Milton grew up in Maryville, TN and became a close friend of Sam Houston.

On the 14th of Dec. 1813, Milton enlisted as a Tennessee Volunteer in Blount County, near Morganton, TN. He was in the 39th regiment of the U.S. Infantry commanded by Colonel John Williams, serving under Captain William Walker and Col. Thomas H. Benton. He was a private and was in the War of 1812 with the Creek Indians. He fought at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend along with Sam Houston, under the command of General Andrew Jackson. He was only seventeen years of age when he joined and was known by his comrades in arms as "the boy soldier". He served the full twelve months of his enlistment and was given an honorable discharge.

McClanahan History (Given by Rev J. D. McClanahan from memory)
Great grandfather, Alexander McClanahan was born in Virginia. His father was Scotch-Irish from Ireland. Great Grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. He was present when Lord Cornwallis surrender to General Washington at Yorkstown, VA. Great grandfather had five boys and three girls, John, Jim, Alexander, Bill Ilgo, Elizabeth (Betsy) Polly and Margaret. John and Jim fought in the Jackson War. John died July 1868.
Milt McClanahan, a first cousin to our grandfather, fought in Battles of Horseshoe Bend. He was an Indian fighter and killed several Indians alone. Two of great-grandfather's son witnessed Milt killing an Indian. Milt's father and our great grandfather were brothers (Uncle John didn't remember the brother's name (James). Milt was elected in Lawrence Morgan and Limestone Counties to the State Senate. He left Alabama and went to Texas to get out of public life and was put in public life in Texas (He lost the election.)
Milt had two sons, John and Harvey. Great Grandfather (Alexander) left Virginia coming through the Carolinas, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. In the year of 1818 great grandfather was in East Tennessee near Knoxville where he built a flat boat and put his family and household goods on it and came down the Tennessee River to Alabama. He was 18 years old at this time.
Grandfather Alexander was born in Virginia on March 10, 1798 (died June 11, 1882.) He married Serena Melvine Colins. There were 14 children born to his union 9 boys and 5 girls. Rev. John Dandridge was the only son living in Alabama fought in the Civil War.
___n the 14th of Dec 1814 at Fort Montgomery.

While yet a young man, Milton moved to the state of Alabama and was given the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the State Militia for his service in the War of 1812. "By the Governor of Alabama and commander in chief of the militia thereof on the 19th day of Feby 1820 Milton McClanahan was elected Lieutenant Colonel in 8th Regiment, in D Brigade and 2 Division of the Militia of this State given at the town of Cahawba this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord 1820 and of the Independence of the United States of America the forty fourth. By the Governor, signed Wm. W. Bibb"
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John Milton was five foot 8-10 inches in height and had dark complexion and dark eyes and dark hair. At the age of 24 Milton married Dorothea Keyes, a daughter of George W and Elizabeth Keyes. Dorothea was born on March 14, 1802, in GA. She and her family had moved to Tennessee by 1810 and then later, about 1816 to Enon Community, Danville, Lawrence, AL where she met and married John Milton McClanahan on March 9, 1820. They were parents of nine children.

While in Alabama, Milton McClanahan served in the House of Representatives for the sessions of 1836-1837, 1838-1839, 1840-1841 and the called session of 1841. He served in the Senate of 1841-42, 1844-45, 1845-46. He represented Morgan, Walker and Limestone counties and was a resident of Morgan County,. Politically, he was a Democrat.
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John and Dorothea moved to Texas. The journey took six weeks. They came by covered wagons, the only mode of travel in that day. Milton arrived with his family and slaves at Caldwell, Burleson, TX on Dec 24, 1846. He was one of the earliest settlers in that section of Texas now known as Burleson and Lee counties. He was active in all public affairs. (compiled by Francis Marion Parks, II)
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He ran for the Texas State Legislature and was defeated.