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 Philander Chase
James Dallin
6-28-1826Dallin apologizes for not writing for a long time, explaining that he felt had nothing significant to say until now. He commends Chase for the work on his school, gives a detailed account of the religious divide and tension in England, and provides an update on his own personal affairs.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Messrs. Rivington
7-1-1826A note from booksellers confirming that books were sent to Chase.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
7-4-1826Chase provides another update on the water well, saying that he cannot continue the project any longer without an auger and the assistance of a blacksmith.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
7-7-1826Lord Kenyon updates Chase on matters in England. He reports that the fund is not very strong but that he hopes it will increase soon, and also discusses Chase's English friends. He assures Chase of the continued support of himself and his family.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
7-15-1826Lord Kenyon writes to Chase on the second anniversary of their meeting before Chase went back to America. He tells Chase that the other board members in England and likely to agree with whatever plan he puts forth and that he will pass along Chase's messages to them. Kenyon also discusses the well-being of his family and assures Chase of their continued support for him.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Margaret Kenyon
7-15-1826Margaret writes to Chase on the anniversary of their first and only meeting. She mentions a curious circumstance regarding a servant and Bishop Hobart, provides a short update on the weather and a few friends, and discusses the growth progression of the rose tree he sent her.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
7-16-1826Fragment of a letter in which Kenyon discusses Catholicism in Ireland as well as a few of Chase's English supporters.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
7-26-1826Chase tells his wife to give his love to their children and asks if she can arrange to have his flock of sheep sent to a Mr. Melick.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Timothy Wiggin
8-14-1826Wiggin reports that there is strong interest in Chase's cause among his English friends but that he regrets that the fund is not proceeding well and that he is unable to contribute any more money himself. He and the others hope Chase will be able to purchase the lands he needs and sell the rest after allowing their value to appreciate. Wiggin apologizes for not being able to contribute more to Chase's cause and assures him of his continued support.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
8-17-1826Philander asks his wife to write more and asks her to not allow Philander to walk until he has more strength. He also mentions the addition of a new cow, the granted injunction on their "lawless tenants." He feels lonely without Dudley.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
8-27-1826Chase discusses the culture of his Sunday school congregation and alerts his brother to his plans to visit soon.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
9-11-1826Chase is very sick and staying at Dr. Nettleton's home while he recovers before he resumes his trip.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary Ward
9-13-1826Mary writes about her hopes to visit Ohio. She also mentions her sympathy for the plight of the Irish, as well as her call to many striking events over the past year, including the death of a close friend.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Charolette Ward
9-22-1826Charolette praises God for Chase's successes and asks him to do a special prayer.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
9-26-1826Marriott writes Chase the contents of a letter recently sent from Dr. George Gaskin to Bishop White.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
10-1826Fragment of a letter in which Rev. Ward discusses the harmful effects that fighting with Bishop Hobart has had on Chase's success in raising funds in England. Ward also recounts a meeting in which he experienced further opportunity for schism within the Church and warns Chase against embracing such opposition.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
10-6-1826Chase writes his wife about his travels through New York, Vermont and New Hampshire and his visits with family. He plans to ride to Hopkinton in the following week.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
10-10-1826Chase sends his wife another update on his travels. His relative, Samuel Chase, is going to Ohio to attend Kenyon College and Chase hopes that others will go, also.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
10-20-1826Chase writes about a discussion he had with Wiggin regarding Bishop Hobart's recent sermon and Mr. Norris's review of that sermon. Timothy Wiggin disapproves of Mr. Norris's review of it. Chase also writes about financial support he has received from family members.
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Letter to Henry Clay
Philander Chase
10-30-1826Chase discusses his disapproval of Bishop Hobart's recent sermon and mentions a recent visit with Rufus King, who also questioned Bishop Hobart's sermon.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
10-30-1826Chase briefly discusses his refusal to meet with Bishop Hobart until certain resolutions are made among them.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
11-7-1826Chase recounts his travels through New York and visits with family and friends from Mr. Boyd's home in Philadelphia.
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Lord Gambier
11-11-1826Lord Gambier notifies Lord Kenyon of Mr. Clay's testimony regarding the site of the College. He praises Chase's efforts and congratulates Lord Kenyon for his prominent role in the promotion of the cause.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
11-13-1826Chase writes to his wife of his consistent love for her and their family in Ohio and updates her on his proceedings in Philadelphia.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
11-15-1826Chase writes his wife with a request for papers to be sent to him and updates her on the closing of the Convention.