Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1856-10-02
Eorder Rufianism In Ohio.

Ministers OF the Gospel, VINO nave the toru
tudo to stand up and openly proclaim the truth
in opposition to wickedness in high places, seem
to be regarded with great contempt by the BOr
der Ruffians and Slave Propagancists, not
only in Kansas but by that class OF persons ev
erywhere. Our own State is not free from in
famous attacks made by the slaveocrats on
Ministers Of the Gospel. We give below an
account Of a renewed demonstration of Border
Ruffauism-WhiCh was recently committed at
Lewisburg, Preble county upon the person
Of Rev. J. b. Finley, familiarly known as
Father Finley"
Mr.. Finley is well known to many in this
county. He was the Pioneer Minister OF the
NJ E. Church in Ohio. travelling and preach
ing TO the the frontier settlements, embracing in
his district this place. He broke the bread Of
life and administered TO the spiritual wants Of
some of our aged citizens who bear testimony of
bis ability as a Minister Of tho Gospel and his
zeal in his Masters cause, - Preaching liberty
to the cRptves, and the opening Of the prisons
to those in honds. He was Chaplain in the
Ohio Penitentisry in 1867 during which time
he penned the Memorial of Prison Life-He has
also penAed several other works that are held
in high esteem. He is about so years Of age.
Hew shameful and Infamous the attack upon
this venerable Minister Verify has the time
come ITO cry aloud and spare not" We give
the letter of L. f. Vsncleve, also the letter of
Rev. Finley himself, in which the facts are de-
tailed, which we copy from the Western Chris
tian Advocate, and are as follows:
For the Western Christian Advocate.
A Brutal Attack on Father Finley.
! send you the following facts as detailed to
me by Rev, j. G. Brook, son,in-law of brother
Finley: s lta es.r..
On last Monday evening, September 18th, a
Republican meeting was held at LeviSburg,
Preble county, Ohio. to be addressed by Hon
L. D. Campbell, the Republican candidate in
this district for reelection to Congress. Rev.
James B. Finley attended the meeting. as a
hearer. While Mr.. Campbell was speaking,
brother Finley found it necessary to retire,
which he did, alone, and without any suspicion
of personal violence. AS he passed around the
corner of the church ho heard about ten or iif
teen persons, who we're assembled there, curs
ing the political party oi which Mr.. Campbell
is the candidate, calling them disunionists.
woody y-heads, oct. Suddenly father Finley was
surrounded by these fellows. aud, though he
uttered not single syllable. he was struck on
the back Of the head with rock or bludgeon
so severely as TO lay him ssnseless on the
ground for some time, no one koows how long.
for no friend was present. When he recovered
himself sufficiently, be arose. and attempted 10
go across the streets to The house OF his grand
son but when he came 70 ire gutter, at The
side Of the street, he tainted. and lay for some
time, till discovered and cared for by some
friends He was brought home yesterday hut
his condition today is such that we have an.
prehenshions Of dangerous injury. Who these
ratians were that surrounded Brother Finley.
we have no knowledge whatever. Hasit come
to this, Mr. Editor. that minister OF the pos.
pei and he harmless, quiet old lnan, Of eigh.
|ty years--dare not attend political meeting
where political questions are discussed. with
out endsngering bis life by the hands OF ruff,
ans. who know no other argument than bludg.
cons 2 Ifso, we have fallen on troublesome
limes f
Yours, ect., J.. F. VANcLEvR.
Eatoa, o., September n. 1856. t.f.
Since the foregoing was 10 type. we have re-
ceiyed the following from brother Finley him