William Chandler was born 6 June 1698 in St Peters Parish, New Kent County, VA. He died 20 May 1779 in Halifax County, VA. William married 1. Elizabeth Blanchard 1707-1738 and 2. Judith (maiden name unknown.)
William was the son of Robert L Chandler 1656 York County, VA -1720 New Kent County, VA and Elizabeth Palmer who was born 1664 in King William County, VA.
William Chandler's land holdings include:
- 60 acres on both sides of Beaver Pond Branch which they sold to James Lax 19 May 1763. [Halifax County Deed Book 6 pg285]
- 44 acres on Beaver Pond Branch, part of 404 acres granted to Chandler which he sold to William Compton on 14 Feb 1761. [Halifax County Deed Book 6 pg283]
- 5.25 acres on the branches of Brown's Mill Creek, part of 400 acres purchased by Chandler of Williams, sold to John Brewis [Bruce] on 19 May 1763. [Halifax County Deed Book 6 pg 285]
Will of William Chandler written 9 March 1779 [Halifax County Will Book 1 pgs 260,265,266]
I William Chandler of Halifax County being in perfect sense and memory thanks be to God for same do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following
FIRST I desire that my just debts be duly paid, my funeral charges being also paid.
ITEM I give and bequeath to my son Robert Chandler one cow to him and his Heirs forever.
ITEM I give desire and bequeath to my three oldest daughters namely Susanna Wife of William Lax Bettey wife of John Legrand, Hannah wife of John Smallman two Negros Fellis and Tom and half my Cattle and half my sheep and Ten pounds apiece to be equally divided among the three last mentioned to them and their Heirs forever.
ITEM I give my son William Chandler one Negro girl namely Hanna for his part of my Estate to him and his Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I give devise and bequeath to my son Timothy one Negro boy namely Ben to him and his Heirs forever.
ITEM I give and devise and bequeath to my daughter Keziah one Negro girl namely Fanne with all her increase and one Feather Bed to her and her Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I also give devise and bequeath to my daughter Mary Ann one Negro boy named Tom and one feather Bed to her and her Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I give devise and bequeath to my son John Chandler all my land on the East side of the Beaver Pond Creek to him and his Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I give devise and bequeath to my son Frederick Chandler one hundred and fifty acres of Land whereon I now live to him his Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I give devise and bequeath to my son Shadrack Chandler all the remainder part of my land to him his Heirs and assigns forever.
ITEM I give desire and bequeath to my loving wife Judith one Negro wench Lucey and all the rest of my Estate which has not before mentioned to her during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or Marriage to be equally divided between her three sons John, Shadrack and Frederick. I appoint my son Timothy and John Legrand Executors of this my .... will hereby revoking and making void all former Wills Gifts or bequeaths by me in any manner heretofore made
IN Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Ninth day of March Anno. Dom.' One thousand seven hundred and seventy nine. Signed sealed Published and William W Chandler (his mark) declared by the Testator by be his last Will and Testament. Witnesses: John Wood, Richard Stanley
In a Court of Halifax County the 20th day of May 1780 This last Will and Testament of William Chandler deceased was exhibited in Court by Timothy Chandler on of the executors herein named and the same was prov'd by the oath of several subscribing witnesses hereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the Motion of the said Executors who made oath to the same allowing to Law Certificate was granted.
Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate of William Chandler on 26 May 1779 included:
- 1 Negro fellow Tom 20#
- 1 Negro woman Lucey 100#
- 1 Negro girl Fanny 80#
- 1 Negro boy Ben 50#
- 1 Negro boy Tom 40#
The children of William Chandler and Elizabeth Blanchard were also enslavers.
William Chandler, son of William Chandler and Elizabeth Blanchard, was born Aug 1734 in Saint James Parish, Goochland County, VA and died 23 May 1789 in Halifax County, VA. In 1760 he married Judith "Judy" Roberts who was born 12 July 1744 in Chesterfield County, VA and died 2 Feb 1809 in Halifax County, VA.
