WI BIO - Dane Co - CHANDLER, Willard H.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol I , pp 188-189

Hon. Willard H. CHANDLER, one of the most prominent men in this part of W, 
now a resident of Burke Township, Dane County, WI, where he has repeatedly 
served his fellow citizens in offices of responsibility and trust, was born 
in Brattleboro [Windham County], VT, 01 Nov 1830. His father, Raymond 
CHANDLER, was born in New England, and learned the trade of carpenter, and 
followed that trade and also that of cabinet maker in Brattleboro, where he 
resided until 1862. At that date he came to WI, and died at the home of our 
subject. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Harriet WELLMAN; 
she was born in Hinsdale [Cheshire County], NH, and spent her last days at 
the home of Mr. [Willard H.] CHANDLER.

Willard H. CHANDLER was reared and educated in Brattleboro, VT, where he 
attended the first graded school started in VT. In his 15th year he entered 
the office of the Vermont Phoenix, and learned the art perservative, where he 
served an apprenticeship of four years. He filled every position in that 
office, from printer's devil to editor, and remained there, with the 
exception of a short interval when he was in ill health, until 1854, when he 
came to WI. He stopped near Delavan [Walworth County, WI] for the space of 
one year, then came to Dane County, and purchased a tract of wild land in the 
town of Windsor, and at once began the task of improving the farm. At this 
place he resided until 1868, when he sold out and removed to Sun Prairie 
[Dane County], WI, and resided there until 1880, when he removed to the farm 
where he now resides, in Burke Township.

Willard H. CHANDLER married, 14 Feb 1854, Miss Lucinda J. WELLMAN. She was 
born in Hinsdale [Cheshire County], NH, and was the daughter of Harry and 
Betsey WELLMAN. Willard H. and Lucinda J. (WELLMAN) CHANDLER have one 
daughter, Frances A., who is the wife of George E. THOMPSON.

Willard H. CHANDLER has filled with honor many offices of trust; has served 
as Supervisor and Town Superintendent of Schools, and he served five years as 
County Superintendent of Schools. For 22 years he was a member of the Board 
of Regents of the normal school. In 1860 he was elected a member of the 
Assembly, re-elected in 1861, elected to the Senate in 1862-1864, re-elected 
to the Senate 1865-1866, and was President pro tem of that body for the last 
two years mentioned; and to the Assembly again in 1870. As a member of the 
House he voted for two U. S. Senators, HOWE and DOOLITTLE. For nine years, 
1882-1891, he held the office of Assistant State Superintendent, and in 1892 
was the candidate of his party for State Superintendent, but was defeated 
with the general ticket. He is a man of real force of character, and has the 
confidence of the entire people. [p 189] Both he and his wife are 
consistent members of the Congregational Church, highly esteemed in the 
community.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly