Important feedback came my way from Steve Chandler, who informs me that an all important secondary dictionary meaning of chaundeler is "a retailer of supplies and groceries: as, a ship chandler sells provisions for ships." Steve explains that, "It does seem that, more often than not, the word is especially used with regardst to ships and ship supplies." This information is crucial in light of the other information I have shared with you, putting Town Clerk's father right in the world of trade, ships and all this implies. How could I have been so dumb to miss it? Thanks Steve, Bruce E. Carpenter