In 1756 William was living on Diffcult Creek in Halifax County, VA. Prior to 1780 he was referred to as William Chandler Jr to distinguish him from his father William who died in 1779 and whose second wife was also named Judith. By the time of his death he was known as William Chandler Sr.
He was buried in the Chandler Family Burial Ground at Difficult Creek in Halifax County, VA.
Will of William Chandler - Halifax County Will Book ll 1783-1792 pg 380
...to my son William a young bay mare 3 years old
... to my son Josiah a young bay horse 2 years old
... to my son Hardaway a young black mare 1 year old
... the residue of my estate both real and personal to my beloved wife Judith Chandler during her natural life and after her decease I give to my son Daniel that part of my land which is bounded as follows beginning at the Mill Creek at the mouth of the Timber Tree Branch, being the first branch that comes into the creek above John Bruce's spring branch thence up the Timber Tree Branch to the head thereof and thence a straight line to sd Bruce's corner pointers from thence along the sd Bruce's line to Robert Chandler's corner, from thence along sd Robert's line to the Mill Creek thence down the meanders of sd Mill Creek to the beginning to him and his heirs forever.
... to my son Obadiah that part of my land beginning at the mouth of the branch running through the upper part of my plantation then up said branch to Fulkerson's line thence along sd line to Robert chandler's line to the Mill Creek which sd Mill Creek is to be the line between my son Daniel and said Obadiah to him and do do
... to my son Abel the remaining part of my tract not before disposed of together with my houses appurtences etc to him and do. do.
... to my son Josiah a negro girl Phillis 6 years old to him and do. do.
... The rest of my estate not before given to be equally divided among my children as follows, to wit, Claiborne, William, Josiah, Hardiway, Allen, John Elizabeth, Martha, Nancy, Caronhappock, Juggy, Susannah, and Phanny, to be sold after the decease of my beloved wife Judith Chandler in such manner as may be thought most advantageious by my executors reserving however that there shall be deducted from my son Claiborne's portion the sum of 22 pds which is for the emolument of my last mentioned children.
Executors: wife Judith Chandler and sons William and Josiah Chandler. Witnesses: James Bruce, John (B) Bruce, Rachel (x) Bruce, Susanna (x) Bruce. Securities: Thomas Dobson, John Yates
Will dated 19 May 1789
William Chandler's Inventory and Appraisement returned 28 Dec 1789 included: Negro Man, Negro Man, 3 Negro Women, Negro Girl. Total of the estate: 397.12.8 pds Appraisers: John Wood, William Williams, John (x) Borum
* * *
Susannah Chandler, daughter of William Chandler and Elizabeth Blanchard, was born 1727 in Halifax County, VA and died 1810 in Randolph County, NC. She married William Lax (Lacks) who was born 1750 in Lunenburg County, VA and died 1826 in Randolph County, NC. He was the son of William S Lax 1727-1750.
1810 Census Randolph Co NC William Lax and Susannah Chandler
2 Slaves
Joel Lax, son of Susannah Chandler and William S Lax, was born 1757 on Terrible Creek, Halifax Co VA and died Nov 1828 Meadville, Halifax Co VA He married Mary "Polly" Puckett in 1783.
1820 Census Meadsville, Halifax Co, VA Joel Lax
2 Slaves:
1 M 26-44
1 F under 14
Benjamin Lax, son of Susannah Chandler and William Lax, was born1776 Halifax Co VA and died 1828 Halifax Co VA. He md Elizabeth [unknown surname].
