Abraham H. Cannon
Born: 12 March 1859
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 8 October 1882
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1889
Died: 19 July 1896
Called to Presidency of the Seventy: 8 October 1882
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 7 October 1889
Died: 19 July 1896
Conference Talks |
Image source: Young Woman's Journal, August 1896
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Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Juvenile Instructor, 1 August 1896, Topics of the Times: Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
The Contributor, August 1896, Abraham H. Cannon
Young Woman's Journal, August 1896, Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
My own research and opinion
Juvenile Instructor, 1 August 1896, Topics of the Times: Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
The Contributor, August 1896, Abraham H. Cannon
Young Woman's Journal, August 1896, Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
My own research and opinion
Jenson, Andrew. "Cannon, Abraham Hoagland." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 167-168.
CANNON, Abraham Hoagland, a member of the Council Of Twelve Apostles from 1880 to 1896, was the son of Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon and Elizabeth Hoagland, and was born March 12, 1859 in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a boy he was given the best opportunity that the times afforded for an education, and being of a studious nature, he availed himself of that privilege, finishing his studies in the Deseret University. For a time when his father was editor of the "Deseret News" he was employed in that office as errand boy. Later, he
learned the carpenter's trade at the Church carpenter shop, and worked on the Temple Block. He also studied architecture under the late Obed Taylor and became an architect. In 1879 he was called on a mission to Europe. After laboring for some time in the Nottingham conference, England, he was assigned to the Swiss and German Mission, where he mastered the German language and traveled as a missionary in both Switzerland and Germany. He wrote some of the hymns which the German Saints now sing in their congregations. During his absence on this mission, his mother died. He returned home in June, 1882, and was ordained and set apart as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies Oct. 9, 1882, in which calling he labored with diligence and zeal and traveled extensively throughout the
Church in the interest of the Seventies. In 1882, when twenty-three years old, he assumed business control of the "Juvenile Instructor" and associate publications, developing what was a small printing office into one of the foremost publishing houses in the west. During the time of his management, which lasted until his death, a large number of publications were issued under his direction; and while he laid no claims to great literary genius, he found time, between his many other duties, to write many articles for publication. Having entered the order of plural marriage, he was arrested on a charge of unlawful cohabitation, and being convicted, he was sentenced,
March 17, 1886, by Judge Zane, to a term of six months in the penitentiary and to pay a fine of $300. He served his term and was released Aug. 17, 1886. At the October conference, 1889, he was sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, and was ordained by Pres. Joseph
F. Smith Oct. 7, 1889. In October, 1892, in connection with his brother, John Q. Cannon, he took charge of the "Deseret News," forming the publishing company which for a number of years conducted that paper, and he assumed the business management thereof. In 1892, also, he became the editor and publisher of the "Contributor." He was connected with many other business enterprises. He was the moving spirit in the Salt Lake and Pacific and the Utah and California railways—enterprises which had for their object the connection by rail of Salt Lake City and California and the building of a line into the Deep Creek country. He was also director, vice-president and assistant manager of the Bullion-Beck mining company; director and one of the organizers of the State Bank of Utah: director of the Utah Loan and Trust Co., at Ogden; director in Z. C. M. I.; vice-president of Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons Co.; director in the Co-operative Furniture Co.; first vice-president of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce; the owner of a prosperous book and stationery business in Ogden. He
was also an active promoter in canal and irrigation enterprises; and was a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union, to the duties of which he gave much attention. In the vast amount of labor which he performed, and in which he never seemed to tire, he accomplished
much more in the course of twenty years than many truly, active men have been able to do in double that time. He had extraordinary
qualifications for business management, and conducted with success many enterprises undertaken under adverse circumstances. For some time previous to his death he suffered with severe headache; in returning from a business trip to California he became seriously
ill, and he underwent operations for ear troubles; general inflammation set in, resulting in death July 19, 1896, at his residence in Salt Lake City. In an article published in the "Deseret News" at the time of his demise the editor of that paper says: "In his religious life and duties Abraham H. Cannon was scrupulously strict and energetic. He did not shrink from any duty devolving upon him and avoided
no obligation; but responded to every call with promptness and fidelity. His precision in this regard was remarkable and was characteristic of him from his youth up. As a boy and as a man he was frank and fearless with a love for truth and virtue that was sublime. He never sought to shift to others any burden that devolved on him, and never hesitated to undertake a task that fell to his lot. In his public religious calling and in his private life he was a true disciple of Christ, essentially a servant of God, whose conduct endeared him to all associates by the bonds of that pure and holy love which comes of conformity to divine principles. When in the course of events, during the persecutions of the Saints, it came his turn to endure imprisonment for his religion, he did so cheerfully, praising God that he was worthy to suffer in His cause; and all sufferings and privations then and at other times in his ministry he bore without murmuring, being willing to endure all for the gospel's sake. In his record as a man of God he will ever live in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints, by whom he was greatly beloved."—(See also "Contributor," Vol. 17, p. 644.)
