Cornelius C. Chandler, who passed from this life in January 1917, had been a resident of the valley for eighteen years. He was born at Concord, New Hampshire, July 13, 1837. The Chandlers are an old Yankee family, which dates back to Colonial days; some coming over in the Mayflower. His father was Jeremiah Chandler, and his mother’s maiden name was Mercy Merrill. Jeremiah Chandler was a builder and specialized in building churches, in the East and as far west as Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in the contracting and building business, and at the age of eighteen began building on his own account in Syracuse, New York. He remained in Syracuse only a few years, and then went to Chicago, Illinois, where he settled and made his home for many years. He became prominent as a contractor and builder in Chicago during the years following the Civil War and in the upbuidling of the city after the big fire of 1871. For many years he had approximately two hundred men in his employ the greater part of the time. He was also prominent in the ranks of the Republican Party, in Masonry, and as member of the G. A. R. During the Rebellion he served with the infantry of the One Hundred Eighty-fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers. He was seriously injured while carrying a wounded comrade from the battlefield, which caused him to be discharged from the ranks as permanently disabled for further military duty. He was a top sergeant when disabled.

After having spent several winters in Southern California, he decided to make Tropico his home and moved to that section in 1899. He was greatly interested in the growth and development of the land of his last adoption. When the tile factory was promoted he bought a twenty-acre tract and presented it to the company for a building site. He was a charter member of Glendale Commandry No. 43, Knights Templar, and was an official of that body at the time of his death. At Syracuse, New York, in 1855, Mr. Chandler married Ann Elizabeth Denick of that city. To them were born six children: Alphonzo L.; L.O.; Elizabeth, wife of Edward B. Ellias; Lillian, wife of Charles L. Peckham; Cornelius L; Flora May, wife of Edward H. Weston. All are residents of Glendale except L. O. Chandler, who lives at Gorman, California.