Vivian post 1

Today my thoughts are on my grandmother Vivian Chandler Stanton's family. I really didn't have a lot of information on her  or even where her family was from. I still have quite the mystery with the Chandler's. Vivian's dad was Ernest Matthew Chandler he was born in Ansted  on Feb 20, 1894. He went to work in the mines at the age of 8 years old.


 His parents were James M. Chandler and Leah Thompson. From James M. Chandler it gets interesting. I found James and Leah's marriage certificate online and it list his place of birth as Giles county, VA. Really?! I'll elaborate on this later. 


Leah Thompson was from Pocahontas County, WV and both she and James were living in Summers County, WV. On the marriage certificate it list Leah's parents as J.D. Thompson and ? for mother. Ok?! It is never simple is it. Occasionally it is though. Thankfully that is what keeps me digging.  I have been unable to take Leah any further than her father. I have some possibilities as to her mother but it is confusing at best. 


Now James M. Chandler truly is a mystery. I have contacted the Chandler society to help me with my research. I sent them all the facts I had and they are digging with what they have on the Chandler families. On the marriage record it list Green and Elisabeth Chandler as James M. Chandler's parents. There are no census records to prove this.... Hmmm. The Chandler society is continuing to dig but recently contacted me and said they do not believe that James M is the son of Green and Elisabeth and where did I get my info. So I reminded them about the marriage record. Then I mentioned it to Mom.


Now it gets really interesting. She remembers hearing them talk about Granddaddy Chandler having family in VA. Also remembers that it was said that they may have been  running from the law. Hmmm is that why we can't connect James to Green and Elisabeth? Who was James M. did he give his real name? Or did he give his parents correct names. Hopefully time will tell and I will be able to go further with the Chandler's. 


Interestingly, Grandmother Chandler Vivian's mother has some Chandler in her background from Giles County, VA as well..... Wonder if I will ever be able to connect those dots.:)


I have a bunch on Grandmother Chandler ( Gladys Martin Chandler). So I will include that in a second post titled Vivian 2.


I have no photos of Leah and James. So I will leave you with the pictures of their graves Mom took:

They have a son buried with them who died at the age of 10 he stepped on a rusty nail.