Joseph Gurney Cannon

Joseph Gurney Cannon. . , (Right side) , Joe Cannon, United States politician from Danville and leader of the Republican Party, served as Speaker of the US House of Representatives from 1903-1911. His career ended in 1922 with an accumulated 48 years of Congressional service., Many historians consider him to have been the most dominant Speaker in US history, a man who exerted control over debate in the House of Representatives and shaped the path of legislation for almost a decade. He was well known for his antics and willingness to enter into verbal battle. His speaking style, as well as his diminutive stature, gained him the colorful nickname "Uncle Joe"., As Speaker of the House, Cannon controlled every aspect of the agenda to go before the Representatives. Bills reached the House only if Cannon approved of them, and he decided whether and to what extent bills could be debated., Joe Cannon was the subject of the first "Time" magazine cover of March 1923. Through his effort and influence, the Danville Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (now the VA Illiana Health Care System) was opened in 1898., The Cannon House Office Building in Washington D.C. was the first building outside of the United States Capitol constructed for Congressional offices. In 1962 the building was renamed for Joseph Gurney Cannon to honor his years of service to the nation., Cannon married Mary Reed in 1862 and lived with her in Danville until the time of his death in 1926. He is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery., (Left side) , Danville's Firebrand , "Uncle Joe" , Cannon , Speaker of the U.S. , House of Representatives , First Cover of Time Magazine