A History of the Army Experience of William A. Canfield

Born in a modest New Hampshire village in 1840, William grew up the youngest of six in a home where faith outweighed material wealth. After a brief stint in a hosiery mill, a chance prayer meeting sparked a deep, personal conversion that reshaped his outlook and brought his family together in renewed devotion. This spiritual turning point set the tone for his later choices, offering a steady compass amid the uncertainties of youth.

When the Civil War erupted, he answered the call, joining the Army of the Potomac and later serving in the Southwest. The grim realities of camp and battlefield tested his resolve, and a fierce encounter near Petersburg left him without his left arm. Determined to provide for his loved ones, he now pens his own account, hoping his honest recollections will secure a modest livelihood for his family.