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Thomas Chase papers
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Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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Thomas Chase (1827-1892) was the son of Anthony and Lydia (Earle) Chase of Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University in 1848, where he later taught for one year. He began teaching at Haverford College in 1855, where he taught philosophy and both classical and English literature. He served on the American Committee for the revision of the Bible from 1881 to 1884. In 1875, he was named president of Haverford College, a position from which he resigned in 1886 due to failing health. He married Alice Underhill Cromwell (ca. 1837-1882), of New York, in 1860. They had four sons and one daughter.
Correspondence, portraits, photographs, clippings, articles, addresses, lecture notes, diary, and miscellaneous papers related to Thomas Chase, (1827-1892), his family, and his years at Haverford as professor and president of the College.
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Collection Inventory
Inquires about a university to be established at Baltimore and University of London considering establishing degrees in divinity
(3 items: 2 letters to "Dear Friend," 1883 and 1885; 1 letter to TC, 1889) topics include endowment to the college from Jacob P. Jones, standards for admission to Haverford, lecture of George Kennan at Friends Institute at Association Hall on the convicts suffering in Siberian prisons (1889)
(5 letters to "Dear Friend," 1883, 1886) topics include introductory letters to Canon Westcott and the Bishop of Gloucester for TC while he is in London (1883), gives him some names of people to contact on his trip (1886), letter of introduction for TC to the Abbate Cozza, Sub librarian, Vatican Library, Rome (1886)
(7 items)includes letter of Alice [Chase] to Carrie, from Lawnside, 4/19/1865 re: service held at Haverford for Lincoln, her and her husband's reactions, on hearing the news, their trip into town (train searched), stores closed [gift of M.C. Scattergood, 1939], draft of a thank you to Haverford classes of 186123 for gift of silver pitcher, envelope from Caroline Chase giving letter of her mother at the time of Lincoln's death (with note of [Prof.] R[ichard] M. Sutton to Thomas Drake re: gift of same to college, Quakeriana Notes, no. 11, sixth mo., 1940 with article on Chase papers and transcript of letter of Alice Chase to Carrie re: Lincoln's death [the original letter is in the other box and needs to be moved here], 2 photographs of Alice Chase (one with daughter "Carlie") [gifts of Eleanor W. Taber, 1951], typed extract of above letter re: Lincoln
typed transcripts of letters of Caroline Chase to her cousin, Harriet Kennedy Chase [dau. of Pliny Earle Chase], while traveling in England and Scotland, 1886 [51 p., gift of Caroline Chase, 1940]
(3 items: letter (1937), 2 typed transcripts of 1883 letter) includes: "Letter of Caroline Chase (daughter of Thomas Chase). Typed copy furnished by Caroline Chase, presumably from the original in her hands. Presented to Haverford College, 1937." 2 typed transcripts (done by different typists) letter from Caroline Chase, 1937 to "Mr. Drake" topics: tells of visit with her father to Robert Browning
(2 letters to "Dear Bretheren," n.d. and "Dear brother," 1843)
(4 items: 3 letters to TC, 1857, 1887 and letter to Miss H.K. Chase, 1887 Scotland) topics include Greek syntax Clyde has recently published, getting an American publisher [for his Modern Latin Grammar], sends Chase copy of his book, sends copy of book to Miss H.K. Chase
(3 items: letter to TC, Newport, R.I., 1886; letter to Prof. W. Boyd Dawkins, of Woodhurst, Fallowfield, Manchester, 1883; letter to Prof. Dewar, 1883) topics include letter of introduction to Dawkins from Cooke for TC. letter of introduction to Dewar from Cooke for TC, Richard's admission without examination
(4 letters, 1863, Sing Sing; 1873, Minn.; 1880, N.Y.; n.d) topics include parts of 1863 letter in Latin, Davenport leaving for a two year tour to Europe and Egypt, etc., leaving Minnesota [doesn't like the winters], tells of his position at Granville Military Academy, N.Y.
