Philander Chase was an influential Episcopal bishop and educator who played a significant role in the development of the American frontier. Born in New Hampshire in 1775, he served various congregations across New York and Louisiana before moving west. He was a key figure in establishing the Episcopal Church in Ohio, where he was elected as its first bishop in 1819. Beyond his religious duties, Chase was a dedicated pioneer and educator, notably founding Kenyon College to support theological and academic growth in the region.