Grave of Silas Chandler
Next week PBS’s History Detectives will air an episode on the famous image of Andrew and Silas Chandler. We anticipate that this episode will help to correct some of the many myths that have revolved around these two individuals. The famous photograph of Andrew and Silas is arguably the most popular image on the Web purporting to demonstrate the existence of thousands of loyal black slaves, who served in the Confederate army. The research and writing that I conducted with Myra Chandler Sampson shows that this was not the case. Silas served his master as he had done for his entire life. Our research will be published in the 50th anniversary edition of Civil War Times magazine, which should be available in December. We hope that both the PBS show, as well as our article, will help to correct some of the misconceptions about Silas and the larger subject of the role of slaves in the Confederate war effort.
In light of both these efforts, Ms. Sampson has asked me to publish a petition demanding that the SCV and UDC discontinue the practice of placing a Confederate flag and Iron Cross in front of Silas’s gravestone.
Petition to Remove the Confederate Flag and Iron Cross Permanently From the Grave of Silas Chandler
We, the descendants of Silas Chandler view placing the Confederate flag and Iron Cross on the grave of Silas Chandler a great insult to Silas and all of his descendants. As of this day July 29, 2008, we are asking the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and Daughters of the Confederacy to CEASE AND DESIST from placing any objects on the grave of Silas Chandler. This grave is private property and to trespass would be in violation of the wishes of the descendants listed on this petition.
LINEAGE OF SILAS CHANDLER
Lucy Chandler Glenn (deceased 03-04-2011 at 107 years old)
Great Grandsons: John L. Glenn Jr., Jimmie L. Chandler, George E. Chandler, Cyril Lang Chandler, George J. Duckett, Phillip Duckett
Great Grandaughters: Sara Chandler Wims, Myra Chandler Sampson, Mozell Duckett
Great Great Grandaughters: Sharon Chandler Harris, Joyce Wims, Angela Wims Hurd, Cheryl Wims, JoAnn Sampson Welch, Lynn M. Gardner Greene, Janice Malone, Dorothy Malone, Velma Malone, Ayana Ducket, Ngina Duckett, Dawn Duckett Anaiscourt, Cheryl Chandler Harris, Nicole Chandler McNairy, Gwen Chandler
Great Great Grandsons: Jervis Chandler, Alexander Glenn, John B. Sampson, Mark A. Sampson, Barry Chandler Williams, Jaime A. Williams, Andrew Foster Williams, Brian A. Wims, Levi Greene, Corey Malone
Great Great Great Grandsons: Raphael Newsome, Travius Chandler, Le3Lee Greene
Great Great Great Granddaughters: Amber Harris, Whitney Chandler, Fuchsia Newsome, Brandye Lee, Sydney Chandler
Great Great Great Great Grandsons: Tyrone Chandler, Van Robert Chandler Sr
Great Great Great Great Granddaughters: Colondra Chandler, LaNise Chandler
Great Great Great Great Great Grandsons: Van Robert Chandler Jr., Dezmon Chandler
Great Great Great Great Great Grandaughters: Lakeisha Chandler, Alexcia Peart, Tylecia Chandler