Milton Candler

Milton Candler was an American lawyer, politician, and Confederate officer who served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Candler's congressional career spanned two terms from 1875 to 1879. He was born into a prominent Georgia family with deep political roots, which influenced his career in law and politics. Candler's life and work were shaped by the historical context of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era, during which he played a significant role in state and national politics.

Early life and career

Milton Anthony Candler was born on January 11, 1837, in Campbellton, Georgia, which was then the seat of Campbell County. He was the first child of Samuel Charles Candler and Martha Bernetta Beall. His father was a notable figure in Georgia politics, having served in both houses of the Georgia legislature. The Candler family had a long history of public service, with Milton's great-grandfather, Colonel William Candler, having led troops during the American Revolutionary War and later serving as a state legislator. Additionally, his uncle, Ezekiel S. Candler, held the position of Georgia's comptroller general from 1849 to 1854.

Milton Candler grew up in a large family, having a total of twelve siblings. His upbringing was influenced by the family's political legacy and their economic status, which included ownership of enslaved people. The family moved to Villa Rica, Georgia, shortly after his birth, where his father owned a plantation. Milton received a private education and graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1854. He married Elizabeth Murphey in 1857, the daughter of a U.S. Congressman, and together they had twelve children.

After completing his education, Candler studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1856. He began his legal career in Cassville, Georgia, before relocating to Decatur, where he would spend most of his life. His career was interrupted by the onset of the American Civil War, during which he became actively involved in military and political affairs.

House tenure

Candler's political career began in earnest during the Civil War when he was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives, serving from 1861 to 1863. He later accepted a commission as a captain in the 10th Regiment Georgia Cavalry, serving in a local defense capacity for the Confederate States Army. After the war, he continued his political involvement, becoming a delegate to Georgia's state constitutional convention in 1865 and later participating in the Democratic National Conventions in 1872, 1876, and 1896.

In 1868, Candler was part of a controversial episode in Georgia politics, where he played a role in the illegal expulsion of 33 newly elected African American legislators from the Georgia Legislature. This action was met with national scrutiny, and with the assistance of President Ulysses Grant and civil rights leader Frederick Douglass, these legislators were reinstated in 1870.

Candler's congressional career began when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1874, representing Georgia's 5th congressional district. He defeated Republican candidate James C. Freeman in the election. Candler served his first term from 1875 and was re-elected in 1876. His tenure in Congress was marked by the challenges of the Reconstruction era, as the nation grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War and the integration of formerly enslaved individuals into society.

Candler chose not to seek re-election in 1878, concluding his time in the House on March 3, 1879. He was succeeded by Nathaniel Job Hammond, a fellow ex-Confederate and former state attorney general. After leaving Congress, Candler returned to his law practice in Decatur and remained engaged in political matters, albeit in a less direct capacity.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Milton Candler's legislative focus reflected the interests and concerns of his constituents in Georgia, particularly in the context of the post-Civil War South. While specific details of the bills he sponsored or supported are not documented, it is understood that his work was influenced by the political climate of the time, which included issues related to Reconstruction, civil rights, and the economic recovery of the Southern states.

Candler's involvement in the Democratic Party and his participation in national conventions indicate his alignment with the party's priorities during the Reconstruction era. His political actions, including the expulsion of African American legislators, suggest a commitment to maintaining the political power of white Democrats in Georgia during a time of significant social change.

After his congressional career, Candler continued to influence Georgia politics through his family. His son, Charles Murphey Candler, followed in his footsteps, serving in both houses of the Georgia legislature and on the state Railroad Commission. Milton's brother, John S. Candler, became a Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, and other family members also held significant political positions.

Milton Candler passed away on August 8, 1909, in Decatur, Georgia. He was survived by his wife and children, and his legacy continued through their involvement in public service. He was laid to rest in Decatur Cemetery, where a street bears his name, commemorating his contributions to Georgia's political history.