Thomas Chandler, Jr.

Thomas Chandler Jr. (September 23, 1740 (O.S.) – 1798) was a Vermont colonial leader who was a founder of Chester, Vermont and served as Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives. In addition, he was Vermont's first Secretary of State.

Biography The son of Elizabeth (Elliot) Chandler and Thomas Chandler, another of Chester's original proprietors, the younger Chandler was born in Woodstock, Connecticut on September 23, 1740 (Old Style).

The younger Chandler was chosen Chester's Town Clerk at a 1763 meeting of the founders, which took place in Worcester, Massachusetts. He continued in this office until 1765, and served as Town Clerk again from 1777 to 1779.

Chandler served in the militia, and attained the rank of major.

In 1778 Chandler was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, serving until 1781. In March, 1778 he was elected Clerk of the House and was also named Secretary of State, the first individual to hold this position.

Chandler was elected Speaker of the House in October, 1778 and served until 1780. He also served as a member of the Governor's Council from 1779 to 1780. In 1778 and 1779 he served as a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court.

In 1787 Chandler returned to the Vermont House of Representatives and served one term.

Chandler died in Chester in 1798.