Rutland

CANNON, M. W.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 64-65 
(portrait p 65)

M. W. CANNON, of West Rutland, was born 09 April 1867 in that town [West 
Rutland, Rutland County, Vermont]. Of Irish parentage, he was educated in 
the common schools, and after completing his course of study, labored upon a 
farm belonging to his parents, which occupation he followed until 1887, when 
he entered a political life. In 1888 he was the candidate for justice of the 
peace on the Democratic ticket, and received the largest vote ever given to 
an aspirant for office in the town. Two years later he was elected 
selectman, which position he now holds, being chairman of the board. In 1890 
he was the nominee of his party for town representative, and receiving a 
handsome majority, entered the Legislature at the age of twenty-four, the 
youngest member of the body. He immediately took an active part in the 
debate on reform measures, and distinguished himself by an able and eloquent 
speech on the weekly payment bill. He was re-elected in 1892, and served 
creditably on the committee on rules and elections. Mr. CANNON has taken a 
leading part in town affairs, and has been prominently identified with all 
measures of reform. In October 1893 he was offered the choice of the office 
of postmaster in West Rutland or a position in Washington, by the Cleveland 
administration. The latter position he accepted. In social life he is 
affable and agreeable, is unmarried, and in religious belief is a Roman 
Catholic.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly