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 Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
4-27-1830Chase has arrived in Gambier safely. He updates Dudley on the construction going on at the College, which is "overflowing with students."
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
5-10-1830Ward discusses the purchasing of lands around Gambier and tells Chase of an endowment that, if secured, will be split between his and Chase's colleges. He asks Chase to continue to press for a hundred acres of land in Ohio to be purchased in his daughter Mary's name.
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Letter to Mr. Bates
Philander Chase
7-23-1830Chase describes the progress with the buildings at Kenyon. He also tells Bates of his disappointment with Mr. West, who was seeking to succeed Chase in his role as Bishop, which Chase claimed he could not support as the appointment of a Bishop should not be sought out. Mr. West has since returned to New York and is no longer connected with Chase.
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Letter to Mr. Bates
Philander Chase
8-1830Incomplete copy of Chase's July 23, 1830 letter to Mr. Bates.
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Letter to Philander Chase
James Ramsey
9-1-1830Ramsey, though a stranger to Chase, is very impressed by the mission of Chase and the College and is donating books to the library.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Anne Hutton
9-1830Fragment of a letter in which Hutton discusses her family members' well-being.
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Memorandum of Accounts from Theological Seminary
No Author
9-1830Memorandum of Accounts from Theological Seminary
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Letter to Philander Chase
G.W. Marriott
9-8-1830Marriott writes in defense of Mr. West and is disappointed that he has not heard from him, Bp. Chase, or Mr. Robinson. He has given additional money to Mr. West and asks Chase to give some of the money from Mr. Bates to West. He also updates Chase on religious tensions in Europe, the progress of new schools on the Isle of Man, and Lord Kenyon's wellbeing.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Pratt
9-11-1830Pratt has been sick and unable to meet with many others in England for a long time, but has met with Chase's friend Bishop McIlvaine. He is glad to hear of the progress at Kenyon College and updates Chase on British public affairs.
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Letter to Rev. W. Ward
Lord Kenyon
9-16-1830Kenyon updates Ward on his daughter Marianne's condition and tells him that G.W. Marriott will be coming to stay with him soon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
9-27-1830Kenyon updates Chase on his family and discusses Mr. West, with whom he is disappointed for leaving Chase but wishes the best for.
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Letter to Mr. Heman Dyer
Philander Chase
10-2-1830Chase thanks Mr. Dyer for his letter and expresses his gratitude towards Judge Ruggles for helping him passing the bill in the Senate. He also provides updates on timber and the College buildings.
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Letter to Unknown
Lord Gambier
10-20-1830Lord Gambier is pleased after receiving a note with a letter from Mrs. H. More and list of new subscribers to a fund for helping a young girl, M.A. Watt.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mark Robinson
11-6-1830Robinson claims that all of the statements he has made against Mr. West are true, while West's published statements contain falsehoods. He asks Chase to review the three pamphlets that he sends, so that he can respond with answers to any questions Chase may have. Robinson also provides a list of subscribers that he has called upon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary Caroline Ward
12-28-1830Mary expresses deep sympathy and admiration for Chase after having read Mr. West's pamphlet. She also asks his opinion on a book which purports that American Indians are the lost tribes of Israel.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Charles Galindo
12-30-1830At G. M. West's request, Galindo is forwarding Chase 14 newspapers in which West's advertisement appeared. He asks Chase for letters from either himself or settlers to publish.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
12-31-1830Lord Kenyon is staying at the home of his aunt, who he believes is close to death. He reports that the Trustees in England have positive feelings towards West, though Kenyon himself is more critical, and hopes that West will submit to Chase's wishes. Kenyon fears that the session of Parliament will be bad for the Church.
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Letter to Lord Bishop of Salisbury
G. W. Marriott
12-31-1830Marriott attests to Chase's character, insisting that West's charges against him are false. Although he wishes the whole affair could be kept from the public, Chase's behavior has rendered that impossible.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Thomas Biddulph
1-3-1831Biddulph apologizes in advance for a request that his friend Rogers is about to make, but assures him that Rogers' motives are good.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Robert Vashon Rogers
1-3-1831Rogers is hoping to move to America and would like to join Chase's church in Ohio, but he will need money to do so.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
1-13-1831At Dr. Wilson's urging, Chase may have to publicly defend himself against G.M. West. He implores his brother to write more and provides small updates on their friends.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
1-15-1831Rev. Ward takes a strong stance against West and in defense of Chase. He also discusses potential outcomes regarding Philip Moore's estate.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Rev. W. Ward
1-18-1831Ward reports that Chase has been given joint power of attorney to Philip Moore's estate. He provides Chase with advice on how to deal with the family and the lands. He also tells Chase that Marriott has taken West's side in the argument due to misinformation.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Kenyon
1-23-1831Kenyon is happy to hear that West has left Ohio. He writes Chase to ask if a reverend named J. Cradock might be able to settle with his family in Gambier.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
1-24-1831Chase asks his brother to read the memorandum he encloses. He has received joint power of attorney with Mr. Wilks to the Moore estate, and Addison Smith wishes to come to Gambier.