CANNON, Abraham Hoagland, a member of the Council Of Twelve Apostles from 1880 to 1896, was the son of Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon and Elizabeth Hoagland, and was born March 12, 1859 in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a boy he was given the best opportunity that the times afforded for an education, and being of a studious nature, he availed himself of that privilege, finishing his studies in the Deseret University. For a time when his father was editor of the "Deseret News" he was employed in that office as errand boy. Later, he
learned the carpenter's trade at the Church carpenter shop, and worked on the Temple Block. He also studied architecture under the late Obed Taylor and became an architect. In 1879 he was called on a mission to Europe. After laboring for some time in the Nottingham conference, England, he was assigned to the Swiss and German Mission, where he mastered the German language and traveled as a missionary in both Switzerland and Germany. He wrote some of the hymns which the German Saints now sing in their congregations. During his absence on this mission, his mother died. He returned home in June, 1882, and was ordained and set apart as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies Oct. 9, 1882, in which calling he labored with diligence and zeal and traveled extensively throughout the
Church in the interest of the Seventies. In 1882, when twenty-three years old, he assumed business control of the "Juvenile Instructor" and associate publications, developing what was a small printing office into one of the foremost publishing houses in the west. During the time of his management, which lasted until his death, a large number of publications were issued under his direction; and while he laid no claims to great literary genius, he found time, between his many other duties, to write many articles for publication. Having entered the order of plural marriage, he was arrested on a charge of unlawful cohabitation, and being convicted, he was sentenced,
March 17, 1886, by Judge Zane, to a term of six months in the penitentiary and to pay a fine of $300. He served his term and was released Aug. 17, 1886. At the October conference, 1889, he was sustained as one of the Twelve Apostles, and was ordained by Pres. Joseph
F. Smith Oct. 7, 1889. In October, 1892, in connection with his brother, John Q. Cannon, he took charge of the "Deseret News," forming the publishing company which for a number of years conducted that paper, and he assumed the business management thereof. In 1892, also, he became the editor and publisher of the "Contributor." He was connected with many other business enterprises. He was the moving spirit in the Salt Lake and Pacific and the Utah and California railways—enterprises which had for their object the connection by rail of Salt Lake City and California and the building of a line into the Deep Creek country. He was also director, vice-president and assistant manager of the Bullion-Beck mining company; director and one of the organizers of the State Bank of Utah: director of the Utah Loan and Trust Co., at Ogden; director in Z. C. M. I.; vice-president of Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons Co.; director in the Co-operative Furniture Co.; first vice-president of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce; the owner of a prosperous book and stationery business in Ogden. He
was also an active promoter in canal and irrigation enterprises; and was a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union, to the duties of which he gave much attention. In the vast amount of labor which he performed, and in which he never seemed to tire, he accomplished
much more in the course of twenty years than many truly, active men have been able to do in double that time. He had extraordinary
qualifications for business management, and conducted with success many enterprises undertaken under adverse circumstances. For some time previous to his death he suffered with severe headache; in returning from a business trip to California he became seriously
ill, and he underwent operations for ear troubles; general inflammation set in, resulting in death July 19, 1896, at his residence in Salt Lake City. In an article published in the "Deseret News" at the time of his demise the editor of that paper says: "In his religious life and duties Abraham H. Cannon was scrupulously strict and energetic. He did not shrink from any duty devolving upon him and avoided
no obligation; but responded to every call with promptness and fidelity. His precision in this regard was remarkable and was characteristic of him from his youth up. As a boy and as a man he was frank and fearless with a love for truth and virtue that was sublime. He never sought to shift to others any burden that devolved on him, and never hesitated to undertake a task that fell to his lot. In his public religious calling and in his private life he was a true disciple of Christ, essentially a servant of God, whose conduct endeared him to all associates by the bonds of that pure and holy love which comes of conformity to divine principles. When in the course of events, during the persecutions of the Saints, it came his turn to endure imprisonment for his religion, he did so cheerfully, praising God that he was worthy to suffer in His cause; and all sufferings and privations then and at other times in his ministry he bore without murmuring, being willing to endure all for the gospel's sake. In his record as a man of God he will ever live in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints, by whom he was greatly beloved."—(See also "Contributor," Vol. 17, p. 644.)
