Vermilion county Illinois, HON. JOSEPH G. CANNON ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Joy Fisher ==================================================================== p. 225-226 HON. JOSEPH G. CANNON, Member of Congress representing the Danville district of Illinois. On the opposite page appears a portrait of this gentleman, who has been for many years a prominent factor in the official, social and political life of this section of the State. And who has made a national reputation as a legislator and a statesman. For many years there was a large exodus of the Society of Friends from North Carolina to the Wabash Valley, who left their former homes to get away from the curse of slavery. Among the number was Dr. Horace F. Cannon, who, accompanied by his family, removed in 1840 to make his home in Park County, Ind. Thus, far removed from the scenes of their youth he and his wife passed the residue of life in the Northern country, surrounded by old friends who had also come North, and by many new friends whom they had met in their new home. Dr. Cannon was in early manhood united in marriage with Gulielma Hollingsworth. He was a native of Greensboro, N. C., and in his early maturity practiced his profession, being a physician and surgeon. After his removal to the Wabash Valley he passed the remainder of his life in the practice of his profession, and died an accidental death in 1851 when he was forty-five years of age. He was a man of character and considerable local note, being a prominent early Abolitionist. Joseph G. Cannon, of whom this brief record is written, was born in New Garden, Guilford Co., N. C., May 7, 1836. His education was received at the Western Manual Labor School, now known as Bloomingdale Academy. At the age of fifteen his school work ended, and for five years thereafter he was engaged as a clerk in a store. At the age of twenty-one, having a strong desire for professional life, Mr. Cannon entered the law office of the Hon. John P. Usher, who afterward became one of President Lincoln's secretaries. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar to practice in the courts of the State of Illinois, and located at Tuscola, Douglas Co., Ill., for the practice of his profession, in which he continued until 1872. In that year he was elected to Congress, and has since been consecutively re- elected, now serving his ninth term. He made Tuscola his home until 1876, when he removed to Danville, where he has for many years resided. Mr. Cannon now stands as one of the foremost men in the House of Representatives. His position he owes to the confidence of his constituency, who have given him long service, and to his industry in the public service. His early preparation was not all he would have desired, as he was deprived of a college course, and for financial reasons was compelled to enter the law practice as soon as he could, so it was only by strenuous exertion that he fitted himself for the responsible position he occupies. After serving for six years on the Committee for Post-offices and Post-roads, Congressman Cannon was appointed a member of the Committee on Appropriations, on which he has served until the present time. Said Mr. Cannon, with the justifiable pride and satisfaction arising from having accomplished a good work: "I had charge of the Postal Appropriation Bill while on Committee, upon which legislation was had reducing letter postage from three to two cents, and containing other important postal revisions find reforms." During the Forty- seventh Congress the Republicans had control of the House. In this same Congress Mr. Cannon was continued on Appropriations, having special charge of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation Bill, which carries appropriation for the officials of the Public Service, and upon which many reforms were wrought. For many years, being the head of the minority on that committee, it has fallen to him to make a statement of the estimates and appropriations for and expenditures by the Government. It has usually been received by Congress and the country as authoritative and exhaustive. The Republicans have a small majority in the present Congress, which will organize the first Monday of December next (1889). It seems to be generally conceded that from seniority of service and equipment for work, Mr. Cannon will be chosen Chairman of the Committee on the organization of the House, unless he is elected Speaker, for which position he is a candidate. His service in the House, his acquaintance with public men and affairs has given him good standing with the Republicans, and also with those of the opposite party, who respect him for his sincerity and honesty, even though they differ with him in politics. His party in the House of Representatives did him the honor for six years of making him Chairman of its Caucus and of the Caucus Committee, which has charge primarily of suggesting the policy of the Republicans in the House touching matters of legislation. Mr. Cannon being engaged in politics, has paid but little attention to law practice of late years. He has business interests in the city of Danville, and. also owns farms both in Vermilion and Douglass counties. Although politics has engaged a great deal of the consideration and thought of Mr. Cannon, he has spared the necessary time to found home ties of his own. His marriage was solemnized on the 7th of January, 1862, with Miss Mary P. Reed, of Canfield, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two daughters, Helen and Mabel, who are now at home, having recently finished their college education. Thus Congressman Cannon, in his leisure hours, partakes of the enjoyment of a beautiful home, and the society of those he loves, and whose interests are ever uppermost in his mind.