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Finley Letters

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Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
April 05, 1825; Zanesville

Young writes again to express his displeasure about the Indian removal proposal of the U.S. government [See previous letter March 9, 1825]. He says -- "It seems the Wyandots are not likely to be ensnared with the bait Congress has put on the hook emigration. How long would they be in peace jammed in the midst of 40 other tribes? - Is the object to give the Indians a good chance to kill one another that we may occupy their lands without the scandal of killing them ourselves? I hope not. But will Arkansas and Missouri do them long! Where next? Oregon --Then they will be in the way and some may still think they ought to be coaxed & bribed & flattered & if necessary receive a little salutory National shove into the western Pacific." Young questions Finley [currently appointed as Presiding Elder of Sandusky District and Wyandot missionary] about the appointment at Mad River Circuit. Did James T. Wells leave the appointment [1824-1825] with permission? Was Brother Asbury [Thomas] officially transferred from the Genesee Conference to Mad River? There is a rumor that Wells and Asbury swapped circuits in different conferences. Young believes that the people of the Mad River Circuit would rather have George Gatch in charge than Asbury, who seems to think very highly of himself. [Note: Thomas Asbury, itinerant in the Genesee Conference, was the nephew of Bishop Francis Asbury. Born in England, he came to America in 1818, according to J.F. Binney, Genealogy of the Binney Family in the U.S., c. 1886, p. 93]. According to conference minutes for Ohio and Genesee, both Asbury and Wells located in the fall of 1825. Abstract Number - 889
Letter from Jerry Dean to James B. Finley

Jerry Dean
April 11, 1825; Detroit

Dean writes to Sandusky District presiding elder, James B. Finley, to let him know that "religion is rather low" in the Detroit Circuit. Folks do not like the preacher, Elias Pattee, and thus do not contribute for him. Dean suggests that Finley come to spend a month or two in Detroit, believing that folks would give "something handsome" to hear Finley preach. Abstract Number - 41
Letter from James M. Round to James B. Finley

James M. Round
April 14, 1825; Barnesville

Round writes about the West Wheeling District, Ohio Conference. He reports that work in the district is reviving, and there is definitely some ingathering happening. The labors of William Lamdin, Presiding Elder, have been blessed, and all circuits are in good order. The gentleman delivering this letter is Dr. William Flake, a physician who would like to settle in Finley's county. Round asks Finley to assist Flake if possible. Round asks Finley to give his love to Brother Walker & Sister Hannah. He believes that her relations are in good health. Abstract Number - 43
Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
April 16, 1825; London

Robert says he enjoyed good health until two weeks ago when he was caught in a bad rain storm. He caught a cold as a result and has not yet recovered. There is to be a camp meeting next Thursday through Monday which will mark the opening of the new settlement. Abstract Number - 956
Letter from John Gibson to James B. Finley

John Gibson
April 25, 1825; Barnesville

Gibson reports the numbers of the lots bought from Ferrell. There is a balance of $2 or $3 payable to Finley. The bearer of this letter is John G. Affleck who wishes to settle in Finley's county. Gibson asks Finley to assist Affleck in his resetttlement.
Letter from John McLean to James B. Finley

John McLean
April 26, 1825; Washington City

McLean writes about a recent newspaper article critical of Finley and himself. He has written a letter to the editor stating the facts of the case -- 1) The office of sub-agent once filled by John Shaw has been abolished 2) James B. Finley will now perform the duties gratis 3) McLean did not learn of Calhoun's decision until three weeks after the order was signed. Abstract Number - 993
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
April 29, 1825; Piqua

Johnston has left Finley's $450 with Mrs. Johnston. Interpreter Robert Armstrong has died. Johnston plans to be in Upper Sandusky in June to pay the Indians. Abstract Number - 723
Letter from Josiah Hedges to James B. Finley