"Topics of the Times." Juvenile Instructor. August 1, 1896. pg. 465-466.
DEATH OF APOSTLE ABRAHAM H. CANNON.
With a feeling which neither tongue nor pen can express, we announce to our readers, and make record in these columns of, the death of Abraham Hoagland Cannon. His sickness in the acute form which confined him to his bed was of scarcely two weeks' duration. He was out for the last time on Sunday, the 5th of July. With the breaking of the dawn on Sunday, the 19th, his noble spirit obtained release from its tired casket of mortality, and went back to the Father who gave it.
No mature reader or patron of the Juvenile Instructor needs from us either introduction to or words of praise for the departed one. There is scarcely even a child in Zion who has not learned to love and know him. His life, though so short, has for years been spent with and before the people, old and young. It was an open book, to be read and admired of all men for its purity, energy and absolute honesty.
Thoroughly business-like in all his methods, he was nevertheless charitable and forbearing; with scrupulous exactness in all his affairs, he was not less generous than just. His heart was sound, his hand ever ready to aid, his mind filled with high thoughts and aspirations for the benefit of mankind. Himself a type of rare obedience as a son from childhood up, and as a servant of the Lord during all his young manhood, he was peculiarly qualified to teach this great lesson to the youth of Israel by word of mouth and by his writings. Filled with the knowledge of the Gospel and inspired by the light which accompanies it, he knew whereof he spoke when dwelling upon the beauties of revealed religion and the great blessings which follow the sincere believer.
He was not only a teacher of the true word, but a doer of it also. Possessed of singular openness of character and of extraordinary industry, he had nothing but contempt for a hypocrite and no sympathy whatever with a sluggard. Yet to men's failings was he ever kind, and that exalted charity which is so sweet an attribute of divinity never had a truer human exemplar than he. Peaceful yet courageous, quiet yet unswerving of purpose, humble among his brethren yet valiant under every condition for the testimony of Jesus and in the defense of right, he was all in all a MAN, and we shall not soon look upon his like again.
Abraham H. Cannon, the son of George Q. and Elizabeth Hoagland Cannon, was born in this city March 12, 1859. His father was absent from home on a mission at the time, and the babe received the name of his grandfather, the late Bishop Abraham Hoagland. He was baptized when eight years of age, and soon afterwards began that willing faithfulness in the ministry which always characterized him, by performing the duties of a deacon in the Fourteenth Ward. He was a regular attendant at Sunday school and truly loved to go; indeed he was essentially and inherently a good boy—a model of truthfulness and obedience. In due time, when he was twenty years of age, he was called upon a mission, and responded with readiness. His first field of labor was in England; subsequently he went to the Swiss and German mission, where he mastered the language so thoroughly as to be able to write some of the hymns which the German Saints still sing in their assemblages. His knowledge of music also assisted him in the arrangement of a song-book specially prepared for use in that mission, and the president insisted that his name should be perpetuated on the title page as one of the publishers. After an absence of about two years and a half he returned home; and in the fall of 1882, he was chosen one of the first seven presidents of Seventies. He zealously performed the duties of that high office until the autumn of 1881, when he was called and ordained to the Apostleship, being then and up to the time of his death the junior member of the quorum. During the "crusade," he served a term in the penitentiary for conscience sake, being sentenced to a fine and six months' imprisonment for what the law termed "unlawful cohabitation." It was during
this trying ordeal that he became so intimately associated and acquainted with President Lorenzo Snow—a friendship feelingly referred to by the latter in his remarks at the funeral.
It is not necessary to dwell upon the labors of the deceased in the Apostleship, nor to mention in detail the many positions of honor and trust he occupied in the business world in this city and state. His connection with this journal, however, deserves more than a passing allusion. Immediately upon his return from his mission he entered this office as manager of the entire business, and assistant editor of the Juvenile Instructor. He did not consider himself a fluent or ready writer, yet some of the best work that has been done on the paper during the last twelve or fourteen years has been the product of his pen, while the amount that he has contributed is prodigious and quite beyond the calculation of all save those who have been with him all the time.
