Cromwell's Conquest, Intermarriage, & The Candler Family Story
Religious dispute.....it runs in the Family
The initial pages of “Colonel William Candler, of Georgia: His Ancestry and Progeny” by Allen D. Candler, primarily set the stage for understanding the historical context and genealogy of the Candler family, highlighting significant events and theological differences that influenced their fate.
The Candler family branch that settled in Arkansas can be traced back to Daniel Candler, born around 1695 in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Daniel Candler immigrated to the American colonies, initially settling in Charleston before moving on to North Carolina, and later, his descendants spread out to other regions including Arkansas .
One notable descendant from this lineage is Colonel William Lane Candler Sr., born in 1736 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was an influential figure in early American history, particularly in Georgia, where he played a significant role during the American Revolution. His family eventually expanded across various states, including Arkansas .
The Early Days of the Candler Family: Strife and Survival
In the heart of the American Revolutionary War, nestled in the parish of St. Paul, Georgia, a modest hamlet called Wrightsborough witnessed the confluence of two formidable communities: the Quakers and the Baptists. The narrative of Colonel William Candler and his lineage is deeply intertwined with this setting, revealing a tapestry of religious fervor and familial resilience.
Theological Clashes and Their Tragic Outcomes
The first settlers of Wrightsborough, a Quaker colony led by Edmund Gray, found themselves in a tumultuous period marked by religious schisms and societal upheaval. Gray’s departure left the settlement in a fragile state, soon to be revitalized by another Quaker leader, Joseph Mattock, who established a more stable community. Yet, theological differences soon manifested in more severe conflicts.
Parallel to the Quaker settlement, a group of Baptists, led by the fervent Reverend Daniel Marshal, established themselves on Kiokee Creek. Unlike their Quaker neighbors, the Baptists were staunch supporters of the revolutionary cause, marking a stark contrast in ideological and theological stances. This divergence in beliefs between the pacifist Quakers and the rebellious Baptists set the stage for internal and external conflicts.
The Price of Rebellion
As the Revolutionary War escalated, these theological differences bore tragic consequences. Many Quakers, adhering to their pacifist principles, were branded as Loyalists or Tories, facing persecution from their Baptist neighbors who fervently supported the revolution. The Candler family, particularly William Candler, found themselves embroiled in this conflict. Their commitment to the revolutionary cause came at a great personal cost.
William Candler, originally a captain in the royal militia, transitioned to a leadership role within the revolutionary forces, driven by a desire to protect his family and community from British tyranny. The harsh realities of war soon engulfed them. The Quakers, including many of Candler’s neighbors, faced brutal reprisals for their perceived loyalty to the crown. The Baptists, on the other hand, suffered under the relentless assaults from British forces and their Native American allies.
A Legacy of Loss and Resilience
The devastating impact of these theological clashes extended beyond immediate violence. Under Cromwellian rule, Ireland had already witnessed severe penal laws against Catholics, which foreshadowed the brutal policies that would later affect the Candler family and their compatriots in Georgia. The confiscation of Catholic lands and the transplantation to Connacht were precursors to the revolutionary confiscations in America. These historical parallels underscore the enduring struggle against religious persecution and land dispossession faced by the Candler family and their Irish ancestors.
Cromwell’s Shadow: The Candler Family’s Journey Through Turmoil
The story of the Candler family, like many others of their time, is a tale deeply etched by the sweeping force of history. Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Ireland in the mid-17th century left an indelible mark on their lineage, influencing their fate for generations to come.
The Cromwellian Conquest: A Prelude to Exile
The Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, spanning from 1649 to 1653, was a brutal reassertion of English control over Ireland, spearheaded by Oliver Cromwell during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In August 1649, Cromwell landed on Irish shores with the formidable New Model Army, acting on behalf of England’s Rump Parliament.
By the spring of 1652, Cromwell’s forces had crushed the combined might of the Confederate and Royalist coalition, effectively concluding the Irish Confederate Wars. However, resistance lingered in the form of guerrilla warfare for another year. In the wake of his victory, Cromwell implemented harsh Penal Laws targeting Roman Catholics, who formed the majority of the Irish population. These laws led to the widespread confiscation of Catholic lands, punishing them for the rebellion of 1641. Most of the land seized from Irish Catholics was redistributed to British settlers, while the few remaining Catholic landowners were forcibly relocated to the harsh, less fertile region of Connacht.