Josiah Hedges
April 30, 1825; Tiffin

Josiah Hedges (founder of Tiffin) writes to Finley (missionary to Wyandot Mission) concerning a land squabble he is having with Mr. Spencer (Jesse Spencer). Hedges has been compelled to buy Mr. Spencer out in order to avoid a lawsuit or loss of his gristmill. [The property Hedges is trying to buy is part of the acreage granted by the U.S. government to Robert Armstrong in 1817, later sold to Jesse Spencer. The heirs of Robert Armstrong are living at the Wyandot Mission.] Hedges is checking to make sure that the title from Spencer is a good title. He asks Finley to check with the heirs of Mr. Armstrong to determine whether the family has any claims to the land. If so, they need to notify Hedges immediately. Abstract Number - 44
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
May 02, 1825; Zanesville

Young had hoped that his wife would stay in Upper Sandusky while he rode the circuit, but Mrs. Young feels that she will be too homesick without her husband for that length of time, so she will travel with him as planned. He sets up a time to meet with Finley at Urbana in early June. Abstract Number - 878
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
May 09, 1825; Delaware

Johnston is serving on the Ohio Canal Board and has just attended an important meeting in Wooster. A new canal will be built from Lake Erie in Cleveland to the Ohio River, at a cost of $1.5 million dollars. Ground will be broken for the canal on July 4th. Johnston plans to be in Upper Sandusky sometime between June 10-15 in order to pay the Indians. He has seen articles about the death of interpreter Robert Armstrong in the newspapers. He wants to know Finley's wishes about a replacement. Abstract Number - 45
Letter from John Todd to James B. Finley

John Todd
May 09, 1825; Augusta, KY

John Todd (Trustee, Augusta College, KY) writes to Finley concerning the death of his brother, Rev. John P. Finley (professor of languages at Augusta College). Todd describes John's three week illness and death. He also shares information about the funeral at the Methodist Church and the burial in the meeting house yard. A substitute professor has been hired for 3 months to fill the vacancy left by John. John's family would like Finley to come to Augusta to assist with decision making. Abstract Number - 46
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
May 16, 1825; Upper Piqua

Johnston plans to go to Wapakoneta at once to attend a Council which Governor Lewis Cass is holding with the Indians regarding removal west of the Mississippi. He will arrive in Upper Sandusky on June 9th to pay the Indians. Abstract Number - 724
Letter from J. Sale to James B. Finley

J. Sale
May 17, 1825; Springfield

Rev. John Sale (appointed to Wilmington Circuit, Scioto District) writes to inform Finley about the recent death of his brother John P. Finley, president of Augusta College in Kentucky. [Death occurred on May 8, 1825]. He then rails against Rev. John Collins, currently serving as Presiding Elder of the Miami District, where Sale actually lives. Sale is serving an unpleasant circuit, Wilmington, to which he was appointed by Collins. He is astonished at the poor conduct of Collins and believes that the bishops yield to him regarding appointments. "From such a man, good Lord, deliver me and the church." Finally, Sale reports that Radicalism has gained a few advocates in Wilmington, but the worst is now over. Abstract Number - 47
Letter from Nathaniel McLean to James B. Finley

Nathaniel McLean
May 23, 1825; Columbus

McLean notifies Finley that the sets of cart wheels he ordered from the Ohio Penitentiary are ready for pickup. He also tells Finley that David Young would like to meet him at the Mill Creek Quarterly Meeting and travel with him to Sandusky. Abstract Number - 48
Letter from Robert W. Finley to James B. Finley

Robert W. Finley
June 02, 1825;

Robert writes to his son James that "the time of his departure is at hand." He has long considered the circuit as his family, but now he is willing to do whatever the Lord wishes him to do. James is actually serving as Presiding Elder of the Sandusky District, where Robert is appointed to the London Circuit. He gives James permission to remove him from his circuit if necessary. Abstract Number - 957
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
July 27, 1825; Upper Piqua

Johnston will send iron and steel from Cincinnati as soon as possible. He is very busy paying Indians and attending canal meetings. Abstract Number - 725
Letter from Arthur W. Elliott to James B. Finley

Arthur W. Elliott
August 20, 1825; Piqua

Finley has apparently gotten word that folks in Arthur Elliott's circuit are besmirching Finley's character, and that Elliott is not correcting them. Elliott reports that this is not true. The only men who dislike Finley are the "bottle men and the copper men." "In this circuit, you are the most popular man I have knowledge of." There have been some complaints about Finley taking over from Shaw (Indian agent), and receiving benefits of some kind from the government. However, there is general support for Finley's work. The people agree that Finley should remain in charge of the mission until he is sure his work is finished. Abstract Number - 726
Letter from Thomas McKenney to James B. Finley

Thomas McKenney
August 22, 1825; Department of War

A document from the U.S. Department of War, Office of Indian Affairs. It concerns the work of Dr. Constantine Samuel Rafinesque who is engaged in finding the origin of the Aborigines in this county, in preparation for a book. Finley is asked to provide information to Dr. Rafinesque. Abstract Number - 727
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
August 30, 1825; Upper Piqua

Johnston writes that the man who is to deliver iron, steel, and Bibles to Upper Sandusky is ill, so the shipment has been delayed. Abstract Number - 728
Letter from Bishop R.R. Roberts to James B. Finley

Bishop R.R. Roberts
August 30, 1825; Charlestown, IN

Bishop Roberts has just finished presiding at the Illinois Conference and reports peace and harmony among the preachers. Bishop McKendree was there in good health and expects to go to the Kentucky Conference, as does Bishop Roberts. He regrets that he will not be able to attend the Ohio Conference because he wishes to see Finley. Roberts will not be able to pay Finley the money he owes him, but will send $75.00 with Brother M. Ruter to pass on to him. He tells Finley about the establishment of a school and mission among the Potawatomi Indians under the missionary leadership of Bro. Walker [Jesse]. Roberts sends his warm regards. Abstract Number - 609
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
September 10, 1825; Upper Piqua

This letter accompanies a shipment of iron, steel, Bibles, etc. to the Wyandot Mission. One of the Bibles is earmarked for Johnston's namesake (Indian boy renamed John Johnston). Johnston has contacted the church seminary in Worthington about enrolling the boy in the school to prepare for the ministry. Johnston shares his views on the importance of the mission's "Indian scholars" being sent out to live with white families for acculturation. "I am convinced more and more unless your scholars are scattered a part of the year in white families, your labour and expense will be lost." Abstract Number - 729
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
September 21, 1825; Zanesville

Young is sorry that Finley was not able to attend the quarterly meeting at Idleman's. If he had known Finley wasn't coming, he would have traveled to Upper Sandusky to see him. Upon his arrival home, he discovered that Finley's boxes of medicine had been delivered. Young is hopeful that he and Finley will find time to meet at the Ohio Annual Conference [October 12, 1825, Zanesville Station]. Abstract Number - 879
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
October 06, 1825; Washington, OH

Johnston desires to place his namesake (Indian boy renamed John Johnston) at Philander Chase's preparatory school/seminary in Worthington [precursor of Kenyon College]. Johnston will pay for the boy's board, tuition, clothing, etc. He asks Finley to explain this to the Wyandot chiefs and to arrange for the boy to be transported to Worthington. It would appear that Johnston's biological son will be attending the school as well. Abstract Number - 735
Letter from John Johnston to James B. Finley

John Johnston
November 05, 1825; Upper Piqua

Johnston discusses money owed to John Lewis (blacksmith) and Isaac Walker (interpreter). Abstract Number - 50
Letter from David Young to James B. Finley

David Young
November 05, 1825; Zanesville

Young begins his appointment at the Zanesville Station M.E. tomorrow. While in Barnesville yesterday, he received $18.14 from Mr. Davenport -- the balance owed for the Wyandot Mission. Young offers to forward goods from Davenport to Upper Sandusky for the Mission. He is concerned about his success in the new appointment, but will trust in God and the prayers of his friends. Abstract Number - 880