Joseph Gurney Cannon was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois from 1873 to 1923. He is best known for his role as the Speaker of the House from 1903 to 1911, where he wielded significant power and influence over legislative proceedings. Cannon was a member of the Republican Party and played a key role in shaping early 20th-century American politics. Cannon was born on May 7, 1836, in North Carolina and later moved to Illinois. Throughout his political career, he was known for his strong leadership style and ability to control the legislative agenda. After leaving Congress, he remained active in public life until his death on June 12, 1926.