The Generation of the Upright by Edward Norton Cantwell
William is given second in the list of the children in an article prepared for the History of Richland County, Ohio by Dr. Jacob Young Cantwell (Ed. of 1880, p. 694.) While there are some errors in the article, notably the statement that his father was born in Brooke County, Virginia August 1786, the other children are all given in correct order, and we assume that William is given in his place, especially when we consider the birthdays of the other children, William then must have been born about 1800. He met a tragic death at 23-25 years of age. He had been away from home for some months, probably at his grandfather Cantwell's, or with his mother's people. In his absence a new family by the name of McGlougan, with several children, had moved into the neighborhood. In order that William Cantwell might meet these young people and neighboring family in February arranged a quilting and wood chopping and invited the young people of both families. William was accompanied by his sister Elizabeth, and perhaps other members of the family. He was introduced to John McGlougan and chopped with him all day. Late in the afternoon a tree cut by other choppers broke over the stump and fell on them. John McGlougan was killed instantly. William Cantwell did not regain consciousness and died in a few hours. He is probably buried in Spring Mills. He was engaged to be married to Martha Williams, a sister of William Williams, who married Rachel Cantwell. A few days before the accident he was helping his mother dip candles. He said to her, "Theses candles are nice enough to burn at my wedding." She replied, "Or perhaps at your funeral." Holding his stick aloft William answered, "Much better that, than an unhappy marriage."
At this time heirs of the O'Brien estate had been advertised for in the New Your papers, and William had credentials ready and intended to sail for Ireland in March to claim his grandmother's share of the estate. His grandmother was still living at this time. These items have been gathered from the older members of the family who heard their parents tell the story in childhood.
(updated by Melissa Neal Habeck)