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
6-23-1827Chase asks his wife to send additional materials that he forgot to bring with him.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
6-24-1827Lord Kenyon updates Chase on his family and assures the Bishop of his English friends' continued support.
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Letter to Benjamin Allen
Philander Chase
6-27-1827Chase asks Allen to tell Mrs. Twells to send her sons to Worthington, where he will put them under care of his wife.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
6-28-1827Marriott asks for Chase's opinion of a work he sent him and informs Chase of recent complaints brought against George Montgomery West.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
6-28-1827Marriott writes that he, and others in England, are very pleased to hear about the progress of the Seminary, College, and Town.
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Letter Certifying George Montgomery West as Chaplain
Philander Chase
7-2-1827Letter certifying Chase's appointment of Reverend George Montgomery West as his chaplain
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
7-14-1827Chase describes an encounter he had with Mr. Bennet in which Bennet asked him for financial support or for a position at the College but Chase refused due to his character.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
8-10-1827Chase is overwhelmed but finds strength in God. Mr. Wilson's horse has died, but all else is well.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
8-12-1827Chase details the progress of the buildings in Gambier. The parish has been built and is set to be incorporated soon. Chase hopes to see his wife soon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
8-17-1827Marriott asks Chase to disregard negative sentiments circulating regarding Mr. West, and assures him of his and Lord Kenyon's support for West. He also discusses events in England and France and tells Chase he will write again soon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
8-21-1827Ward gives Chase advice on how to handle adversaries. He also talks about purchasing land and will purchase an estate for Mary Ohio, and build her a residence called Philander Hall.
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Original Manuscript for p. 569-73 of Reminiscences
Philander Chase
8-24-1827Original Manuscript for p. 569-73 of Reminiscences.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
8-25-1827Lord Kenyon updates Chase on the lives and affairs of his English friends and assures him of their continued support for Chase's cause.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
8-30-1827Marriott asks Chase to write to Lady Palmer, whose husband has just died. He discusses the idea he and Lord Kenyon had for Chase's episcopal seal, and updates Chase on his English friends.
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Letter to the Missionary Society
Philander Chase
9-8-1827Chase asks the Missionary Society to send him $100.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lady Olivia Sparrow
9-13-1827Lady Sparrow expresses her continued support for Chase. She has left home due to illness but hopes to recover soon, and hopes that Lord Gambier will bring Mr. West to see her.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lady Rosse
9-22-1827Lady Rosse expresses concern at hearing of Chase's fall and wishes him well. She hopes to meet Mr. West soon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Anne Hutton
10-6-1827Long letter in which Anne Hutton expresses her appreciation for Chase and her continued prayers for his well-being and success.
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Letter to Rachael Denison
Philander Chase
10-12-1827Chase provides an update on how things are going in Gambier as he prepares to sell his farm. Mr. West arrived in England, Mr. Sparrow has been very sick, and Chase worries for his overworked wife. He also asks Rachael to have her husband send him the subscription he promised.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
10-16-1827Chase worries for his sick wife and laments at having left her. He recounts his recent arrival in Gambier and fills her in on some letters he has received, including news that his son George has had another daughter.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
10-16-1827Chase apologizes for the morbidity of his previous letter. He reports that Fanny is recovering but Mrs. Chase is sick. He is finishing projects in Gambier and laments the indifference of the people of Ohio towards this great achievement for Protestants everywhere.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G. W. Marriott
10-23-1827Marriott tells Chase that Mr. Fermor, editor of a journal, is coming to Ohio. Marriott wishes to send Chase a packet containing subscriptions he has collected for the church in Gambier. The entire Marriott family has been ill recently but is recovering.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary Hoskins
10-24-1827Letter from the Secretary of the Kenyon Circle of Gardiner, Maine, pledging support for Chase's cause among the ladies of Gardiner as well as a contribution of $70 raised by them towards his efforts.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
11-12-1827Chase says he will not give money to St. John's Church (which he meant to give to the church at Beaver) until he knows that the church at Beaver has not fulfilled his conditions. He reports good news that the newly built dam has withheld a storm and also that Mr. West has been warmly received by lords and ladies in England and is soon to meet the Bishop of London.
