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 Rufus King
Philander Chase
11-28-1820Asking King for support in petitioning Congress for land for Worthington College. The College is in the center of the state and able to serve people from many parts of Ohio. Scan courtesy of The New York Historical Society, New York City
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Letter to Mary Steinhaurer
Intrepid Morse
3-13-1821Intrepid Morse writes to Mary Steinhaurer about his love for her. He recounts moments of his trip to Zanesville.
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Letter to Mary Steinhaurer
Intrepid Morse
4-14-1821Intrepid Morse apologizes to Mary Steinhaurer for the ridiculousness of his last letter. He updates her on his journey in Steubenville.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Mary Steinhauer
5-4-1821Mary Steinhauer confesses to Intrepid Morse all of her defects.
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Letter to Rev. D. Pearson
Hannah More
5-9-1821Hannah More expresses her gratitude for Rev. Pearson's letter and his kindness towards her. She provides updates on her busy life, including the publication of a book.
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Fourth of July Sermon
Philander Chase Jr
7-3-1821Chase's sermon is intended for the fourth of July. He praises the founding fathers' virtues and cautions against Americans falling to the same vices of European countries. Vices like greed and seeking of pleasure that would result in a end to liberty. He point out that America's young age and geographical separation from Europe benefit it in this endeavor to remain virtuous and true to the principles of the Bible which the nation was founded on.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Philander Chase
8-23-1821Chase and Morse are both sick with the Bilious Fever in Marietta, but are given great comfort there.
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Letter to Dudley Chase
Philander Chase
12-21-1821Chase has to work as a farmer on his land because he cannot afford another hired man. His wife is contented serving his family.
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Philander Chase
1822The college has not been doing well and some students have staged a rebellion of sorts against the Tutors. Salmon is doing unexpectedly well.
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Letter of introduction for Mrs. Chloe Sabin
Philander Chase
5-9-1822Record of Baptism for Chloe Sabin
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Philander Chase
7-4-1822Cincinnati College has appointed Chase as president, but he is unsure if he should accept it.
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Philander Chase
7-8-1822Death of Intrepid Morse's wife; updates on Chase's health; the benefits of taking the presidency of Cincinnati College
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Letter to Bishop Hobart
Philander Chase
7-8-1822Entreats Hobart for a missionary to relive his "arduous duties." May accept a new position as the president of a college in Cincinnati. Intrepid Morse's wife recently died.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
George Chase
8-10-1822George wishes Philander Chase Jr. and his new wife, Rebecca, well. He advises Mr. Morse to read certain scriptures to help cope with his loss. He says that their wives might not be friends because they are too poor to travel.
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Philander Chase
11-18-1822Chase recounts the troubles and dangers he faced while traveling to Cincinnati: the roads were terrible, they were refused to stay at the first tavern they arrived at, and he lost much of his strength pulling the horses.
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Letter to Philander Jr. and Rebecca Chase
Philander Chase
11-26-1822Blessing Philander Jr's marriage to Rebecca
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Letter to Dr. Whetmore
Philander Chase
11-28-1822Summary of Chase's journey to Cincinnati; updates on his and his wife's health
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Letter to Philander Chase Jr
Sophia Chase
1-21-1823Sophia has copied an excerpt from Joseph Mede's sermon for Philander Jr. Chase has been spending his days in labor and is in want of money.
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Letter to the General Convention of the P.E. Church of U. S. A.
Philander Chase
4-11-1823Successes of the Diocese of Ohio and many new churches there; necessity of more qualified missionaries to preserve these successes; the evil of people not even baptized given a seat on the council and a vote on ecclesiastical orders.
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Excerpt from Bp. Griswold's address to the Convention of Eastern Diocese
Bishop Chester Griswold
5-24-1823Excerpt from Bp. Griswold's address convincing House of Bishops of the need for Episcopal missionaries in the West.
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Letter to Dr Wetmore
Philander Chase
7-2-1823Chase plans to embark to England, staying in New York first. Asks Wetmore to look over the proceedings of his property, farm, and the lease of his tenant.
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Letter to Intrepid Morse
Philander Chase
7-23-1823Notice of his voyage to England and leave from Cincinnati College. Rough itinerary of travels through Ohio to New York.
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Letter to Philander Chase, Jr.
George Chase
7-23-1823George assures Philander Jr. that he wrote back as quickly as possible when he heard of his illness. George's wife had a child on July 1st names Elisa Grover and is unwell. George went to Boston to speak with a doctor that had communication regarding Bp. Chase's writing.
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Letter to Bishop Croes
Philander Chase
7-26-1823Chase wants to go to England to "solicit means for the establishment of a school for the education of young men for the Ministry." He fears his Church in the West will fail without properly educated missionaries. Also fears the health of Philander Jr.
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Letter to George Chase
Philander Chase
8-1-1823Philander Jr. was going to take the trip to England but his health does not allow it. The church of the West needs missionaries from England because people from the East cannot be enticed to come help. They need encouragement.