The Act of Settlement of 1652 cemented this dramatic shift in land ownership, legally formalizing the transfer. Further, Catholics were entirely excluded from the Irish Parliament, prohibited from living in towns, and forbidden from marrying Protestants. This period marked a significant and traumatic transformation in Irish history, leaving a legacy of division and dispossession.
The Cromwellian conquest of Ireland (1649–1653) resulted in a significant loss of life and had a devastating impact on the Irish population. The estimates of the death toll vary, but modern assessments suggest that between 15% and 50% of the native Irish population perished due to warfare, famine, and disease during this period.
More specific estimates indicate that approximately 618,000 people, out of a pre-war population of about 1.5 million, died as a result of the conflict and its associated hardships, representing about 41% of the population. This high mortality rate was due to the brutal military campaign led by Oliver Cromwell, combined with subsequent famine and an outbreak of bubonic plague.
For the Candler family, Cromwell’s invasion was a cataclysmic event. Colonel William Candler, an ancestor of the Georgian Candlers, was directly affected by the upheaval in Ireland. Born in 1736, William Candler’s lineage traced back to English settlers who had been awarded land in Ireland for their service under Cromwell. These lands, often seized from dispossessed Irish Catholics, became both a boon and a burden for the settlers.
Land and Loyalty: The Double-Edged Sword
The land grants received by the Candler family and others loyal to Cromwell came at a heavy price. These lands were not just parcels of earth; they were symbols of conquest and control, often placing the recipients in the crosshairs of ongoing conflicts. The Candler family, beneficiaries of such grants, had to navigate the complexities of loyalty and survival amidst the simmering tensions between the English authorities and the native Irish population.
From Ireland to America: Seeking New Horizons
By the early 18th century, the Candlers had decided to leave the turmoil of Ireland. William Candler’s father, an English gentleman of noble descent, married an Irish woman. This union, while personally significant, was socially and politically fraught with challenges due to the ongoing religious and ethnic strife in Ireland.
The couple’s decision to emigrate to America was driven by the desire to escape these adversities. Settling initially in North Carolina, they sought to forge a new life away from the shadows of Cromwellian conquest. William Candler’s father died young, but the family’s journey continued. William Candler eventually moved to Georgia, where he would establish a legacy that intertwined with the broader narrative of American independence.
Intermarriage in the Shadow of Cromwell: A Tangled Web of Loyalty and Identity
In the turbulent era of the Cromwellian conquest and its aftermath, intermarriage between English settlers and Irish natives became a flashpoint of cultural, religious, and political tension. This seemingly personal matter held profound implications for families like the Candlers, intertwining with the broader narrative of conquest, identity, and resistance.
The Cultural Chasm
During the 17th century, England and Ireland were worlds apart in terms of culture, religion, and political allegiance. The English, predominantly Protestant, viewed themselves as more advanced and civilised, often looking down on the Catholic Irish, whom they saw as backward and rebellious. This cultural superiority was enforced through policies that aimed to suppress Irish customs, language, and religion.
Intermarriage between these two groups was more than just a union of two individuals; it represented a collision of two vastly different worlds. For English settlers, marrying an Irish Catholic could mean adopting a way of life that was starkly different from their own, challenging the cultural norms they had been raised with.
The Religious Divide
Religion was perhaps the most contentious aspect of intermarriage. The Protestant Reformation had cemented deep-seated animosities between Catholics and Protestants. For English Protestants, Catholicism was not just a different faith but a threat to their religious and political stability. This fear was particularly acute during Cromwell’s time, as he viewed Catholicism as a direct challenge to his vision of a Protestant England.
Laws and societal norms strictly enforced religious boundaries. Intermarriage threatened to blur these lines, potentially leading to a dilution of Protestant values and an increase in Catholic influence. The Penal Laws enacted during Cromwell’s rule sought to marginalize Catholics further, making it illegal for them to own land, practice their faith openly, or hold public office. Marrying a Catholic was seen as an act of defiance against these laws and the Protestant establishment.
Political Allegiances
Political allegiance was another critical factor. The Cromwellian conquest of Ireland was part of a broader effort to subjugate and control Irish resistance to English rule. Marrying into an Irish Catholic family could be perceived as aligning oneself with the enemy, undermining the English colonial project. Such unions were feared to foster sympathies for Irish independence and rebellion, potentially leading to divided loyalties within the English settler community.
