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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Intrepid Morse Deacon's Liscence
Bishop John Henry Hobart
9-10-1818License for Intrepid Morse as Deacon
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
9-16-1818Chase's plans to go to the East depends on testimonials from all of the state Dioceses. He laments about his money troubles.
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Letter to the standing Committee of the Diocese of New Jersey
B Gardiner
9-17-1818The Diocese of New Jersey has delayed approval of Philander Chase's appointment as Bishop. The Diocese of Ohio attempts to persuade them to change their decision by speaking of Chases's good character and the importance of a Bishop in Ohio and the west.
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Letter to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of South Carolina
Members of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Ohio
9-19-1818Letter responding to the Diocese of South Carolina's objections and doubts regarding the Diocese of Ohio election proceedings for Bishop Elect Rev. Philander Chase.
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Letter to Chester Griswold and B. Gardner
William Harris
10-2-1818Harris writes to say that the Standing Committee of the Diocese of New Jersey has approved Philander Chase's Bishop-hood.
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Letter to Bishops White, Croes, Hobart, and Kemp
B Gardiner and Chester Griswold
10-3-1818Asking advice of Bishops on the letter sent to New Jersey Committee considering the veneration of Philander Chase.
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Letter to Bishop Griswold
Philander Chase
10-23-1818Details Chase's journey to the north for consecration; wishes to be back West with his family by Christmas
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Letter to Reverend Boyd
Philander Chase
11-18-1818Thanks Boyd for the kindness shown to him; updates on the testimonials that will be said about him for his consecration.
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Letter to Reverend Boyd
Philander Chase
12-2-1818Chase explains why he thinks Davis dislikes him: he blamed Davis for stealing a load of hay in the winter of 1807.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
Philander Chase
2-10-1819Chase tells Rachel that he will leave for the West that week and hopes she and her family are well.
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Permit for Intrepid Morse to Solemnize marriages in Ohio
Abram J. McDawad
3-13-1819Permit for Intrepid Morse to Solemnize Marriage in Ohio
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
6-3-1819Certificate admitting Intrepid Morse into Holy Order of Priests
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Letter to Sophia Chase
Philander Chase
10-30-1819Updates on his travels in Cincinnati; may be starting a church in Dayton and in Hamilton.
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Letter to George and Philander Chase Jr.
Philander Chase
11-19-1819Chase is upset after hearing about Philander Jr.'s long illness. The college in Worthington is about to start up, and the boys await the arrival of Philander Jr., who will be a professor. Sophia Chase proves to be an affectionate mother to young Dudley.
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Letter to Rufus King
Philander Chase
1-25-1820Asks King to apply on his behalf to Congress for aid in the grant of lands to the college. It would be "like a death blow" to him to hear of the petition's failure.
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Letter to Rachel Denison
George Chase
8-2-1820George informs Rachel Denison of the success of his father's institution, now lead by Philander Chase. He urges her to send her son Joseph and informs her of the price to attend.
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Letter to Reverend Boyd
Philander Chase
8-26-1820Chase has not yet received the journals from the General Convention in June. He also hopes that Boyd could send a missionary to the county to teach illiterate people there. The Worthington Parish has seen great success.
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Letter to George Chase
Dudley Chase
9-7-1820George has been traveling and Dudley is glad to hear that he is safe.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
George Chase
9-16-1820George is upset that his aunt/uncle have not responded yet and threatens to not write again. He describes meeting all the eminent lawyers in Ohio and Henry Clay. He critiques Clay for the price he charges and ultimately says that his high expectations were not met. George wishes to go back to New England and does not want to become a pedagogue. Philander Chase Jr. is feeling better.
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr.
Abram S. McDowell
10-26-1820License issued to Philander, Jr. allowing him to solemnize marriage
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Letter to Philander Chase
Philander Chase Jr.
11-20-1820Mr. Smith's son will be coming to Worthington. A new stove to be added to the dining room.