(6 letters and 1 postcard [all in German], 1876-1883, Deuerlich'she, Buchhandlung, Gottingen)
(4 items: 1 letter, 3 letters [2 letters are from Frank Bolles, Secretary and labeled "Encl. with C.W. Eliot"], Harvard University, 1882-1888) topics include that he would be happy to recommend Haverford, admission of Alfred C. Garrett to Harvard
(5 letters, 1886, Haverford; 1887, Berkshire, Mass.; 1889-1890, Cambridge) topics include discusses poets he is reading, goings on at Haverford, reflects on his years at Haverford, his course of studies in literature for his degree [at Harvard?]
(2 letters, 1876, 1878, Baltimore) topics include TC accepting a position at Baltimore?, thank you letter for visit to Haverford
(letters, 1885, The Swain Tree School, New Bedford, Mass.) topics include expresses gratitude that his book is being taught at Haverford, thanks Chase and Prof. Child as responsible for his success, also: photograph of FBG "by T. Barclay [Whi]tson, Class of 1917"
(3 letters, 1883-1887, Bank, St. Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne) topics include hopes to see TC on his trip(s) to England (1883,1886)
(2 letters, 1884, 1885, William Penn Charter School, Phila.) topics include sending boys to Haverford with various degrees of endorsement by Jones that they are prepared for Haverford [with/without signed, statement on their certificates], asks TC to be a judge at a public exhibition of WPCS students
(14 items: 12 letters, 1873; 1883-1888, Richmond Hill, Long Island; 1890) topics include Bishop Alfred Lee wishes to see Kimber and TC (1873), discusses various publications and their support for D.B. Updegraff, accepts offer to give lecture at Haverford, comments on bequest of Jacob Jones to Haverford, refers to his previous thoughts on the introduction of college degrees in the Society of Friends [once rejected appointment as Manager of Haverford on that ground], expresses appreciation but rejects honor of examination for a degree from Haverford, sympathy at death of Pliny E. Chase, will accept an honorary degree from Haverford (1887), his writing [pamphlet], references in letters to Rendel Harris, corrections to a book [religious in nature?] of Kimber's [title?]
(2 letters, 1869, Baltimore) refers to "Father U" [Updegraff?]
(3 letters, 1886, 1887, Boston) asks Chase to give a series of lectures at Lowell Institute on "Natural Theology", TC declines due to poor health
(6 letters, 1879-1885, Swarthmore College) wishes to know what course Haverford is pursuing to keep it in the hands of Friends endowment of professorships, wishes to know of candidate for a teaching position in Latin at Swarthmore, asks TC for help in setting right a story that Swarthmore students [athletes] are profane and not allowed to play with Haverford students (1885)
(2 letters, 1881, 1888, [law offices], Phila.) portrait of TC appearing in Harpers' Weekly with "D.D." after his name, work on Bible revision committee, Letter to Chase from Parrish concerning Haverford men who fought in the Civil War. (approximately 64K).
