Lydia Taylor to James B. Finley

Lydia Taylor
October 26, 1824; Cambridge

Lydia Barstow Taylor [wife of Rev. Edward Taylor, appointed to Zanesville Circuit with Rev. Ezra Brown] has just moved to Cambridge. She longs to see her former students, the "dear children" at the Wyandot Mission. She recalls the happy times she had in Upper Sandusky, witnessing conversion of souls and participating in family prayers around the kitchen table. When she attends public worship she finds members of the various societies to be careless and unconcerned. Lydia has had discussions with "hotheaded reformers for church government," during which she wholeheartedly defends "ancient Methodism." She loves the doctrine, discipline, and government of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is fearful that the devil is at work among clergy to bring about reform. Abstract Number - 34
Letter from William Simmons to James B. Finley

William Simmons
November 01, 1824; Sinking Spring, Ohio (Highland County)

Simmons is currently appointed to the Brush Creek Circuit, Scioto District. He shares details about his circuit with Finley, stating that he has been around his circuit more than once. Prospects are dull on the circuit because there is a general love of the world among members -- Flesh devils and whiskey are great temptations for them. Nevertheless, there are many good Methodists on the circuit. Simmons would like a letter from Finley summarizing the progress of work at the Wyandot Mission. He wants to know the number of children in the school, number of church members ("red Methodists"), Finley's success in getting the Wyandots to live without whiskey, and information about trips he has made to visit other Indian nations. Abstract Number - 35
Letter from James Montgomery to James B. Finley

James Montgomery
November 10, 1824; Fort Seneca

Montgomery received Finley's letter regarding the change of sub-agency at Upper Sandusky [Finley was appointed sub-agent at Upper Sandusky on September 24th, replacing John Shaw]. Montgomery has been watching for John Johnston, who will either send or bring money. Once Montgomery gets the funds, he will send Finley what he is owed. Abstract Number - 712
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
November 30, 1824; Piqua

Finley has the full support of Johnston in whatever municipal regulations he may desire for the Wyandot Indians. Johnston has been given more responsibility for the trial of the Fall Creek Massacre defendants in Madison County, Indiana. Court costs for the U.S. government could go as high as $3,000-$4,000. He is concerned that Andrew Jackson might be elected president of the United States. Abstract Number - 713
Letter from John Summerfield to James B. Finley

John Summerfield
December 02, 1824; Baltimore

Rev. John Summerfield (currently appointed by the Baltimore Conference to promote the missionary cause, form auxiliary societies, hold anniversary meetings, raise money around the conference) received Finley's request for a $50 contribution to the Wyandot Mission. He has been able to raise the money and will issue a draft in the name of Samuel Harden, Methodist merchant in Baltimore, that Finley can draw upon from any store keeper in the western country. He would like to send something to his "son", John Summerfield [Wyandot boy named after Rev. Summerfield at request of the Juvenile Missionary Society of Baltimore], perhaps a new suit of clothes. He asks Finley for advice on the matter. Abstract Number - 714
Letter from John Summerfield to James B. Finley

John Summerfield
December 10, 1824; Baltimore

Rev. Summerfield has collected an additional $30.00 which is either to be drawn on a draft or sent in goods of any form desired by Finley. The money has not been taken out of any mission funds, so Finley is free to use it as he needs, and may choose not to enter the amount in his annual report. Summerfield sends his best wishes to Finley in his missionary work. Abstract Number - 715
Letter from Thomas Jackson to James B. Finley

Thomas Jackson
December 20, 1824; Philadelphia

Thomas Jackson, corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has sent a copy of the 3rd annual report to Finley. Since he has not heard from Finley, he fears that the report did not reach him. Jackson asks Finley for a long detailed letter about work at the Wyandot Mission. Abstract Number - 716
Letter from P. Sprague to James B. Finley

P. Sprague
December 23, 1824; Delaware, Ohio

Delaware County sheriff, Pardon Sprague, responds to Finley's recent letter inquiring about the debt of Robert Armstrong. He reports that Armstrong owes $107 which Sprague fears he might eventually have to pay himself. He warns Finley about Mr. Spencer, an immoral and desperate man. If Armstrong does not live long, Finley should be on the lookout for Spencer. He will most certainly try to cheat Armstrong out of all property he has in trust. Abstract Number - 36
Letter from John P. Johnston to James B. Finley

John P. Johnston
December 27, 1824; Greenville

John P. Johnston (former work hand at the mission) writes to let Finley know that he has been very ill. He has heard rumors that Finley was responsible for the removal of sub-agent John Shaw, but he knows that this cannot be true. He expresses a desire to obtain employment on the reservation, possibly at the mission store. He has taken to including the initial "P" as his middle name in order to distinguish himself from Indian agent John Johnston. Abstract Number - 717
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
January 03, 1825; Seneca

Johnston is on his way to Pittsburgh with an Indian guide, and will write from time to time. Abstract Number - 718
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
January 07, 1825; Cincinnati

Ruter has not yet received the minutes from New York [unidentified meeting] but will send a copy to Finley once they arrive. He will also delay sending the $50 draft to Finley until the end of the month. Ruter reports on the situation of F.A. Hicks (Francis A Hicks, Wyandot boy, son of John Hicks) who is now in Cincinnati. The independent missionary society has been revived in order to support the boy's education. Francis is boarding with Brother Raper and attending the school located near the Stone Meeting House. Ruter believes that Francis will do well. He anticipates that there will be opposition to placing the Wyandot boys in white schools, but believes it will decline if the boys do well. Abstract Number - 1011
Letter from Jonathan Doty to James B. Finley

