Richard S. Ewell
Candy was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He joined the United States Army on May 14, 1850, as an enlisted man with the rank of private and subsequently served in a wide variety of garrisons and outposts. He served under Richard S. Ewell in the 1st Dragoons. He was promoted to corporal in March 1853. Candy was honorably discharged in May 1855.