Charles Candy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Candy
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| Born | August 7, 1832 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Died | October 28, 1910 (aged 78) Dayton, Ohio |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1850–1861 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Commands held | Candy's Brigade, XII Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | career soldier |
Charles Candy (born August 7, 1832 – died October 28, 1910) was a brave soldier who spent his life in the United States Army. During the American Civil War, he was an officer for the Union Army. He led soldiers from Ohio and often commanded a large group called a brigade. He was very important in defending a place called Culp's Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863.
Contents
Becoming a Soldier: Early Life and Career
Charles Candy was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He joined the United States Army on May 14, 1850. He started as a private, which is the lowest rank for a soldier.
He served in many different military bases and outposts. He worked under a commander named Richard S. Ewell. In March 1853, he was promoted to corporal. He left the army in May 1855.
Candy rejoined the army in January 1856, again as a private. By May 1856, he became a sergeant. Just before the Civil War began, he was a sergeant major. He left the regular army on January 1, 1861. After that, he worked as a clerk for the Department of the Ohio.
Fighting for the Union: Civil War Service
The American Civil War began when Fort Sumter was attacked. Charles Candy became a captain on September 21, 1861. He worked for Charles Pomeroy Stone during the Battle of Ball's Bluff.
Candy left his staff job on December 3, 1861. He then became a colonel of the 66th Ohio Infantry regiment on December 17.
Leading Soldiers in Battle
Colonel Candy led his regiment under Nathaniel P. Banks. His group was part of John Pope's Army of Virginia. They served in John W. Geary's brigade.
When Geary was hurt in the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Candy took over command of the brigade. Banks's group did not fight in the Second Battle of Bull Run. Candy was also not present when his group, now called XII Corps, fought in the Battle of Antietam.
His corps was held back during the Battle of Fredericksburg. However, they did take part in Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside's difficult Mud March.
Key Battles: Chancellorsville and Gettysburg
Candy next fought at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He led the First Brigade of Geary's Second Division. He commanded the same brigade at the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
His troops arrived on the Union's right side late on the first day of the battle (July 1, 1863). Later that day, Geary led Candy's brigade to Little Round Top. Their job was to protect the Union's left side.
The brigade returned to the right side early the next day. They helped defend Culp's Hill. Candy's brigade was mostly held in reserve. However, at one point, Geary got lost while trying to help another part of the army. He accidentally led Candy's brigade in the wrong direction.
Transfer to the Western Front
Later in 1863, the XII Corps moved west. They went to help the Army of the Cumberland in Chattanooga. Candy and his brigade moved with them. They fought in the Battle of Wauhatchie.
Candy was injured early in the Battle of Lookout Mountain. He also missed the Battle of Ringgold Gap. The XII Corps and XI Corps later joined together. They became Hooker's XX Corps.
Candy became a brigade commander in Geary's second division. He led his troops in Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. He served until August 4, 1864. Candy left the volunteer service on January 14, 1865. He was given a special promotion to brevet brigadier general on March 13, 1865.
After the War: Postbellum Career
After the Civil War, Charles Candy continued to serve. He worked as a chief clerk in the Quartermaster General's office. This office was part of the War Department.
From 1888 to 1906, he worked as a commissary. This means he was in charge of supplies for a branch of the National Home for Disabled Soldiers.
Charles Candy died in Dayton, Ohio. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many brave soldiers are laid to rest.
