Phineas J. Willey (1827-1907), who played E flat bass in Chandler's Band, posed for a photograph in 1891. Anna C. Willey, daughter of Phineas and a music teacher, presented the photo to William E. Chandler in April 1908. Her father died in February 1907.

Chandler's father was the longtime leader of the band, a position William Chandler also held before forming his own bands. Willey worked as a shoemaker as well as being a musician.