Candler, Asa Griggs, 1851-1929

Asa Griggs Candler, businessman, philanthropist, mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, and founder of the Coca-Cola Company, was born 30 December 1851, near Villa Rica, Carroll County, Georgia, and died in Atlanta, Georgia, 12 March 1929. Candler married Lucy Elizabeth Howard (1859-1919) in 1878 and Mary Reagan Little in 1923. As an Atlanta druggist (1873-1890), Candler became sole owner and manufacturer of the Coca-Cola elixir. After selling that company, he invested in real estate, opened banks in Atlanta and elsewhere, was a founder of Atlanta's Chamber of Commerce, and its mayor (1916-1919). Candler helped organize and fund activities of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, including Wesley Memorial Enterprises, Emory College, and Emory University, serving as president of the Board of Trustees of the college (1906-1919) and of the university (1915-1929).

From the description of Asa Griggs Candler papers, 1821-1980. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122385946