Martha Hughes Cannon

Martha Hughes Cannon

Martha Hughes Cannon (July 1, 1857 – July 10, 1932) was a pioneering woman in the field of medicine, an advocate for women's rights, and a political leader in the United States. Born in Llandudno, Wales, Cannon emigrated with her family to the United States due to religious persecution they faced because of their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The family settled in the Utah Territory, where Cannon would eventually make her mark in history.

Early Life and Education

Martha Hughes was born into a family that valued education and encouraged her pursuits. Despite the challenges of frontier life, she attended the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah), where she showed a keen interest in chemistry and medicine. Recognizing the limited opportunities in Utah for medical training, she moved to the Eastern United States. Cannon earned her degree in medicine from the University of Michigan and later studied at the University of Pennsylvania, becoming one of the first women in the United States to earn a medical degree.

Career and Advocacy

Upon returning to Utah, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon began her medical practice, focusing on the health of women and children. Her medical career was marked by a strong commitment to public health and hygiene, which was relatively nascent fields at the time. She was instrumental in establishing the first nursing school in Utah and played a key role in the development of state sanitation laws. Cannon's advocacy was not limited to the medical field. She was a vocal proponent of women's suffrage and was actively involved in the women's suffrage movement in Utah. Her efforts, along with those of other suffragists, led to Utah women gaining the right to vote in 1870, well before the national suffrage amendment was passed.

Political Career

Martha Hughes Cannon's most notable achievement came in 1896 when she was elected as the first female state senator in the United States, representing Utah. Remarkably, she ran against her own husband, Angus M. Cannon, and won, showcasing her popularity and the respect she commanded among the electorate. During her tenure in the Utah State Senate, she focused on public health issues, education, and women's rights, leaving a lasting impact on the state's legislative landscape.

Legacy

Martha Hughes Cannon's contributions to medicine, public health, and politics have left an indelible mark on the history of Utah and the United States. She broke barriers for women in several fields, serving as a role model for future generations. Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their pioneering spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Death and Recognition

Cannon passed away on July 10, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Her legacy is remembered through various honors and memorials, including the naming of a state office building in Utah after her. In 2018, the Utah State Legislature voted to send a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon to the United States Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection, making her one of the few women represented in this prestigious collection.