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.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
2-14-1826Dudley thanks George for his letters, discusses the weather in New England, and tells him that Philander is in Washington staying with Henry Clay.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
2-18-1826George gives his uncle his opinion on affairs in Washington and updates him on their family and events in Randolph and Cornish.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Rev. John Hall
2-20-1826Hall sends Morse of copy of the subscription paper in favor of placing the Seminary and College near Mt. Vernon, he also tells Morse that the power for professors to confer degrees under the name "Kenyon College" has been granted.
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Letter to Uncle Dudley
George Chase
2-21-1826Chase tells his uncle of his family's poor health and shares that his Aunt Chase recently gave him money to pay Mr. Jonas Eddy, who had threatened to sue him.
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Letter to George Chase
Philander Chase
2-22-1826Chase tells his son about his time in Washington and updates him on the progress with the Seminary and College. He asks George to give his best to his family at home.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
2-26-1826Dudley updates George on the state of the government in Washington and addresses a question about debts owed to Deacon Washburn
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
2-28-1826Dudley summarizes the contents of George's most recent letter, updates George on his father's wellbeing, and offers some advice on how to bring peace to his troubled heart. He also asks George for an update on Luica's mother's health.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G. W. Marriott
3-4-1826Mariott is disappointed that Mr. Wiggin cannot help buy lands in Knox County, but is hopeful and eager for the site to be secured. He updates Chase on his health and the birth of his son, Edmund, amongst other general updates. Marriott also summarized Bp. Hobart's most recent sermon and discusses the recently-discovered medicinal health benefits of white mustard seed.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
3-5-1826Marriott thinks that Bishop H's belief that Bishop Chase's proceedings might promote animosity between England and America is unreasonable. Marriott wants to use the surplus from the Printing Press for Lord Gambier's subscription. Dr. Gaskin is blind in one eye and Marriott wishes for Bishop Chase to write to him.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
3-5-1826George's daughter Eliza badly burned the right side of her face and her hand on the stove. George is recovering from the influenze epidemic. Uncle Dudley has also become ill. Bp. Philander sent George a letter franked by Henry Clay. George has plans for working on Uncle Dudley's land and wishes to know what he wants done with it.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
3-9-1826Chase informs his wife that he and Dudley will be setting out for Providence the following day. He wants to deliver a letter and other goods to her himself, but must delay.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
3-9-1826George recounts how Dudley was injured by a kick from Capt. Edgerton’s horse. His wife is sick but his daughter is recovering well. He hopes the sun will return soon to restore their spirits.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
3-10-1826Chase explains why he did not tell his Uncle Dudley about Horace's illness, but promises he has been truthful in every other way. Chase updates Uncle Dudley on the rest of their family's health and tells him to send his father all his good wishes and love.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
3-11-1826Chase complains of opposition to his plans and criticizes their fault in not sharing his vision. He asks Dudley to come visit him and assess the land he has bought.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
3-13-1826Chase updates Uncle Dudley on his recent activities and the health of their family.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
3-14-1826Dudley responds to George's request for advice about what to do with the farm. He references "a grand council on agricultural affairs" with Aunt Chase and Salmon Chase, telling George to use his judgement and do what he thinks is best. Dudley also asks him to review the leases of several tenants and make sure the farmland is taken care of.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
3-15-1826Bp. Philander is excited about having to pay $6,000 less and being able to push back the date of payment to a man named William [Higs?]. Bp Complains about Ohio roads and tells Dudley his travel plans in the near future.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
3-24-1826George updates Dudley on the state of the farm, tenants, and other financial matters and potential transactions
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Letter to Rebecca Chase Morse
Dudley Chase
3-27-1826Dudley discusses the death of Philander Jr. and tells Rebecca that he has forwarded her letter to his wife.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
3-31-1826Chase writes to his brother to update him on the health of their family and discusses the difficulty he is having making money for himself and his family. He asks Dudley to send money and promises it will be repaid as soon as possible.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
4-1-1826George writes of a fire that destoryed Mr. Dow's blacksmith shop. He needed to borrow $1 in order to cover small expenses, has recieved visits from Mr. Bragg, Caroline and Olivia, and provides further updates on the tenants and other financial matters.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Dudley Chase II
4-1-1826Dudley Jr. thanks his uncle for sending him a letter and asks him to pass another letter from him along to his Aunt Olivia.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
4-3-1826Dudley updates George on land transactions and on his plans for the farm. He wants to swap farms with Eli Blodget, but hopes to renegotiate fairer terms.
