Person:Shadrach Chandler (1)

By 1877 Shadrach M. Chandler and his family were residing at Basinger. Chandler was born in 1824 in Mississippi, but later moved to Louisiana, where he remained until about 1859 when he moved to Florida, settling at Fort Meade. The Chandlers decided to settle at Basinger about 1877 and Shadrach soon opened up a general store there. After the great hurricane of 1878 had swept through the valley, the area was underwater, the river having grown several miles wide. The following story was told by Albert DeVane:

Shadrach Chandler had for years been known as one of the greatest ox drivers or bull whackers in Florida. In fact he got so good with the 10-foot handle bull whip that he could "but" a horsefly perched on an oxen’s back and never touch a hair. After a week or more of the flooded condition his groceries began to get low. Looking across the river and prairie he turned and said:

"Son, go get that boat tied to the lot gate, bring it to the front porch. We are going to Fort Ogden and get some groceries." Away they went down the river, edging along the outside until they came to Rainey Slough, up the slough to the switch grass marsh, down the marsh to Myrtle Slough, passing Telegraph Station, on to Shell Creek, down Shell Creek to Peace River, up the river to Judge Ziba King’s general store. After loading his boat with groceries, the return trip began. It took him one week to make the trip.

Obituary: Shadrack Chandler

1824 - 1898

Kissimmee Valley Gazette April 22, 1898 Page 1

Death of S. M. Chandler

In the death of S. M. Chandler of Bassinger, reported by our Fort Drum correspondent, the Kissimmee Valley loses one of its most picturesque figures, earliest settlers and best known citizens. The deceased was an old man and had been suffering for months from a carbuncle which had weakened his vitality.

Originally from New Orleans he came to this section about 30 years ago and used run a team to and fro between Tampa and the neighboring settlements. About 10 years ago he moved from Pine Level into Bassinger where he made his home.

He was appointed a county commissioner on one of the first boards after the formation of the county. For some years he ran a store at Bassinger and was kindly and liberal in his treatment of his customers, who will miss his helping hand sadly.

He was the head of a large family. Among the surviving members are his sons Willis Chandler, William Chandler, Allen Chandler, Charles Chandler, and daughters Mrs. Wm. Underhill, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Peter Raulerson, and Mrs. Paul Gibson, to whom is extended the sympathy of the county.

1. ↑ Obituary of Shadrach Chandler.