After graduating from South Carolina College, where he was a member of the Euphradian Society, he studied law and was admitted to the state bar in 1840, and set up practice in Camden.

[1] Cantey became politically active and was elected to two terms from Kershaw County as a state legislator in South Carolina, starting November 23, 1846.

[4] Cantey was left among the dead, but when his enslaved servant retrieved his body to bury at home, he saw faint signs of life in the officer.

[5] After the end of the Mexican–American War, Cantey moved to Alabama, where he bought land and became a planter in Russell County.

Later, as part of Trimble's attack, the 15th Regiment Alabama Infantry helped flank the Union force and drive them back.

He was frequently absent from his command due to illness but also led a division for short period of time in May and June 1864.