ADDISON CHANDLER, harness-maker, saddler and dealer in horse furnishing goods, New London. Mr. Chandler settled in New London in 1852, and for twenty-five years has served as Postmaster of that village. He was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Oct. 24, 1817, and is the son of Ebenezer and Lucinda (Niles) Chandler. He served a regular apprenticeship to the saddle and harness making trade at Skaneateles, N. Y. He removed to Indiana in 1837, and located at Moore's Hill, where he worked as a journeyman. He started in business at Wilmington, Ind., in the line of his trade, and later removed to Manchester, Ind., where he also carried on a shop. He was married at Moore's Hill, June 17, 1839, to Miss Mary Emeline Hedge, daughter of Samuel Hedge. Mrs. Chandler was born in Steuben County, N. Y. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chandler: Isabel is the wife of C. Whit Smith, and resides in Burlington, Iowa; James married Martha Dc Long, and lives in Lincoln, Neb.; Janett died aged five years; Otho A. died at the age of one year; those named above were born in Manchester, Ind. The remainder of the children were born at New London: Thomas married Nettie Lewis, and lives in Burlington; Frank is at home, and Maggie is the wife of S. E. Symons, of Saginaw, Mich. Mr Chandler removed from Indiana to Ft. Madison Iowa, Nov. 20, 1851, and the following September came to New London. He opened a harness-shop at that place, and carried on the business till 1862, when he was appointed Postmaster of New London under President Lincoln, in August of that year. He had been Acting Postmaster from the April previous, was reappointed, and held office until January, 1887, when he resigned. During his twenty- five years of service as Postmaster he was never absent a single day on account of sickness, and rarely from any other cause. His administration of the office was prompt, efficient and courteous, and most satisfactory to the people. Soon after taking the postmastership Mr. Chandler formed a partnership with his son-in-law, Mr. Smith, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Chandler & Smith. They dissolved partnership soon after the close of the war, and Mr. Chandler conducted the business alone until 1884, when he closed out his stock in anticipation of going out of office. He has just perfected his arrangements to resume business again in the harness-making line. Mr. Chandler has served two terms as Justice of the Peace at New London, and is a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Chandler was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and was a most estimable Christian lady, and a devoted wife and mother. Her death occurred April 30, 1884. Mr. Chandler's father was born in Vermont and his mother in Cayuga County, N. Y., and both families date their origin in America back to Colonial days.
(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p 275