AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. JAMES B. FINLEY; OR, PIONEER OF LIFE IN THE WEST

Cincinnati: The Methodist Book Concern, 1854. First Edition, later printing. James B. Finlay [1781-1857]. Finley's familiarity with Native-American customs prompted Methodist Bishop McKendree to station him at the newly created Wyandot Indian mission at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Under Finley's leadership, the mission prospered with the establishment of a church, school, farm, and store. Finley significantly improved support for the mission during a trip east in 1826 to attend the anniversary of the Methodist Mission Society. A sympathetic defender of Indian rights, Finlay was harshly critical of the federal government's removal policy that ultimately forced the Wyandot nation to relocate in Kansas in 1843. Finley was also a force in the growing antislavery movement within Methodism. 12mo., embossed dark-brown cloth, spine stamped in gilt; 455 pages. Illustrated.. Good (some wear along spine edges & little discoloration covers; bit of scattered foxing, an occasional pencil notation).