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
G.W. Marriott
9-17-1829Marriott again expresses his support for Mr. West and encourages Chase to write to him before he leaves for America.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
9-18-1829Lord Kenyon discusses his trip to Europe with his daughters following his daughter Margaret's death. He also discusses displays of Catholicism in Rome which he disapproved of as well as politics in England. He reports that Mr. West is sick and may not be able to sail to America until the spring.
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Letter to G.W. Marriott
Lord Bexley
10-7-1829Bexley provides a response to the inquiries of Mrs. Chase and hopes Marriott finds his trip to Cheltenham beneficial.
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Letter to Elnathan Raymund
Philander Chase
10-12-1829Chase is concerned because he has received a bill for hats, but has not yet received the hats. He asks Mr. Raymund for his assistance in this matter.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Intrepid Morse
10-20-1829Morse updates his aunt on his progress in the Ministry and thanks her for sending her son George to Ohio.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
John McElroy
11-7-1829Request for Morse to sign letter regarding the sale of lands surrounding the College.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
11-26-1829Chase describes his journey on a skiff down towards New Orleans as well as his interactions and engagements along the way.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-1-1829Chase details his affairs in Cincinnati including a conversation with a man who believed Chase's bill might have a better chance of passing in this session of Congress.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-5-1829Chase thanks his wife for her letter and asks for more information regarding the building of a dam near the college. He also tells her about who he has been meeting with in Cincinnati and tells her he plans to return home before going to Washington if possible.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-11-1829Chase asks his wife to confirm whether she has received a receipt for a bill he has to pay.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-16-1829Chase asks his wife to add the included sums to his book.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-18-1829Chase details his travels including the loss of his luggage and health issues he has had.
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Letter to Rev. Hawley
Philander Chase
12-21-1829Chase reports that he had hoped to be in Baltimore at this point but was detained by the loss of his luggage. He hopes to be reunited with his family soon.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-21-1829Chase describes his stay in Hagerstown including a donation to the College made by a teacher he met.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
12-22-1829Rev. Ward and his daughter Mary ask Chase to write to them and express their continued support for him.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-25-1829Chase tells his wife of his affairs in Washington and assures her that he misses her and their family. He hopes to be able to appoint a professor of chemistry and mineralogy soon based on a recent donation.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-26-1829Chase describes his affairs in Washington D.C. over the holiday.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-27-1829Chase gives an account of his daily activities, relaying to his wife who he has visited in the last two days.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Gambier
12-29-1829Gambier advises Chase not to make mention of the Church Missionary Society in his addresses, due to prejudices against the organization. He offers the use of his own name to provide Chase with credibility, and he invites Chase to spend time with him at Iver Grove
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Letter to G.W. Marriott
Philander Chase
12-29-1829Chase relays his thanks for Mr. Bates's gift and assures Marriott of his unwavering support for Mr. West. He clarifies that he has always advocated for Mr. West and will defend him from all attacks, including those from Bp. Hobart.
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
12-29-1829Chase writes that Dudley's wife will come to Gambier next summer. He also instructs his wife to tell Mr. Douglass not to cut down any trees on the Hill, and to report any students who do so.
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Letter to Sarah Chase
Philander Chase
12-31-1829Chase reminds his niece of his affection for her and is happy to hear of her attachment to Mary C. Bachelor.
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
1-5-1830Marriott feels that Mr. Bates will not continue in support for the College. He is appalled by Mr. West's behavior, communicated in one of Chase's recent letters. Marriott also informs Chase of confidential financial information concerning Lord Kenyon and provides other small updates on friends and family.
