Born near Havre-de-Grace, Harper County, Md., February 5, 1813. Enlisted at New Cumberland, in Co. F, 1st Reg. W. Va. Vol. Inf., for three years, on September 16, 1861. This soldier was forty-eight years old when he entered the service. Was with his regiment in all its wanderings up and down the Potomac, through the hills and valleys of Virginia. We should here like to give dates in all changes and of the battles of this regiment, but we have them not; will give them as far as known. He commenced his service on Wheeling Island, and from here went into Virginia. The battles he was in are as follows: Romney, Va.; Blue Gap, Va., Jan 7, 1862; Winchester, twice; Fisher's Hill, three battles; Port Republic, June 9, 1862; Slaaughter's Mountain, Aug. 9; Seven days fight before Richmond; Seven Pines, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Malvern Hill, Lynchburg. The most of these were hard-fought battles, and this regiment suffered heavily. Lost their commanding officer, Col. Thoburn, at Winchester. He was a noble man. The writer was personally acquainted with him, as he was our surgeon in the three months service; as brave a man as ever raised the sword; kind-hearted and true.

Father Cantlin has a war record of more service in three years than is usually found. His regiment was one that went in to stay, and consequently could be depended on to hold their position and advance. It ws also one composed of excellent fighting material, and the old 1st W. Va., came home to Wheeling Island with decimated ranks, battle-scarred colors, loaded down with honor and military glory, and was discharged as a veteran regiment, July 21, 1865.