Albert C. Garlington was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, on June 9, 1822. His parents were Christopher Garlington and Eliza (Aycock) Garlington. Garlington graduated from the University of Georgia with highest honors in 1842. He moved to South Carolina and became a lawyer in 1844. In 1848, he moved to his wife's home town of Newberry, South Carolina. His wife was the former Sally Lark Moon. His son, Ernest Albert Garlington, born February 20, 1853, was a graduate of the University of Georgia in 1872 and of the United States Military Academy in 1876. He was assigned to the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment and received the Medal of Honor for his actions at Wounded Knee. He served in the Spanish–American War and ultimately was promoted to brigadier general.