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 Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
3-5-1845Philander Chase writes to his granddaughter Mary Olivia before he and Dudley set off for a missionary tour in Ottawa, Illinois, noting the cold weather elsewhere which Jubilee has apparently avoided.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
5-22-1845Philander Chase philosophizes about the goal of humans on Earth before death. He believes that good Christians should not expect a joyful life while on Earth but rather should work hard to get into Heaven when they die, where they will be able to rest.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Allport
5-27-1845Josiah Allport has sent Philander Chase a copy of his translation of a work by Dr Davenant, having previously sent him translations of Dr Davenant's other works. He then asks if Chase needs more copies of the Expositio ad Colossenses, which he had left at Kenyon College.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Thomas Holme
7-9-1845Reverend Thomas Holme asks on behalf of the Bishop that Philander Chase send 100 pounds to Mrs. George. He regrets that Tractarianism has been so popular in the United States as well as in England, but belives that it will ultimately die out.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Allport
11-12-1845Josiah Allport thanks Philander Chase for sending him a copy of the Reminiscences and tells him about his past and present involvement in the Church of England.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Thomas Holme
11-24-1845Rev. Thomas Holme re-sends his request for the bills toward James George's tuition at Jubilee College.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Anonymous
12-20-1845The anonymous author aids Philander Chase in the Jubilee College funds. He is a "married man of 50 years" who is concerned about the spread of Catholicism.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Mary C. Caswell
1-1-1846Mary Caswell tells her uncle Philander Chase about her life in England. She now has four children, the youngest having been born in December. She asks Chase if an eighth number of Reminiscences has been published yet, as she and her family enjoyed reading them all, particularly the seventh.
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Letter to the Teachers of the Hands at Hanes Hall
Philander Chase
1-12-1846Philander Chase writes to the teachers about the role the Gospel must play in their teaching. He has entrusted Dudley Chase with enforcing this.
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Letter to Olivea Chase
Philander Chase
1-15-1846Philander Chase comforts his sister-in-law Olivea in light of the fatal illness of her husband, Philander's brother, Dudley Chase. He informs her that many of his family in Illinois are in poor health as well, including his wife Sophia and nephew Dudley.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
1-20-1846Philander Chase writes to his granddaughter Mary Olivia to let her know that Dudley's health is improving. He addresses the political situation with England and is grateful that it is looking peaceful.
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Letter to James Ramsey
Barclay Bevan Litton and Co.
1-20-1846Receipt of $182.48 for James Ramsey on behalf of Philander Chase
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Letter to William Mitchell
Philander Chase
2-5-1846Philander Chase informs William Mitchell that his son will not be able to attend Jubilee College on a scholarship because the College is already struggling to provide scholarships to the sons of the Illinois Missionaries.
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Letter to Olivea Chase
Philander Chase
2-16-1846Philander thanks Olivea, who is currently spending time with Lucia Russell, for her kindness to his brother Dudley during his illness. He updates Olivea on his family and the farm.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
2-20-1846Philander reflects upon his own looming death as it appears his brother Dudley may soon die. He describes the growth of the farm at Jubilee and laments his own debilitating injuries. His son Dudley is recovering from a bad illness.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Allport
2-27-1846Josiah Allport writes to Philander Chase explaining his ongoing efforts to raise funds for the Church in America.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
3-18-1846Philander Chase has been informed of the death and funeral of his brother Dudley Chase. He contemplates his brother's death and his own mortality as well as that of his remaining siblings, but he is consoled by the promise of Heaven.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Josiah Allport
4-2-1846Josiah Allport continues his efforts to muster funds for Jubilee College. He asks for a copy of the second volume of Reminiscences for Mr. Horne, who is working on a new edition of his earlier work. Allport himself continues his translation of Expositio ad Colossenses and continues to fear the influence of Cardinal Newman on the Protestant Church.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
4-3-1846Philander Chase asks his niece for forgiveness regarding his lackluster letters to her compared to those sent to her mother Rachel. He updates her on the goings-on of Jubilee, including the spring farming.
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Letter to the Author of the Churchman's Manual
Philander Chase
4-9-1846Letter to the Editor of the Churchman's Manual regarding the role of the Laity in the Church
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Letter to Philander Chase
Horatio Southgate
4-17-1846"Reply to statement relative to persecution of evangelical Armenians in Turkey"
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
5-2-1846Philander Chase comforts his sister Rachel in her grief for their brother Dudley Chase.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
5-30-1846Philander Chase, on behalf of many, "particularly the Ladies," requests that Samuel Chase cease to fire a gun within half a mile of the Jubilee Chapel.
