7 May 1836–12 Nov. 1926
In Congress, Cannon served on the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads; was a member of the Holman Commission, which investigated conditions on Indian reservations; and was active in the consideration of governmental reforms, in the currency and tariff debates, in the advocacy of a larger navy and reorganization of the army, and in the discussion of shipping and the Isthmian canal. He declined appointment to the peace commission after the War with Spain. As speaker he exemplified strong one-man rule, but he was finally defeated as speaker by a coalition of younger men from both parties; for many years afterward the House speakership was held by leaders of a different style. Nevertheless, Cannon, often known as "Uncle Joe," was popular personally. The first office building for congressmen in Washington was named for him—Cannon House Office Building—and there are four portraits and a bust of him on Capitol Hill.
Cannon married Mary P. Reed in January 1862; they were the parents of two daughters. He was a Quaker and remained proud of his North Carolina heritage, returning on occasion to visit the scene of his early childhood. He was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Ill.