For families like the Candlers, who had benefitted from Cromwell’s land grants in Ireland, maintaining a clear English identity and allegiance was crucial. Any deviation, such as marrying an Irish Catholic, could jeopardize their standing and security within the colonial framework.
Social Ostracism and Legal Repercussions
The social repercussions of intermarriage were severe. English settlers who married Irish Catholics often faced ostracism from their own communities. They were seen as traitors who had betrayed their heritage and faith. This social exclusion extended to their children, who were often stigmatized and marginalized.
Legally, the consequences could be even more dire. In Ireland, laws were enacted that made intermarriage a criminal offense, punishable by severe penalties. For instance, English officers who married Irish women were subject to court martial and could face execution. These draconian measures were designed to prevent any integration or assimilation that could weaken English control over Ireland.
The Candler Experience
For the Candler family, these dynamics were deeply personal. William Candler’s father, an English gentleman, married an Irish woman, crossing the rigid boundaries set by society and the law. This marriage meant that the family lived with the constant threat of legal persecution and social ostracism. It also placed them in a precarious position regarding their land and status, as intermarriage could be grounds for confiscation and loss of rights.
Their decision to emigrate to America was likely influenced by these pressures, seeking a fresh start away from the oppressive environment of Ireland. In the New World, they hoped to escape the punitive measures that had plagued them and to build a life where their union would not be a source of contention.
Intermarriage during the Cromwellian era was a significant issue because it intersected with the fundamental divides of culture, religion, and politics. For families like the Candlers, it represented both a personal choice and an act of defiance against a system designed to maintain rigid boundaries. Their journey from Ireland to America is a testament to their resilience and their pursuit of a life unencumbered by the prejudices and restrictions of their time.
The Revolutionary War: Echoes of Cromwell’s Campaign
William Candler’s experiences during the American Revolutionary War bore eerie parallels to the earlier struggles of his ancestors. Just as Cromwell’s forces had sought to dominate and suppress, the British army in America sought to quell the burgeoning revolution. William Candler, who had become a prominent figure in Georgia, faced the repressive measures of the British with the same determination that his forebears had shown in Ireland.
The confiscation of property, exile, and the constant threat of violence were recurrent themes. The Candler family, like many other patriot families, had to navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty and rebellion. William Candler’s leadership in the revolutionary forces and his refusal to submit to British rule echoed the resilience of his ancestors who had endured Cromwell’s harsh rule.
The Revolutionary War: Candler’s Courage and Command
During the American Revolution, William Candler emerged as a key figure in the fight for independence. Born into a family already steeped in the trials of colonial conflict, Candler’s experiences were shaped by the harsh realities of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland and subsequent struggles in the American colonies.
As the Revolution unfolded, Candler’s military prowess and leadership became evident. He was appointed as a major and later promoted to colonel, commanding a regiment of Georgia militia. His regiment, known as the “Regiment of Refugees,” was composed of men who had fled British-occupied areas, embodying the resilience and determination of those fighting for liberty. Candler’s leadership in battles, including the significant engagements at Augusta and King’s Mountain, demonstrated his strategic acumen and commitment to the revolutionary cause.
A Symbol of Resistance
Candler’s regiment was distinguished not only by their combat effectiveness but also by their staunch opposition to British rule. They were instrumental in several key victories that boosted the morale of the revolutionary forces and disrupted British plans. His ability to rally men, secure resources, and navigate the complexities of guerrilla warfare made him a respected figure among his peers and a thorn in the side of British commanders.
Post-Revolution: Building a New Nation
With the end of the war, the challenges facing the Candler family shifted from the battlefield to the daunting task of nation-building. The post-revolutionary period was marked by significant political, economic, and social restructuring, and the Candlers were at the forefront of these efforts in Georgia.
William Candler transitioned from military leader to statesman, playing a crucial role in the governance of Georgia. He was actively involved in the state’s early legislative processes, contributing to the development of laws and policies that would shape Georgia’s future. His experience and reputation as a war hero lent weight to his political influence, allowing him to advocate for the rights and needs of veterans and settlers.
Land and Legacy
One of the most significant post-war issues was the redistribution and management of land. The state of Georgia, like many others, was tasked with allocating land to soldiers as a reward for their service. William Candler’s own experiences with land grants—first in Ireland under Cromwell and then in America—gave him unique insights into the complexities and potential injustices of such systems. He worked to ensure that land allocations were fair and that veterans received their due compensation, thus helping to stabilize and grow the fledgling state.