(6 letters, 1881-1889, Phila.), asks TC to give an address at the inauguration of Bryn Mawr College (1885), discusses his concern over Quaker Christianity, also: 2 photographs of JR [1 from the estate of Rufus M. Jones, 1951]
(3 letters, 1881, 1884, Phila.), will attend lectures at Haverford (1881), sending book catalogues to TC
(7 letters, 1885-1886, Boston, and Lenox, Mass.; n.d.), accepts election as "orator" from Alumni Association, his writings, wishes TC to see paper and give opinion
(9 items: letters, printed letter signed, printed list of Bible Revision Committee, 18781889) Bible revision committee work ["American Bible Revision Committee," New York on letterhead]
1864-1872, Phila.: 15 letters, having a copy made of a portrait ready for commencement, his health, his painting, preparing for a trip abroad, his spiritual state of mind
(12 letters, also pencil sketch and program for Clifton Springs Sanitarium), details his spiritual state of mind, money collected for Bible revision work of TC, visit to Clifton Springs Sanitarium, thoughts on appearance of new building at Haverford
(14 letters) details account of voyage to Europe [with Rufus King?], travel through Europe, holding meetings, etc., news of Friends, building fund at Haverford
(19 letters) includes pamphlet promoting Haverford, he is to marry Sarah E. Marshall, Haverford College business, birth of his son, sympathy on death of TC's wife
(3 letters, 1872-1886, Cambridge), suggests to TC that Frank Gummere be thought of for a professorship at Haverford
(6 letters, 1866-1886, Phila.) publication of work by TC [on Aeneid of Virgil], Eldredge and Brother publishers [problems with] publication of a Latin grammar, etc. as part of a series by above publisher
(5 letters, 1869, Madison Avenue and Baltimore) refers to "Father Hyacynth" ["C.L. Hyacinthe"] and conveying to him their sympathy, also: 4 portraits [photograph from the estate of Rufus M. Jones, 1951]
(2 letters, 1878, Phila. and n.d.) invites TC to tea with Mr. Brady of Newcastle on Tyne and Thomas Stewardson
(16 items: 14 letters and 2 photographs; 13 letters are addressed to TC, one letter is addressed to "Miss Chase") Letters are from: A. William F. Allen, Madison, 10/4/1882 B. E. Benjamin Andrews, [of Brown University], 7/28/1892 C. Isaac Brown, Kendal, 6/1/1887 D. Howard Comfort, Phila., 3/20/1887 E. John H. Dillingham, Phila., 5/16/1881 F. Phillips Brooks, Boston, 5/24/1881 G. Thomas William Backhouse, West Hendon House, Sunderland, 8/5/1886 H. Hiram Corson, Cornell University, 5/19/1883 I. James W. Cromwell, New York, 6/22/1927 [addressed to "Carlie," TC's daughter, JWC writes memories of her father's teaching] J. John H. Dillingham, West Chester, 5/28/1881 K. George Dixon, Jr., n.p., 8/2/1886 L. Ehrenheim, Stockholm, 11/20/1892 [addressed to Miss Chase] M. William Everett, Quincy, Mass., 8/3/1879 and 11/27/1881
(13 letters, 1852-1892; addressed to TC) letters are from: A. George P. Fisher, New [Haven], 3/7/1886 B. John E. Forsythe, Phila., 12/7/1882 C. William E. Foster, Bowen Street, 2/25/1892 D. Fortescue Fox, Strathpeffer Spa., N.B., 8/25/1886 E. A. Lloyd Fox, Falmouth, 8/11/1883 F. Joseph Storrs Fry, Bristol, 8/14/1889 G. John Hays Gardiner, Cambridge, 12/9/1884 H. [Y ][Gade?], Christiana, 10/7/1889 I. Philip C. Garrett, Santa Barbara, Cal., 1/26/1890 J. Mrs. S.W.D. Gerard, New York City, 10/16/1885 K. C. Girard, Smithsonian Institution, Wash., 12/6/1852 L. W.W. Goodwin, Interlaken, 7/8/1883 and Cambridge, 4/1/1889
