Martha Hughes Cannon

American physician and politician

Martha Hughes Cannon

Martha Maria Hughes Cannon (July 1, 1857 – July 10, 1932) was a pioneering physician, suffragist, and politician in the United States. She was the first female state senator in the United States, elected in Utah in 1896. Her work in public health and women's rights has left a lasting legacy.

Early life and education

Martha Hughes Cannon was born in Llandudno, Wales, and emigrated to the United States with her family in 1860. They settled in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. Her early education was in the local schools, and she showed a keen interest in science and medicine from a young age.

Cannon attended the University of Deseret, now known as the University of Utah, where she studied chemistry. She later attended the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1880 with a degree in medicine. She continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in pharmacy, and later studied at the National School of Elocution and Oratory in Philadelphia.

Medical career

Martha M. Hughes Cannon

After completing her education, Cannon returned to Utah and began her medical practice. She was appointed as the resident physician at the Deseret Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she worked to improve public health standards and advocated for better sanitation practices.

Cannon was a strong proponent of preventive medicine and public health education. She worked tirelessly to educate the public about hygiene and disease prevention, particularly focusing on the health of women and children.

Political career

In 1896, Martha Hughes Cannon made history by becoming the first woman elected to a state senate in the United States. She ran as a Democrat against her own husband, Angus M. Cannon, a Republican, and won the election to the Utah State Senate.

During her tenure, she focused on public health issues, advocating for the establishment of a state board of health and the regulation of sanitation standards. She also supported legislation to improve the working conditions for women and children.

Utah State Senate in 1897

Suffrage and women's rights

Cannon was an active participant in the women's suffrage movement. She was a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and worked alongside other prominent suffragists to secure voting rights for women.

In 1895, she attended the Rocky Mountain Suffrage Convention, where she met with other suffragists to strategize and promote the cause of women's rights.

Suffragists meet at 1895 Rocky Mountain convention

Later life and legacy

After serving in the Utah State Senate, Cannon continued her work in public health and women's rights. She remained active in the suffrage movement and was a respected voice in the community.

Cannon passed away on July 10, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Her contributions to medicine, public health, and women's rights have been recognized and celebrated in various ways, including the installation of a statue in her honor at the United States Capitol.

Martha Hughes Cannon statue at U.S. Capitol

Related pages

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• History of Utah
• List of female state legislators in the United States