Family Influence
The Candler family’s influence extended beyond William. His descendants continued to play prominent roles in Georgia’s political and social spheres. Notably, his great-grandson, Allen D. Candler, became a significant figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as the Governor of Georgia from 1898 to 1902. Allen D. Candler’s contributions to documenting the state’s history and preserving its records underscore the lasting impact of the family on Georgia’s legacy.
The Broader Impact: A Family of Pioneers
The Candler family’s story is emblematic of the broader narrative of American pioneering spirit. Their journey from the war-torn fields of Ireland to the burgeoning state of Georgia illustrates the resilience and adaptability that defined many American families of the era. The values of courage, determination, and public service were passed down through generations, fostering a legacy of leadership and civic duty.
Economic Development
Post-revolution, the Candlers were also involved in economic development, contributing to the agricultural and commercial growth of Georgia. Their efforts helped transform the state from a war-ravaged territory into a thriving part of the new nation. The family’s investments in land and enterprise laid the groundwork for future prosperity, benefiting not only their descendants but the wider community.
From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the halls of political power, the Candlers exemplified the qualities of leadership and resilience. Their contributions to Georgia’s development, both as a state and a community, reflect a deep commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice. The Candler family’s story is a vivid chapter in the larger narrative of America’s journey from colony to republic, highlighting the profound impact that individual families can have on the course of history.
Legacy of Resilience
The influence of Cromwell’s invasion on the Candler family is a testament to their resilience. The challenges they faced in Ireland—land confiscations, religious persecution, and social upheaval—were mirrored in their American experience. Yet, the Candlers continually adapted and persevered, driven by a desire for autonomy and justice.
To conclude this family retrospect, the Candler family’s journey from the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland to the American Revolution is a powerful narrative of endurance. Their story reflects the broader historical forces at play, showcasing how personal and familial resilience can shape and be shaped by the tides of history.
Formatted into points regarding Theological Differences shaping the Cromwell invasion & society at the time.
Theological Differences:
Puritan Hatred for Catholicism:
The Puritans of England harbored intense hatred for the Catholics of Ireland. This was not just a religious but also a cultural and political disdain. The Puritans saw Catholicism as idolatrous and sought to eliminate its influence in Ireland entirely .
Religious Laws and Social Ostracism:
English laws were deeply biased against Catholics. Intermarriage between English Protestants and Irish Catholics was highly penalized. For instance, under the statute of Kilkenny, it was considered high treason for an English officer to marry an Irish woman, punishable by death. Protestant women who married Catholics were considered legally dead, and their properties were transferred to the nearest Protestant relative .
Catholics were systematically excluded from holding any public office, whether civil or military. These laws were designed to prevent the amalgamation of the two races and to maintain the purity of Protestant English blood .
Tragedies:
Confiscation and Redistribution of Land:
Cromwell's conquest led to the confiscation of three-fourths of the land in Ireland, which was then redistributed to English soldiers and adventurers. The Irish landowners, particularly the nobility and gentry, were exiled to Connaught, a less fertile part of Ireland .
The native Irish population was driven from their homes, with many of their lands given to English settlers. The forced migration during the dead of winter led to significant suffering and death among the Irish people .
Massacres and Starvation:
Cromwell's military campaign was marked by extreme brutality. The siege and storming of various castles, such as Callan Castle, resulted in the massacre of defenders. Those who resisted were often put to death without mercy .
The combined effects of war, famine, and plague decimated the Irish population. The text describes scenes where women and children were found starving in ditches, and orphans were preyed upon by wolves .
Enslavement and Transportation:
Irish people, including women and children, were seized and sold into slavery in the Caribbean and American plantations. This brutal practice was eventually deemed too shocking, especially when English children began to be caught up in these seizures, leading to the revocation of such orders after four years .
Cultural and Social Impact:
The cultural and social fabric of Ireland was heavily impacted. English policies aimed at degrading the Irish Catholics and preventing any form of social integration led to long-lasting animosities. This period laid the groundwork for centuries of conflict between the Irish and the English .
These points highlight the deep theological divide and the extensive tragedies that characterized the relationship between the Irish and the English during the Cromwellian conquest and subsequent English rule. The harshness of the policies and the brutality of the enforcement left lasting scars on Irish society.
Colonel William Candler - His Ancestry & Progeny
