You see, the Cantwells were half-brothers to William the Conquer and went from France for the conquest of England. After William conqured the English, his half brothers took estates in England and Ireland. About 400 years later, Cromwell overthrew the English crown. He personally led his armies aginst the Cantwells in Ireland. Overwhelmed by the numbers, the Cantwells submitted to Cromwell, and got terms for surrender. The terms were that they could leave Ireland with their family "and retainers" but must leave all castles, property, etc. behind. The flagship of the Cantwells was named "the Submission" because they had submitted to Cromwell. After they left Ireland, they went to France where they fought with the Prince of Conde for a while. Then part left with a divested Lord and went to St. John in the Behamas where they fought in a revolution against the King. After that they went with him to the Americas. Under this divested lord, Edmund served as the first High Sheriff in the new world under English rule. A high sheriff was like a lieutenant governor. They were in Pennsylvania. Finally, the divested lord was asked back to England, where he returned and was throned King of England. The Cantwells stayed in the new world. Well, the story goes on, but this is how we got to the United States. I am a descendant of John Cantwell, Sr.

Since father is the resident expert on the family history, he may be contacted through his e-mail address at johnneal@alltel.net.