The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D.D. was the founder and first President of Kenyon College serving from 1824 to 1831. Chase was also the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio. This collection of his letters is kept in the College Archives and is available to researchers.
The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
11-13-1805Chase has arrived safe in New Orleans. He has met the his fellow Protestants and has been assigned to oversee a future College. He describes the surrounding plantations and New Orleans' itself.
-
Letter to John Reade Esquire
Philander Chase
12-12-1805Letter announcing arrival in New Orleans and intentions to build a Congregation there. Photocopy of orignals found in the William Research Center.
-
Letter to Rev. John Henry Hobart
Philander Chase
12-12-1805Bishop Chase sends a letter to Reverend John Henry Hobart wherein he discusses the size of the Congregation is too large for the space he has to preach. He is saddened that because of the lack of space, some forego attending his sermon. As a result, he seeks some advice from Reverend Hobart.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
10-21-1806Philander tells Dudley that he has left money for the care of his sons
-
Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
1-3-1807Dudley Chase discourages George Chase from pursuing his N.W. project.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
1-20-1807Philander Chase sends greetings to his brother and reminds him about his intention to purchase Peckum Farm.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
2-23-1807Story of the sinking of the ship "Polly Eliza". Lost friends and furniture. Must make plans to obtain new furniture.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
3-8-1807The story of Andrew Burk's tragic death. The "Polly and Eliza" ship was destroyed and its passengers were shipwrecked on the coast of Cuba. Some property was lost.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
6-13-1807Chase wants Dudley to assist him in selling his house in Poughkeepsie. He describes plans to purchase a plantation in the New Orleans area with the money.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
9-12-1807Chase in low spirits: the post office has failed to send his letters to Dudley, Church affairs look gloomy because the prospect of war, the house of Poughkeepsie is still unsold.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
4-13-1808New Orleans is now Chase's permanent residence. He wants to receive his two boys from his brother so he may advance their education there. George Scott may accompany them on the journey.
-
Letter to Olivea Chase
Philander Chase
7-6-1808More information on George Scott's trip Northward, both Chase's wife and mother are ill, and he may see his mother no more.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
11-29-1808George Scott did not pick up the boys because Dudley did not receive Chase's letter about his plans for them. Perhaps it is in their best interest. A permanent ecclesiastical Establishment in New Orleans still remains problematic.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
4-8-1809Financial issues of the church and possible retirement from it; Brother Baruch and his daughters; yellow fever
-
Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
5-30-1809Both Chase's father and mother are ill and he grieves for them. He still desires his sons to live with him for a few years and study French and Spanish.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
6-18-1809Chase has given Lyman Harding $300, out of which he wants Dudley to pay $150 dollars to Dr. Gallup, $50 to Jedidiah Fay, and $100 dollars to Daniel Fay.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
7-27-1809Reiteration of the plans for the $300. Mrs. Burk, widow of Andrew Burk, has died. She left a young orphan daughter named Louisa, whom Chase and his wife have adopted.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
1-29-1810Chase is thinking of and devising plans to return to the Northern States, but he may have to stay in New Orleans for a while longer because of the building of a church.
-
Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
2-14-1810Chase's plans to take a few students North to study have failed because the money is going to the erecting of a Church. He does not trust that the Vestry will fulfill this promise, but he has to stay in New Orleans. Last summer many people suffered a debilitating sickness.
-
Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
4-9-1810Chase wants Dudley to be his new Treasurer, he is getting anxious about his finances if he were to die suddenly. More on the payments made to Jedediah Fay.
