Joseph Gurney Cannon

Joseph Gurney Cannon served as a Representative from Illinois in the United States Congress from 1873 to 1923. A member of the Republican Party, Joseph Gurney Cannon contributed to the legislative process during 23 terms in office.

Joseph Gurney Cannon’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Joseph Gurney Cannon participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Joseph Gurney Cannon (May 7, 1836 – November 12, 1926) was an American politician from Illinois and a leader of the Republican Party. Cannon represented parts of Illinois in the United States House of Representatives for twenty-three non-consecutive terms between 1873 and 1923; upon his retirement, he was the longest serving member of the United States Congress ever. From 1903 to 1911, he presided as Speaker of the House, becoming one of the most powerful speakers in United States history. As the Speaker during most of the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, Cannon was an obstacle to the progressive policies advanced by Roosevelt and later abandoned by Taft. A revolt against Cannon’s authority as Speaker, led by George W. Norris, was a contributing factor to the Republican Party split in the elections of 1910 and 1912 and led to significant reforms to the House rules. The Cannon House Office Building, the oldest congressional office building, was named for him in 1962.