Joseph Newton Chandler was born in Hart County, Georgia, September 7, 1828, the son of Henry F. and Fannie (Harbin) Chandler, of English ancestry. He grew up on a farm and engaged in farming and teaching school. On November 22, 1849, he married Miss Mary Burton. Two children were born to this union. He was licensed and ordained to the gospel ministry by a Baptist Church in Banks County, Georgia, in 1855. When the Civil War broke out, he organized a company of men in Banks County. They elected him captain. This became Company A, 24th Georgia Regiment attached to Longstreet's Division of the Virginia Army. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel and was in command of a regiment at Gettysburg and several other battles. During the war he preached frequently to the soldiers. His commission as Lt. Colonel is in the library of Hardin-Simmons University. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Ilivia J. Jones of Georgia. Five children were born to this union. His third marriage was to Miss A.H. Cole of Parker County, Texas. They were the parents of six children.

After the war Elder Chandler moved to Texas, settling near Granbury. A few years later he moved to Somervell County and later to Bluff Dale in Erath County, where he engaged in the lumber business. About 1909 he returned to Granbury, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was elected to the State legislature in 1892 and served one term. During all these years he continued preaching and organizing churches until a few years before his death at the age of 94. He helped to educate several young preachers by keeping some in his home, and paying the expenses of others in school. He was elected Moderator of Paluxy Association in 1881 and several times after that. In all he presided as Moderator over ten annual sessions.

1999 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY