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 George Chase
Dudley Chase
1-25-1817Dudley tells George about how powerful he finds the new painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull. He looked at the painting with Senator Nathanial Macon, who was at the signing, and can attest that it is accurate. Dudley tells George to keep writing to his Aunt even though she has no time to respond. Dudley is excited to see George and his family in his upcoming return home.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
2-4-1817Dudley is writing quick response to George's letter, letting him know that he received it. He looks forward to seeing George in 4 weeks.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
Philander Chase
3-2-1817Chase has left the parish and will be traveling to the western parts of the country. He has left behind his wife and young son but will meet a friend in Columbus, Ohio.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
3-2-1817Dudley expects his visit to see George to be delayed, either by weather or the Senate failing to adjourn.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
3-17-1817Dudley has arrived in Hartford, Philander is away from home. Dudley spoke to George's mother about the "french-new-york plan".
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
4-4-1817Dudley reports that he and Olivia visited the Bethel farm and he is worried about food supplies for them in the coming winter. Dudley talks about Polly Bludget being stranded away from her family in Ohio after traveling there with her husband Jacob Hunter who died. Dudley has paid off the debt of a man named Smith which amounted $1000. Dudley reports on Ithamal Chase's reply declining health and imminent death in Keene New Hampshire.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
4-13-1817Dudley updates George on the family's well being. All are health and happy, except of Asenath Flint, who's baby son is having fits. Dudley and George's mother share a concern for George in the city, and asks him to check if his cousin George is doing alright with this guardian.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
5-11-1817Dudley has been working very hard and has not had much time to write. Dudley noticed that George does not like his "french project" and has agreed to reconsider it. Dudley tells George that his aunt, probably Olivia, is worried about him becoming sad being away from his family for so long.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
6-9-1817Dudley's business in Vermont has been very successful so he has not had time to write. Dudley has agreed to postpone the French Project. He tells George to let him know if he needs any financial help before George visits Dudley In Vermont.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
6-22-1817Dudley is concerned about George's health and promises to send him as much money as he needs.
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Letter to Mr. Vaughn
Hannah More
7-31-1817More thanks Vaughn for his letter and requests his support for projects in Bristol and London
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Letter to George Chase
Mary Chase
11-11-1817Mary updates George on their safe travels in America. She describes baby Dudley as being a healthy and good baby. She is struggling with her health and is saddened by her children's distance from her.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
12-14-1817Dudley has arrived in St Albans, but has had to help on a jury case.
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Letter to Philander Chase
George Chase
1-12-1818His parents are doing well in Ohio and hints at an addition to the family. He talks about Cyrus' trade partners and mercantile business and how Dudley is growing up. He also promises to send Philander Chase Jr. money.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
Philander Chase
1-19-1818The petition for the college is pending. Their house is quite small and the property needs lots of work. The people in the West are not like the people in New England.
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Philander Chase
2-3-1818Philander Chase tells Philander Jr about how well baby Dudley is. He tells Philander Jr to bring back any of his father's books when he returns. The family is making sugar. Mr. Sigourney has named Bp. Chase as the guardian of his children if he dies prematurely and Philander is honored. Philander wants Philander Jr. to find a copy of his 2nd Christmas sermon which he lost.
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Sermon Tenth: Messina aboard the "Guerriere"
Philander Chase
4-4-1818"Sermon Tenth" (Messina, on board "Guerriere") Convincing Sailors to follow the way of God for the reward of the afterlife. His main analogy argues that just as one would do their duty on a ship, so they should do their duty to God.
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Sermon Eleventh: Easter Eve Messina aboard the "Guerriere"
Philander Chase Jr
4-10-1818"Sermon Eleventh" (Messina, on board "Guerriere") An Easter sermon retelling the life and crucifixion of Jesus to urge the congregation to live virtuous lives as Jesus did so as to enter Heaven.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
Philander Chase
4-25-1818Chase's daughter is born. His wife was very sick throughout the pregnancy and delivery, but she was revived. He thanks the goodness of God.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
Philander Chase
5-8-1818Telling Philander Jr. of the death of his mother. His little sister is also not doing well, and she has been baptized. Preparations for Philander Jr.'s visit to Worthington.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
Philander Chase
6-6-1818Wants Philander Jr. to delay his trip West because he plans to travel East. Chase has been elected Bishop during the convention of the Diocese of Ohio.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
7-7-1818Mary Chase's last words; updates on the two young Chase children; Chase is upset that Philander Jr. is going on an ill-advised trip.
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Permission for Intrepid Morse to Move to Ohio
Bishop John Henry Hobart
9-10-1818Permission for Intrepid Morse to Move to Ohio from the Bishop of New York
