CANDLER: Of Reedy District.
John W. Candler was born near "Three Forks" of Reedy, about the year 1828, son of William Candler and his wife, Elizabeth Seaman Candler, who was a daughter of David Seaman first of the name among pioneers of Reedy, sister of Silas B. Seaman. This William Candler, father of John W., was a trader in produce on the Ohio River, and was accidently drowned in that river on one of his trips about the time of the birth of John W., the only child of himself and Elizabeth (Seaman), his wife, who also did not live to old age. John W.'s home was always with or near his uncle, Silas B. Seaman, on Right Reedy.
He married Miss Elizabeth J. Napp, daughter of a family of that name of Mason County, about the year 1850. They made their home on a tract of five hundred acres of land lying one mile from "Three Forks" up on Right Fork; attacking the then unbroken forest, they made and maintained a good home, from whence they went forth into the neighborhood affairs, he always performing a conspicuous part. He was a large man and convincing talker, a rare humorist at times; ever a tetotal abstainer from use of intoxicants, in a time when drinking it, even to excess was popular, even with his uncle and relatives. He was devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church and liberal to it with his time and earnings.
To John W. and Elizabeth (Napp) Candler were born two sons and five daughters. Their names and marriages as follows: Palmira Jane married Charles Remington Bishop, of Reedy, February 16, 1875, her age 23 or 24, his 20. Albert, next child, died.
Susan Victoria, married William Leary, of Reedy, January 10, 1883.
Martha M. married Lafayett W. Headly, December 5, 1908; his age then 53, born in Pennsylvania; her age 45.
Thomas A. married Ester LEary, on Middle Fork, March 22, 1891; his age given 23, her's 20. These now (1927) reside in the State of Missouri.
Delilah Elizabeth, married Benj. Franklin Riddle, of Middle Reedy, August 7, 1892, her age 24, his 33.
Sarah Candler was the youngest of the family.
Source: History of Roane County, West Virginia, 1774-1927 William H. Bishop, Esq. pp 469-470
