Frank J. Cannon

Frank Jenne Cannon (January 25, 1859July 25, 1933) was the first United States Senator from Utah, who served from 1896 to 1899. Early life Born in Salt Lake City, Cannon was the eldest child of Sarah Jenne Cannon and George Q. Cannon. His father was an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and later was a member of its First Presidency. After attending the school in Salt Lake City, Frank Cannon studied at University of Deseret, graduating at the age of 19. He married Martha Brown of Ogden in 1878. Political career In 1891 he helped to organize the Utah Republican Party. After a failed bid to become delegate from the Utah Territory, he succeeded and served from March 4, 1895, to January 4, 1896. Cannon was chosen in 1896 to serve as senator by the Utah Legislature in spite of LDS church leadership favoring his father for the job. He served in the United States Senate, initially, as a member of the Republican Party; however, he later became a member of the Silver Republican Party, founded by his successor (and future employer at The Salt Lake Tribune) Thomas Kearns. Cannon lost re-election in 1899. Utah's state legislators indicated they would not support Cannon for re-election shortly after the November 1898 elections. Cannon had voted against the Dingley Act, which would have raised tariffs on sugar and helped the Utah sugar industry. It was strongly supported by the LDS Church hierarchy, who now opposed his re-election. Other factors were his support for Free Silver, rumors about immoral acts he may have committed while living in Washington, DC, and the fact that the Utah legislature was controlled by Democrats. Alfred W. McCune, one of Salt Lake City's most prominent businessmen, sought and won the backing of the LDS Church in his bid for the seat. But the legislature quickly deadlocked over the election. One-hundred and twenty-one ballots were cast, and no winner emerged. On February 18, a state representative accused McCune of trying to buy his vote. A seven-member legislative voted 7-to-2 to absolve McCune of the charge, and although ballotting resumed on March 8 McCune still lacked enough votes to win office (he had only 25 votes). The legislature adjourned without having chosen a senator,