Chew, William White, 1803-1851

William White Chew (1803-1851) led a more public life than most of his brothers, serving as Vice-Consul of Colombia in Philadelphia during the early 1830s, and later as secretary to the American Legation in St. Petersburg, Russia when George Mifflin Dallas held the post of chargé d'affaires. Upon Dallas' return to the United States, Chew was appointed as chargé d'affaires. After his departure from Russia, William spent a brief time working on Dallas'political campaign. The two men had developed a close relationship during their service in Russia, and remained close throughout their lives. William White Chew never married, but he maintained an active social life until the last few years of his life, when he was in ill health. Throughout his life, William was a prolific writer, documenting many of his thoughts, beliefs, desires and disappointments. He co-authored the Vocabulary of Tuscarora.