(13 items, 12 letters, 1858-1892 and 1 photograph [Jonathan Backhouse Hodgkin, gift of Mrs. H.G. Taylor]; letters addressed to TC) letters are from: A. T. Allen Hilles, Wilmington, 12/5/1882 B. Harper and Brothers [per G.B.], New York, 8/29/1881 C. Benjamin Hayllar[?], Phila., 11/15/1882 D. A. Harkness, Providence, 9/24/1864 E. Margaret W. Haines, Montgomery, Pa., 8/28/1884 F. Isaac H. Hall, Baltimore, 1/31/1886 G. Mary R. Haines, n.p., 10/29/1883 H. William S. Hilles, Wilmington, 7/31/1858 I. J.B. Hodgkin, Burlington, 1/5/1887 J. William Hodgson, Phila., 1/22/1877 K. Thomas Hughes, Effington House, Chester, 10/27/1889 L. Rufus M. Jones, Vassalboro, Me., 3/16/1892
(13 letters, 1881-1890; addressed to TC) letters are from: A. Charles R. Larmar [?], Cambridge, 2/14/1890 B. John Lazarus, Broadway, 3/11/1885 C. James J. Levick, Phila., 10/1/1883 and 2/27/1889 D. H.G. Lippincott, Poland Spring, Me., 10/16/1883 E. Murray and McLaughlin, Phila., 11/3/1884 F. F.A. March, Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., 1/15/1889 G. J. Ewing Mears, Phila., 1/6/1881 and 3/10/1881 H. R. [Masijina], Boston, 10/19/1883 I. D.B. Morris, Oriel College, 10/30/no year J. Hannah Morris, n.p., 5/19/no year K. Isaac Myer, Phila., 7/8/1881 L. Barker Newhall, [Weare], N.H., 8/14/1886
(14 letters, 1858-1892; addressed to TC) letters are from: A. William E. Page, Peabody, Mass., 7/1/1881 B. Robert Treat Paine, Boston, [Mar.?]/14/1892 C. J.A. Partridge, London, 9/13/1882 D. A.P. Peabody, Portsmith, N.H., 2/9/1858 E. George Pearson, Harrisburg, 4/27/1885 F. W.L. Pearson, Berlin, 1/12/1882 and 8/3/1883 G. M. Riebenack, Phila., 3/30/1882 H. [] Pepper, [Phila.], 2/29/no year I. S.T. Pickard, Portland, Me., 9/23/1892 J. C.W. Pritchard, Chicago, 10/7/1885 K. W. George Read, Cambridge, 10/26/1889 L. A.W. Richards, Pomeroy, Chester County, Pa., 2/5/1885
(20 letters, 1860-1887; 19 addressed to TC and 1 addressed to "Mr. Campbell") letters are from: A. Edward C. Sampson, "10 West FortyEighth Street," 5/27/1885 and n.d. B. Sever and Francis, Cambridge, 12/29/1862 C. Edward Sharpless, Medford, N.J., 5/7/1883 D. Isaac Sharpless, Haverford College, 9/20/1886 and 4/14/1887 E. Charles Short, N.Y., 1/27/1883 F. Caroline E. Stephen, Mount Pleasant, West Malvern, 2/11/1888 G. J. Henry Thayer, Cambridge, Mass., 11/1/1886 and 11/20/1888 H. C. Thurber, Brooklyn, 2/22/1872 I. J.H. Tuke, [Dagmony?], n.d. J. William Unwin, 4 Park Crescent, 7/1/1886 K. Welch, Bigalow and Co. [per M.J. Bigalow], Cambridge, 9/22/1860 and 10/20/1860 L. W.C. Westlake, Southton, 6/22/1883 M. James Whitall, Phila., 3/17/1884 N. Charles Wood, [addressed to Mr. Campbell], Germantown, 5/24/1886 O. Theodore D. Woolsey, New Haven, 4/28/1886 P. Isaac Francis Wood, New York, 2/19/1876 Q. F.C. Yarnall, Overbrook, 1/2/1884
(8 items: letters, some incomplete)
Letter and 2 copies of typed transcript "Letter of Thomas Chase, June 15, 1854. Transcribed from the original letter by Anna B. Hewitt, January 1938."
