Philander Chase Letters

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 Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
11-21-1826

Chase tells his wife that he has finished writing his appeal to raise funds for buildings for the College and Seminary. If the appeal is accepted he plans not to go to New York until next week. Chase updates his wife on his lameness and asks for more letters from his family.
Letter to Captain Wormley

Rev. W. Ward
11-23-1826

Rev. Ward sends Captain Wormley an Ohio appeal and a pamphlet defending Bp. Chase against claims asserted by Bp. Hobart. He criticizes Bp. Hobart but praises Chase for his work with the Ohio Seminary and College.
Letter to Lord Kenyon

Philander Chase
11-24-1826

Chase asks for Lord Kenyon's help in imploring Rev. Thomas Hartwell Horne to come to Ohio to run Kenyon College. Chase feels that Horne alone will bring the prestige and knowledge necessary to maintain the college.
Letter to Philander Chase

Lord Kenyon
11-26-1826

Fragment of a letter in which Lord Kenyon updates Chase on the sentiments surrounding his cause in England.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
11-26-1826

Chase is confined to his lodgings due to the sore on his ankle, but doesn't want his wife to worry about him. He also asks her to tell Mr. Sparrow that he has looked at the books, but can't afford to pay for them at the moment.
Letter to Philander Chase

G.W. Marriott
12-1826

Fragment of a letter in which Marriott mentions he has sent enclosures to Chase and writes of tension amongst Bishops and others.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
12-1826

Chase will no longer return home by traveling through New Orleans on account of his fear of seasickness. He is giving $200 to William Jones Esquire so that Sophia may draw upon it for whatever she needs. Chase feels more productive in Philadelphia than in Ohio.
Letter to Dudley Chase

George Chase
12-5-1826

Chase informs Uncle Dudley that his father is no longer in Randolph and updates him on his family's health.
Letter to Dudley Chase

George Chase
12-19-1826

Chase confirms his receipt of the message and copy of the "Traveler." He updates his uncle on his work and the work of Mr. Eddy, Jona. P. Miller, Mr. Kellogg, and Captain Tim Edson.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
12-22-1826

Chase thanks his wife for her letter and updates her on his injured leg, which he believes is improving.
Letter to Dudley Chase

George Chase
12-24-1826

George Chase updates Dudley Chase on his family and travels and describes his time with Mr. Grover, a "French War" veteran.
Letter to Philander Chase

Rev. W. Ward
12-28-1826

Ward discusses conversion efforts in the East Indies and England's war with Spain, and asks Chase to set aside a plot of land near the college in his name.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

William Sparrow
12-29-1826

Sparrow dislikes the General Convention's alterations to the prayer book, and is dismayed at the power and influence being given to the Diocese of New York. He reports that Brother Bronson will buy copies of the Episcopal Register to distribute and praises Mr. Smith.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-1-1827

Chase writes a confidential letter to his wife in which he describes his medical condition, which has worsened somewhat. Chase also discusses a prospective professor for the college whom he met in Philadelphia.
Letter to Intrepid Morse

Philander Chase
1-1-1827

Chase congratulates Intrepid on his marriage to Rebecca and sends his blessings. He also updates Intrepid on his projects in Philadelphia and the lameness in his ankle that has kept him in the city for so long.
Letter to Philander Chase

Bishop W. Ward
1827

Bp. Ward assures Chase of his continuing support and admiration for his Ohio cause. He hopes that he can create a legacy similar to Chase's as he lays the foundation for a new college on the Isle of Man. Ward also provides Chase with a few general updates.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-4-1827

Chase tells his wife that he has ordained Mr. Mintzer, who will go to Ohio soon, and that he is slightly better but not entirely well. He mentions England's war with Spain and sends his best to his children.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-6-1827

Chase's leg and hip are still bothering him but he intends to carry on with his duties. He is about to travel to Germantown to preach and will likely go to New York the next week.
Letter to Rachel Denison

Philander Chase
1-9-1827

Chase tells his sister of his successes in Philadelphia, about a group of women who are helping to raise funds by making socks, and about his continuing illness. He plans to go to New York when he is well.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-9-1827

Chase is still struggling with his ill health and intense feelings of homesickness. He is still planning to depart for New York and if he doesn't get well there, he will travel to Albany and Saratoga for their mineral waters.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-16-1827

Chase discusses his dinner with Judge Hemphill, who will go to England soon. He discusses donations and tells his wife he will leave for New York the next day.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-18-1827

Chase has reached New Jersey and discusses the people he is staying with.
Letter to Philander Chase

Lord Kenyon
1-19-1827

Lord Kenyon reports that he will try to persuade Mr. Horne to go to Ohio, but that others feel he might not be prepared to teach students even if he agrees to go. Kenyon also discusses relations between England and the United States and updates Chase on his English friends.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase Jr
1-19-1827

While temporarily stuck in New Jersey due to inclement weather, Chase writes his wife with the details about his time in Philadelphia. He discusses ongoing interactions between himself, Bishop Hobart, Dr. Gaskin, and Bishop W.
Letter to Sophia Chase

Philander Chase
1-20-1827

Chase discusses homesickness and his meetings with various people in New York.