Thomas Bradbury Chandler,D. D., an American clergyman, born at W'oodstock, Conn., April 20, 1726, died at Elizabethtown, N J., June 17, 1790. He graduated at Yale college in 1745, in 1747 was appointed catechist and lay reader in St. John's church, Elizabethtown, X. J., and in 1751 went to England for the purpose of receiving episcopal ordination. Upon his return he was made rector of St. John's church, and in 1700 received the degree of 1). D. from the university of Oxford. In the discussions which preceded the war of the revolution, he rendered himself unpopular by advocating the claims of the British government. Partly on this account, and partly to obtain medical advice, he went to England in 1775, where he remained 10 years, occupying himself in study and writing, and receiving a salary of £50 from the society for the propagation of the gospel, and an annuity of £200 from the British government, which after his death conferred a pension upon his widow. On the conclusion of peace in 1783, his congregation requested him to resume his position as their rector. He returned to Elizabethtown in 1785, but in exceedingly ill health.

A cancerous affection had developed itself upon his face, which greatly disfigured him, and in consequence he declined the bishopric of Nova Scotia, which had been offered him while in England. After his return to America he never attempted to perform any public service, but occasionally walked out with his face covered by a handkerchief. The vestry did not think proper, however, to appoint another rector, and in compliance with their request he consented to retain the station during his life. He was a zealous defender of Episcopacy, and in 1767 published "An Appeal to the Public in behalf of the Church of England in America." Soon after the appearance of this work it was attacked simultaneously from various quarters, and among others by Dr. Chauncy of Boston, who published an answer in behalf of the non-Episcopal churches. To this Chandler replied in 1709; Chauncy rejoined, and in 1771 Chandler responded in a third pamphlet.