1820 Census Meadsvillle, Halifax VA Benjamin Lax
1 Slave:
F 14-25
1830 Census Halifax Co VA Benjamin Lax
4 Slaves
1 M 36-54
2 F under 10
1 F 24-35
1840 Census North District Halifax Co VA Benjamin Lax
1 Slave:
1 M 36-54
1850 Slave Schedule Northern district Halifax Co VA Benjamin Lax
14 Slaves:
70 M B
75 M B
71 M B
5 M B
7 M B
50 F B
50 F B
18 F B
15 F B
12 F B
10 F B
8 F B
5 F B
28 F B
1860 Census Scottsburg, Halifax Co VA Benjamin Lax
Living with son John (wife Elizabeth) and family. And next to brother John and his wife Susannah. RE Value $500; Personal Estate Value $367
* * *
Frederick Chandler, son of William Chandler and Elizabeth Blanchard, was born about 1750 in Lunenburg County, Va and died after July 1832. He married Isabel Seamster in 1796
1820 Census Meadville, Halifax Co, VA Frederick Chandler
5 Slaves:
2 M under 14
2 F under 14
1 F 26-44
1830 Census Halifax Co VA Frederick Chandler
16 Slaves:
5 M under 10
2 F under 10
7 F 10-23
2 F 24-35
1830 Census Madison Co AL - Frederick Chandler - listed next to his son Luke
16 Slaves
5 M under 10
2 F under 10
7 F 10-23
2 F 24-35
Luke Randolph Chandler, son of Frederick Chandler and Isabel Seamster was born 25 Mar 1806 Halifax Co VA and died 24 May 1880 Scottsboro, Jackson Co, AL. He married Sarah Ann "Sallie" McFarlane who was born 4 Sep 1814 Warren County, TN and die d14 Aug 1881 Scottsboro, AL. She was the daughter of Joseph McFarland and Lucy Price
1830 Census Halifax Co VA living with a brother Luke Chandler
3 Slaves:
1 M 10-23
2 F 10-23
1840 Census Madison Co, AL - 8 Free White Persons Luke Chandler
8 Free Colored Persons:
8 M under 10
19 Slaves:
5 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
3 F under 10
3 F 10-23
In 1860 Luke is living in Township 3 Range 5 East, Jackson County, AL Post Office: Bellefonte
Hartwell Chandler, son of Frederick Chandler and Isabel Seamster,
1830 Census Halifax Co, VA Hartwell Chandler
2 Free White Persons: 1 M 15-19, 1 M 20-29
12 Slaves:
1 M under 10
2 M 10-23
2 M 24-35
2 F under 10
5 F 10-23
1840 Census North District, Halifax Co, VA Hartwell Chandler
2 Free White Persons : 1 M 10-14, 1 M 30=39
21 Slaves:
4 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 36-54
9 F under 10
4 F 10-23
1850 Slave Schedule Northern Dist Halifax Co VA Hartwell Chandler
22 Slaves:
50 M B
35 M B
35 M B
18 M B
18 M B
16 M B
11 M B
7 M B
4 M B
30 F B
18 F B
19 F B
14 F B
14 F B
12 F B
11 F B
11 F B
9 F B
7 F B
5 F B
4 F B
1 F B
William Chandler, son of Frederick Chandler and Isabel Seamster,
1830 Census Madison Co AL William Chandler
12 Slaves
1 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
3 F under 10
2 F 10-23
2 F 36-54
Also listed in Madison County, Alabama:
Hardaway Chandler, son of William Chandler and Judith Roberts, was born 1771 in VA. He married Elizabeth Fulkerson.
1830 Census Madision Co AL
6 Slaves
1 M 10-23
1 F 24-35
4 F 24-35
Elizabeth Chandler - may the widow of a Chandler brother
1830 Census Madison Co AL
2 Slaves
1 F under 10
1 F 10-23
* * *
Robert Chandler was born abt 1729 in St Peters Parish, New
Kent County, VA. He died 1792 in Halifax County, VA.
He was the son of William Chandler and Elizabeth Blanchard. Robert married Mary Hamblen (1734-1792.)
Will of Robert Chandler written 4 Dec 1784 [Halifax County VA Will Book 3 pgs 7,8,9,31,32,22,24,25] September Court 1792
In
the name of God Amen I Robert Chandler being in perfect health and
sound in memory thanks to almighty God for the same Yet considering the
frailty incident to human nature do make this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following,
Viz, Supremesi lend unto my
beloved wife five Negroes and their increase during her natural life
namely Sam, Luck, Marshy, Parrott and Nell
I give and bequeath to my daughter Ruth Compton One Negroe named Joe now in her possession also 30 pounds in cash.
