Cannon, Joseph Gurney. Photo Album and Book, 1898-1909 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Joseph Gurney ("Uncle Joe") Cannon was a leading figure in U.S. politics during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 46 years, between 1873 and 1923, and served as Speaker of the House from 1903 to 1911.

This collection contains Cannon's personal copy of the Rules of the House of Representatives (1909). Cannon was the leading force in bringing the Veterans Administration Hospital (formerly a branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers) to Danville, Ill., in 1898. Cannon's photo album includes pictures of the hospital and its occupants, employees, surrounding grounds, and events. The buildings and grounds were later adapted for use by the Danville Area Community College. The Illinois Historical Survey purchased the album in 1970.