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
Baruch Chase
3-2-1841Baruch sends 19 subscribers to Philander's latest project, along with his good wishes.
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Letter to Mr. Ingraham
Philander Chase
3-20-1841Chase anticipates travelling to Cairo, Illinois where he will give services and oversee the organization of a parish.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
3-27-1841Philander informs Dudley that their brother Baruch died on March 4th.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Jackson Kemper
5-11-1841Bishop Jackson Kemper expresses his support for Chase's Reminiscences and the founding of Christian schools. He then defends the Reverend David Griffith, who has been transferred, describing him as "sincere" and "pure-hearted" despite his "queer" and "eccentric" tendencies.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
5-19-1841Philander is about to set off on a tour of the southern parts of the Diocese and requests information on his finances from Samuel.
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Letter to Mr. Ingraham
Philander Chase
6-16-1841Chase asks Ingraham to come to Jubilee College as a Candidate for Holy Orders.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Dr. Ramsey
7-23-1841Dr. Ramsey has just recovered from a long illness, and his wife has lost several family members, but he says his struggles are nothing compared to those of the Chase family.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Bishop Chester Griswold
7-27-1841Bishop Griswold certifies Erastus D. Wolf's request to transfer from the Eastern Diocese to the Diocese of Illinois, and that he is in good standing with the Church.
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Letter to the Postmaster of Belvidere, Illinois
Philander Chase
8-23-1841Philander Chase writes to the Postmaster of Belvidere, Illinois, requesting to perform religious services there the following week, as well as baptisms and Confirmation.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Charlotte Johnson
10-1841Charlotte Johnson requests a lock of Philander Chase Jr.'s hair from his daughter as she recounts her memories of him and her admiration for him.
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Letter to Joseph Denison
Philander Chase
10-5-1841Philander Chase sends a copy of "Bp. Chase's Last Appeal" to Joseph Denison with a note that he has received a letter from home concerning the Chelsea Draft.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
10-22-1841Philander updates his sister Rachel on his tour, the Convention, and his writings, and wishes they could have met in New York. He tells her he is having a portrait done of himself, and that his daughter Mary will be the Lady Abbess of the female department at Jubilee College.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mrs. Ramsey
11-23-1841Mrs. Ramsey warns Philander Chase of her brother-in-law John Ramsey, who went bankrupt having "committed the worst act of dishonesty" and is consequently trying to emigrate to Illinois and move to Robins Nest. This act of dishonesty apparently "should have been criminally prosecuted" and shocked Ramsey's wife to the point of death, leaving behind his children. Mrs. Ramsey calls him "unprincipled to the deepest degree" and writes that he is skilled in pretending to act penitent and assuming another character.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Timothy Wiggin
12-1-1841Timothy Wiggin writes to Philander Chase about sending missionaries to Jerusalem. He also informs Chase that he has not received any copies of "Reminiscences" which he was meant to distribute in England.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
1842Philander Chase updates his granddaughter Laura on the progress at Jubilee College and how he is struggling to find a way to make a salary.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
5-22-1842Philander Chase describes his religious duties at Jubilee College and provides an update on the construction of the "Cottage" and grounds of the College.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
5-28-1842Philander Chase describes his daily routine at Jubilee College.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
6-18-1842Philander Chase wishes his sister Rachel good health as she battles an illness. He updates her on his children and the progress of Jubilee College.
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Letter to Dr. Joseph Denison
Philander Chase
6-24-1842Philander Chase asks for an update on the health of his sister Rachel, as he has not heard from her in some time.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
7-15-1842Philander Chase recalls childhood memories of singing hymns with his sister. He also assures her of the promise of Heaven.
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Letter to the Editors of the Church of England Magazine
Philander Chase
8-29-1842Philander Chase praises the Church of England and the Englishmen he has met.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
9-8-1842Philander Chase reminds his granddaughter Laura to remember the hardships he and Laura's father went through to ensure she would have a comfortable life.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
9-9-1842Philander Chase gives his granddaughter Mary Olivia news about the construction of Jubilee College and Dudley's contributions to it.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
9-11-1842Philander Chase tells his granddaughter Mary Olivia about his and Dudley's trip to the northern part of his Diocese, and adds that his health upon returning home has not been good.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
11-7-1842Philander updates Laura on Henry's marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's move into the Cottage, his health, his touring, and the hiring of new employees.