Charles H. Chandler, state architect of Kansas, was born in Windsor county, Vermont, Nov. 11, 1864. He is a descendant of New England colonists who were actively identified with the early struggles and development of this country. One of these ancestors received a large grant of land from George III, of England, and it was on this ancestral estate that Charles H. Chandler was born, a portion of the original tract remaining in possession of the Chandler family until 1876. Mr. Chandler is a son of Roswell H. Chandler and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Leland, who was a member of an old New England family and a niece of a prominent clock maker of the early days. Three of her brothers, descendants of patriots of the Revolution, responded to their country's call in 1861, fought in defense of the Union, and gave their lives on the battle-fields of the great Civil war. In 1876 Roswell Chandler sold the old home in Vermont and removed to Coos county, New Hampshire, where he resided until 1879, when he brought his family to Chase county, Kansas, where he now makes his home, and where his wife died, Dec. 25, 1907. Charles H. Chandler received his education in the country schools of these different states and was fifteen years of age when he accompanied his family to Kansas. In 1882, at the age of eighteen, he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade and, after two years of service, began to work at this occupation. For a number of years he was employed as a carpenter and then entered the business world, independently, as a contractor. He continued in this occupation until 1900, when he was appointed superintendent of construction of state buildings by the State Board of Charities, a position which he held for a year and a half, giving able and satisfactory service. About this time Mr. Chandler began the study of architecture, a profession for which he was fitted by experience and natural ability. After three years' study of architectural drawing in the International Correspondence School of Scranton, Pa., he completed the course, in 1903, and in November of that year opened an office in Topeka, where he soon won recognition as one of the most capable and successful architects of the city. He received the appointment to his present position of state architect from Gov. W. R. Stubbs, in May, 1909. Mr. Chandler is a prominent member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar and past master of his lodge, and is at present grand senior deacon of the grand lodge of Kansas. He is also assistant grand lecturer of the grand chapter, Royal Arch Masons.

On Nov. 11, 1886, he was married to Miss Mary Frances Leonard, born in Chase county, Kansas, Aug. 1, 1865, daughter of Lot and Julietta (Lane) Leonard. They have two children—Birdie L., born Oct. 23, 1889, and George L., born July 31, 1896. Mr. Chandler and his family are members of the Christian Science church of Topeka.