(ca. 24 items: letters, portraits and photographs [gift of estate of Rufus M. Jones, 1951; Elliot P. Morris, 1955]) includes: A. letter to his father, Anthony Chase, from Cambridge, 9/11/1847 B. letter to Richard Wood and Philip C. Garrett, trustees, etc., Haverford College, 10/12/1858 [gift of Anna Wharton Wood] C. letter to "dear friend" from Haverford, 1/7/1859 [gift of Anna Wharton Wood, 1939] D. letter to his father, from West Haverford, 12/5/1862 re: children and news of college E. 4 letters to [Henry Hartshorne] from Southhampton, July 14, 1857 and Haverford, 2/14/1868; London, 1886; Haverford, 2/4/1886 F. letter to Richard Wood from Haverford, 2/25/1863 G. letter to [Charles Yarnell] from Haverford, 3/19/1863 re: need for additional buildings at Haverford [gift of Anna Wharton Wood, 1939] H. letter to "dear friend" from Haverford, [1869] I. letter to Walter Wood from Haverford, 6/2/1877 [gift of Anna Wharton Wood, 1939] J. letter to "Carlie" [his daughter] from Haverford, 5/6/1880 K. letter to Rev. D. [Phillips] Brooks from Haverford, 4/20/1881 L. letter to the executive committee of the board of managers, from Haverford, 4/19/1884 re: proposes Isaac Sharpless as executive head of the college M. letter to "Monsieur de Ministre" from Hotel de Rohan, 1/23/1887 N. letter to "dear sir" from Florence, 2/15/1887 O. letter to the managers of Haverford, from Rome, 4/14/1887 P. letter to "my darling daughter" from East Jaffrey, 9/16/1891 Q. letter to "gentlemen" n.d. re: book "Hellas"
(9 items: 8 letters and typed excerpt from Harpers, 1947: gift of Lyra Trueblood Walkins, wife of George C. Walkins, 1957) conferring of doctorates, Bible revision opposition, prospective hiring of Walter F. Price as Greek prof. for Penn College, remarks on Bryn Mawr College, Dr. Taylor
(7 items) "President Thomas Chase" [by Thomas Kimber] "For the Haverfordian (April Number)", "Thomas Chase" by Augustine Jones [typescript, gift of Caroline Chase, 1937], newspaper clippings: Haverford College Semicentennial celebration 10th mo. 1883; obituary of TC from The Public Ledger, Oct. 7, 1892; obituary of TC, autobiographical sketch of TC
includes school reports, invitations, his card, passenger list, catalog of his library when he was young, memorandums, certificates, 3 issues of The Evergreen and one issue of The Worcester Times, both manuscript newspapers written by Chase when he was 11 years old
includes newspaper, poem, programs, songs, etc.
"Original notes, the Dresden Gallery", "Festival of Artists, Literary and miscellaneous matters" [Rome, 1854]
The Origin of the Latin Language
(3 manuscript items) includes: A. Lecture I, Intel.[lectual] Phil. Feb. 1858 B. Lecture III C. Lecture IV, Intel.[lectual] Philosophy, Haverford, IX/7/1858
Puritans, Art in Christian Society, The four dead historians of 1859, The lake poets, Bible revisions, Abraham Lincoln, American Poets (1868), John Milton
(13 manuscript items) includes: A. Lectures on English Literature [copied from Thomas Chase's manuscript by Pliny E. Chase] B. English literature, lecture I C. English literature, lecture first, lecture second, 195960 D. English literature, lecture II, Marlowe, Shakespeare and Jonson E. English prose, lecture III, 1861 F. Fourth lecture, Chaucer's age: the barren age following him, etc. 1868 G. English literature, lecture 5, [Cowper concluded and Wordsworth] H. Seventh lecture, Byron, Campbell, Moore, etc. 1860 [not complete] I. English literature, lecture VIII, Living poets of England, 1860 J. English prose, Mandeville, Wicliff, Sir Thomas More, etc. 1861 K. Miscellaneous notes, 1865 L. Lecture on Pope [not complete] M. English poets of the nineteenth century
Diary is inscribed "Thomas Chase, Haverford College, 1883"
Addresses to graduating classes at Haverford College for 1867, 1869, 1875, 1877, 1881, 1885. (6 manuscript items)
"written by Thomas Chase and spoken at the annual examination of the Worcester Latin Grammar School, March 30th 1844"