I
also give and bequeath to my son John the land whereon he now lives
laying on the lower side of Irbys Road to the great road thence acres as
the ridge path goes to the head of a huckelberry pond, thense down the
slack to smallusaus (??) live also One negro named Dice now in his
possession also sixty eight pounds in cash which I paid him in part of
his land which he sold me.
I also give and bequeath to my
daughter Mary Glass two negroes namely Beck and her increase now in her
posession Moses when my daughter Christina arrives at sixteen years of
age
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Yates
one Negro named Oliver now in her posession also as much money as will
purchase a likely Negro wench at my death which if it happens before my
daughter Christiana arrives at the age of sixteen my will is she is not
to have it till that time also two cows and calves & two sow and
Pigs
I also give and bequeath to my daughter Martha
Prewett One Negro named Suck and her increase now in her posession also
Susan when my daughter Christina arrives at the age of sixteen
I
also give and bequeath to my son Gelderoy One negro named Peter also
One negro wench named Milley when my daughter Christina arrives at
sixteen years of age also half of my tract of land purchased of William
Nuuer (?) containing four hundred acres should he due without heirs of
his own body the land to revert to my son William & the Negroes to
be equally divided amongst my five youngest children also two cows and
calves two sows and Piggs and One Feather bead and furniture
I
also give and bequeath unto my son William the reversion on that tract
of land I purchased of William Nuuer also One negro named Devia also
One also One named Sall after my daughter Christiana arrives at the age
of sixteen and her increase from this time to be equally divided amongst
my five youngest children should he die without heirs of this own body
the land to revert to Gelderoy and the Negroes to be equally divided
amongst my four youngest children
I also give and bequeath
to my daughter Diana two Negroes Frank and Jude and should she die
without Heirs of her own body to be equally divided amongst my four
youngest children
I also give and bequeath to my son
Wilese all my land lying on the South Fork of Difficult Creek also all
the land laying on the North side of said creek below the chuch path
crossing at Perkins ford to the line at Wrights Old field also two
negroes named Harry and Glaucester should he die with out heirs of his
own body the land to revert to my son Hartwell and the Negroes to be
equally divided amongst my four youngest children
I also
give and bequeath to my son Hartwell the reversion of the Tract of land
whereon I now live only my beloved wife to have her thereon until her
lifetime I also give and bequeath to my said son two Negroes named
Saucey & Charles should he die without heirs of his own body the
land to revert to my son Wilese and the negroes to be equally divided
amongst my four youngest children
I also give and bequeath
to my daughter Christiana two negroes named Patience and Suck the
daughter of Sall should she die without heirs of her won body to be
equally divided amongst my four youngest children Should any of their
Negroes I give to my five youngest children die before she arrives to
the age of sixteen it is my will that the looser shall have one or as
many as is lost out of the remaining Negroes namely Old Kit, Rachel, Jeany,
Dick, Phill and Young Kit which is to be equally divided amongst my five
youngest children at that time the five Negroes I lend to
my beloved wife it is my will that they and their increase equally
divided at her death amongst my five youngest children I lend to my
beloved wife the third of all my household and kitchen furniture also
the third of all my horses cattle sheep and Hogs the remainder of both
to be equally divided amongst my five youngest children after Wifes
death her part to be equally divided amongst the five said children
lastly
I nominate constitute and Appoint my beloved wife
to be Executrix and my trusty friend William Williams & my Brother
William Chandler Executors of this my last Will & Testament hereby
revoking all others In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Affixed my seal this fourth day of December 1784 Signed: Robert Chandler
SS. Witnesses: James Stevens, Benjamin (x) Perkins, Benjamin Walrand.
Total value of Robert Chandler's estate was 2120.7.3 pounds sterling. At the sale of his estate Meredith Compton purchased "5 negroes." Meredith Compton was the husband of Ruth Chandler, Robert's daughter.
Willis Chandler, son of Robert Chandler and Mary Hamblen, was born 1775 and died 10 Sep 1847 in Halifax County, VA. He married Rebecca Hill (born 1780 and died 1834 Halifax County, VA.)
