Elizabeth Russell Chandler

Biography

Elizabeth appears with particular clarity in the will of her husband, Squire Hascall of Killingly, in northeastern Connecticut. On May 9, 1774 he named her an executrix alongside Samuel Fay. She was therefore assigned responsibility for settling debts and legacies as well as receiving support from the estate.

The provision for her widowhood included the use of one third of the farm and buildings. Squire also left her a riding horse, a cow and a third of the household furniture, together with the loom and its equipment at her disposal. These clauses distinguish temporary use of real property from goods she could control herself. The loom was among the estate's tools for household production.

Elizabeth and her fellow executor were authorized to sell land if necessary to pay debts and legacies, with advice from designated townsmen. The will also recognized Squire's sons Squire, Jeremiah, Samuel and David. The smaller payments completed portions that some children had already received.

Witnesses testified in July 1774, and the court accepted the will on August 2. Those proceedings placed Elizabeth's rights and duties within the formal settlement of her husband's estate.