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
Eliza Ralston
8-17-1835Mrs. Ralston would like to see Chase but is too sick to travel. She asks whether one of Mr. Beek's sons could bring Chase to see her.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
8-17-1835Chase reports that prospects for his work in Illinois are looking very good. He has been received well in Philadelphia where he has preached at several churches.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Samuel Chase
8-18-1835Samuel updates his uncle on the news in Springfield, including church matters, and asks him to consider coming. He also asks Chase to send more letters and provide more information regarding his future plans.
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Letter to Dr. & Mrs. Denison
Philander Chase
8-19-1835Chase has received the Denisons' last letter and agrees to stop and see their daughter and his niece in Hartford.
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Letter to George Montgomery West
Bishop William White
8-22-1835Notice admonishing Bp. West for preaching without using the Book of Common Prayer and forbidding him from further officiating in Pennsylvania.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
8-24-1835Chase informs his nephew that the Diocese of Illinois has been officially adopted by the General Convention.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Sophia Chase
8-25-1835Sophia updates Chase on affairs in Gilead. Philander Jr. has been sick but is doing better, she continues to care for other families. The crops are doing well despite some cold weather and rain.
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Episcopal Recorder Clipping
Episcopal Recorder
8-29-1835Episcopal Recorder article detailing a donation made to Chase as well as a letter to the editor from a member of the Church in Michigan in support of Chase.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Sophia Chase
8-29-1835Sophia includes extracts from a number of Chase's previous letters concerning the church in New Orleans. She also updates him on events at home.
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Appeal for Illinois
General Convention
9-2-1835The General Convention promises to support Chase and help expand the Diocese's presence in Illinois.
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Letter to Philander Chase
James C. Richmond
9-11-1835Richmond discusses the correspondence he has been conducting for Chase, and describes some rich friends who may give Chase money.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Sophia Chase
9-23-1835Sophia abridges a letter from Thomas Bates and provides context regarding G.M. West. She tells Chase she expected he would want to return to England and won't hold him back from doing so.
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Letter to Philander Chase
John Worthington
10-10-1835Worthington tells Chase of the hopes of establishing a college in Illinois and asks him to come to Rushville to serve as they are currently lacking a clergyman.
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Letter to Lord Kenyon
Philander Chase
10-29-1835Chase updates Lord Kenyon on his activities in England and assures him that he will come to Gredington to visit as soon as possible.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Reverend Tyndale
11-1835Rev. Tyndale gives Philander Chase instructions on how to reach him at Holston Hall by the Blenheim coach and the Royal William.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary Caroline Ward
11-5-1835Mary Ward asks for information about the people who have supported Chase's cause. She is interested in his current mission in Illinois and is interested in how he thinks it compares to his Ohio school. She hopes to see him in London before he leaves England.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Pratt
11-5-1835Pratt sends a proof of an appeal and asks Chase for corrections or additions before it is printed.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Dr. Dealtey
11-5-1835Dr. Dealtey is confined to his home due to illness but hopes to meet Chase in Clapham once he is recovered.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Lord Bexley
11-5-1835Bexley supports Chase's Illinois seminary but expresses his doubts in its potential success. He mentions that the publication of Chase's letter to Lord Kenyon in the Record Newspaper secured him a private subscription before he arrived in England.
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Letter to Lady Isabella King
William Ward
11-5-1835Ward discusses Chase's break with Kenyon College and includes a number of letters regarding this and other topics.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Sir Henry Verney
11-6-1835Sir Henry Verney is anxious to meet Chase at Claydon in Winslow and wait upon him in any way he needs.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mrs. D. Fyoie
11-7-1835Mrs. Fyoie is happy to hear Chase is back in England and hopes to meet him soon. She supports his Illinois cause but is doubtful that it will be as successful as his Ohio school.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mrs. Anne Tyndale
11-7-1835Mrs. Tyndale expresses her support for Chase and informs him that she is delaying publication his memoirs in the Record Newspaper until she can see him. She has been working hard trying to secure subscriptions for him.
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Letter to Lady Rosse
Mrs. D. Fyoie
11-7-1835Mrs. Fyoie writes on behalf of Philander Chase, asking Lady Rosse for her support of his Illinois cause.