Jonathan Doty
January 09, 1825; Mechanicsburg

Doty writes to complain about the pastor appointed to his congregation. (Finley at this time is the Presiding Elder of the Sandusky District and Superintendent of the Wyandot Mission). Doty asks Finley for aid and begs him to attend the next quarterly meeting. Doty reports: "The Society generally believes he has ruled with extreme partiality and we doubt his veracity in many instances." Abstract Number - 37
Letter from John P. Finley to James B. Finley

John P. Finley
January 12, 1825; Augusta, KY

John tells James that he has been in poor health but has been able to attend to the duties of his station. Sally's health is declining rapidly, and the children have grown into men and women. John tells James that he is not satisfied with his location, but he is able to make a living for his family there. He would like to move and if he ever regains his health would like to travel. His doctor tells him that he will never get well as long as he continues sedentary work. Augusta College is progressing as fast as can be expected, and is in an "advanced state of being finished." The preparatory school is now in session. Abstract Number - 954
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
January 12, 1825; Pittsburgh

Johnston reports that his trip to Pittsburgh has done his health much good. From Pittsburgh he plans to go to Philadelphia. He discusses Wyandot Mission claim requests with Finley -- Paperwork needs to be sent to the War Department. Johnston is concerned that Andrew Jackson might become president. Abstract Number - 38
Letter from Thomas McKenney to James B. Finley

Thomas McKenney
January 12, 1825; Department of War

McKenny encloses the address of Samuel S. Conant of New York. He would like Finley to send Conant "such specimens of Indian oratory as you may be able to collect, and may deem worthy a place in the work which he proposes to publish." Abstract Number - 719
Letter from D.H. Beardsley to James B. Finley

D.H. Beardsley
January 18, 1825; Columbus

An interesting letter on the subject of appointing Mr. Messenger an Associate Judge for Marion County. Since Mr. Messenger could not move from Delaware to Marion before spring the matter of appointment was evidently dropped. Beardsley speaks of the division of the Wyandot Reservation in Upper Sandusky, which is opposed by some of the Wyandots. It has been suggested that those opposed to the division would be willing to sell their land to the United States. Beardsley mentions that Finley "seems desirous that the Christian Indians should purchase their lands..." He urges Finley to use his influence "that the lands of the heathen Indians may be sold to the Government." The Canal Bill is currently being discussed in the Senate. Abstract Number - 720
Letter from Martin Ruter to James B. Finley

Martin Ruter
February 02, 1825; Cincinnati

Ruter reports that about 100 members have been added at Chillicothe, and about 400 to Brother Young's district since Conference. Ruter has a barrel of clothing for the Mission, but has no means of getting it to Upper Sandusky. Ruter is not prepared to take any of the drafts which Finley has submitted due to lack of funds. Availability of funds will be greatly improved if the rumored bank is actually established in Cincinnati. Abstract Number - 1012
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
February 12, 1825; Philadelphia

Johnston is overjoyed at the election of John Quincy Adams as president of the United States. Johnston has met with the Methodist Missionary Society in Philadelphia to discuss the Wyandot Mission, and there may be financial assistance forthcoming. On another topic -- Johnston reports discussion concerning a possible move of Indians to the west. Johnston sees it as best for the welfare and happiness of the Indians, but knows that the move, if authorized by the U.S. Congress, will be very painful for the Wyandots. He reports that Mr. Hudson, one of the white murderers (Fall Creek Massacre), has been hanged. He would like Finley to let the Wyandots know that justice is being served. Abstract Number - 721
Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

Nathaniel McLean
February 21, 1825; Columbus

McLean writes about the recent election of John Quincy Adams as president and John C. Calhoun as vice president. "With Adams & Calhoun at the head all is well." He also believes that his brother John McClean might end up serving on the cabinet, but this must be a secret for now. There has been a fire in the penitentiary blacksmith shop, but the cart wheels ordered by Finley should be done in a month. The wheels will cost $12 apiece. Abstract Number - 39
Letter from John P. Finley to James B. Finley

John P. Finley
February 22, 1825; Augusta, KY

John has just received James' letter proposing the printing of a public journal at the Wyandot Mission. John likes the idea of publishing such a journal but has already committed to publish a paper in Urbana. If enough subscriptions are collected in Urbana, John will be under obligation to them. If not, John will accept James' proposal. He asks James to keep his previous reflections about Augusta College confidential. Abstract Number - 955
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
March 09, 1825; Zanesville

Young writes to console and comfort his friend Finley. He is delighted that the Mission is prospering but very unhappy to hear that Finley has moments of doubt when he considers "giving up his parchments." These episodes are surely temptations of the Devil. Young expresses unhappiness again about the U.S. government advocacy of Indian removal to the west as a way of acquiring their land. "But they are men & perhaps are not scandalized enough by speculating on the poor creatures' lands!" Abstract Number - 877
Letter from Nathan Bangs to James B. Finley

Nathan Bangs
March 28, 1825; New York

An almost illegible letter from Nathan Bangs to Rev. Finley concerning a draft for $400. Abstract Number - 503
Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

Nathaniel McLean
April 01, 1825; Columbus

McLean wants to know if he and the prisoners should go ahead and make Finley a half-dozen sets of cart wheels at eight dollars per wheel. Members of the Columbus meeting house (Town Street M.E.) are embarking on a building expansion project. McLean asks Finley to help them get the money they need for the project. Abstract Number - 40
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
April 04, 1825; Upper Piqua

Johnston writes concerning an upcoming meeting of Indians at Wapaghkoneeta (Wapakoneta). He advises that the Mission Indians use their own discretion as to attendance. Johnston has Finley's $450 in a bank in Philadelphia. Abstract Number - 722