1820 Census Meadsville, Halifax Co VA Willis Chandler
73 Slaves:
19 M under 10
9 M 14-25
4 M 26-44
3 M 45+
23 F under 14
8 F 14-25
5 F 26-44
2 F 45+
1830 Census Halifax Co VA Willis Chandler
74 Slaves:
12 M under 10
9 M 10-23
9 M 24=35
1 M 36-54
4 M 55-59
11 F under 10
11 F 10-23
12 F 24-35
3 F 36-54
F 55-99
1840 Census North District Halifax Co VA Willis Chandler
61 Slaves:
10 M under 10
4 M 10-23
6 M 24-35
3 M 36-54
1 M 55-99
11 F under 10
6 F 10-23
9 F 24-35
10 F 35-54
1 F 55-99
Willis Chandler's estate inventory - Enslaved by Name- Huge estate
Slaves-Male:
Negro man Ned $600
Negro man Sandy $600
Negro man John $550
Negro man Sam $500
Negro man Joe $400
Negro man Billy $375
Negro man Allen $375
Negro boy Singleton $450
Negro boy Nelson $400
Negrow boy Keen $300
Negro boy Gorgon $300
Negro boy Bob $200
Nebrog boy Osborne $200
Negro boy Green $175
Negro boy Allen $150
Negro boy Henry $150
Negro boy Marmon $137.50
Negro boy Amos $137.50
Slaves-Female:Negro woman Margaret $500
Negro woman Maria $300
Negro woman Petunia $350
Negro woman Betsey $150
Negro woman Eliza and child Silvia $550
Negro woman Susan Ann and boy Howey $550
Negro woman Patsy and child Sophia $100
Negro girl Adaline $400
Negro girl Nelly Ann $300
Negro girl Nancy Coleman $225
Negro girl Malicia $150
Negro girl Sylvania $150
Negro girl Lucy $125
Note: Seven of Willis's children moved to the Clay County Mississippi area between 1835 - 1847: Rowena, Stanfield, Malachi, Guilduroy, Rebecca Jane, Erastus and Robin, including their mother Rebecca. All bought large plantations and were enslavers.
1845 Court Case in Lowndes County, MS [source: Digital Library on American Slavery]
Willis's daughter Rowena Chandler Williams was given slaves by her father when her husband, John Williams, died in 1827. They remained in her possession until 1843 when Jesse Wintersteen took them. He claimed they were part of John William's estate. Rowena took him to court and filed 15 Apr 1845.
Named slaves:
Elijah M was 9 in abt 1827
Harry M was 11 in abt 1827
Henry M
Jim M
Mary Female
Molly F
Sally F
Warren M was 18 in abt 1827
Rowena Chandler Williams 2nd husband Philip Edington
1830 Census Botetourt Co VA
1 Slave: 1 F 10-23
1840 Census Lowndes Co MS Philip Edington and wife Rowena Chandler
13 Slaves:
3 M under 10
3 M 10-23
1 M 24-35
2 F under 10
3 F 10-23
1 F 24-35
1860 Census Oktibbeha, MS - Rowena Chandler Williams Edington died 1 Jan 1855.
Post Office: Starkville RE value $5,000; Personal Estate: $19,300
Philip Edington age 50 [Rowena's widowed husband]
Frances Edington age 40 b GA
Joseph Edington age 11 b MS *race unmarked
Rebecca Ivy age 33 Personal Estate: $16,000 b VA [Daughter of Rowena and first husband]
Robt Christopher age 19 Overseer b AL
Hanly Wyrick age 21 Overseer b SC
1870 Census - lived Police Beat 2, Oktibbeha, MS Philip Edington
PO: Starkville Dwelling 802 Family 766
Living with Robert Edington age 21 son of Philip
Eli Byrd age 19, white farm labor b MS
Poker McCutchen white age 32 Farm labor b AL
Edgar Christopher age white 22 Farm labor b VA
*Living next door in Dwelling 803 Family 767 Angeline Chandler
Angeline Chandler age 40 F Black Cook bVA
Brodford Chandler age 20 Black Farm labor b MS
Reed Chandler age 18 Black Farm labor b MS
Coalman Chandler age 17 Black Farm labor b MS