What he has also done for other periodicals would if known cause him to be regarded as one of the most industrious and prolific writers in the community; and when to all this is added his personal management of the papers in question and the aid rendered in the management of numerous other enterprises of magnitude, it hardly need be said that great as was his capacity for work, it has been taxed to the uttermost.
The service he has rendered this paper has not perhaps been fully appreciated, but it can never be forgotten. He was so completely identified with the establishment that in his loss it seems as if the greater and better part had gone. It is hard to believe that his place can ever be filled; surely he will be missed, not only in the walks of life where he was daily seen, but by the thousands over whom his talents, his influence and his example were exercised for good. But "the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord!" Abraham H. Cannon has earned his rest and his reward, and he has gone to their enjoyment. He leaves an untarnished name, a spotless record—a priceless heritage to his family, his loved ones and the youth of Zion.
Mourning him as a loved one gone before, cut down in the very vigor of his manhood and when the future seemed so full of glorious promise for him, we who remain can but hope and strive for a blissful reunion with him in eternity. May his pure life and love sanctify all
our endeavors in the continued battle of life! May that tired body of his have sweet, peaceful rest!
The Editor.
DEATH OF APOSTLE ABRAHAM H. CANNON.
With a feeling which neither tongue nor pen can express, we announce to our readers, and make record in these columns of, the death of Abraham Hoagland Cannon. His sickness in the acute form which confined him to his bed was of scarcely two weeks' duration. He was out for the last time on Sunday, the 5th of July. With the breaking of the dawn on Sunday, the 19th, his noble spirit obtained release from its tired casket of mortality, and went back to the Father who gave it.
No mature reader or patron of the Juvenile Instructor needs from us either introduction to or words of praise for the departed one. There is scarcely even a child in Zion who has not learned to love and know him. His life, though so short, has for years been spent with and before the people, old and young. It was an open book, to be read and admired of all men for its purity, energy and absolute honesty.
Thoroughly business-like in all his methods, he was nevertheless charitable and forbearing; with scrupulous exactness in all his affairs, he was not less generous than just. His heart was sound, his hand ever ready to aid, his mind filled with high thoughts and aspirations for the benefit of mankind. Himself a type of rare obedience as a son from childhood up, and as a servant of the Lord during all his young manhood, he was peculiarly qualified to teach this great lesson to the youth of Israel by word of mouth and by his writings. Filled with the knowledge of the Gospel and inspired by the light which accompanies it, he knew whereof he spoke when dwelling upon the beauties of revealed religion and the great blessings which follow the sincere believer.
He was not only a teacher of the true word, but a doer of it also. Possessed of singular openness of character and of extraordinary industry, he had nothing but contempt for a hypocrite and no sympathy whatever with a sluggard. Yet to men's failings was he ever kind, and that exalted charity which is so sweet an attribute of divinity never had a truer human exemplar than he. Peaceful yet courageous, quiet yet unswerving of purpose, humble among his brethren yet valiant under every condition for the testimony of Jesus and in the defense of right, he was all in all a MAN, and we shall not soon look upon his like again.
Abraham H. Cannon, the son of George Q. and Elizabeth Hoagland Cannon, was born in this city March 12, 1859. His father was absent from home on a mission at the time, and the babe received the name of his grandfather, the late Bishop Abraham Hoagland. He was baptized when eight years of age, and soon afterwards began that willing faithfulness in the ministry which always characterized him, by performing the duties of a deacon in the Fourteenth Ward. He was a regular attendant at Sunday school and truly loved to go; indeed he was essentially and inherently a good boy—a model of truthfulness and obedience. In due time, when he was twenty years of age, he was called upon a mission, and responded with readiness. His first field of labor was in England; subsequently he went to the Swiss and German mission, where he mastered the language so thoroughly as to be able to write some of the hymns which the German Saints still sing in their assemblages. His knowledge of music also assisted him in the arrangement of a song-book specially prepared for use in that mission, and the president insisted that his name should be perpetuated on the title page as one of the publishers. After an absence of about two years and a half he returned home; and in the fall of 1882, he was chosen one of the first seven presidents of Seventies. He zealously performed the duties of that high office until the autumn of 1881, when he was called and ordained to the Apostleship, being then and up to the time of his death the junior member of the quorum. During the "crusade," he served a term in the penitentiary for conscience sake, being sentenced to a fine and six months' imprisonment for what the law termed "unlawful cohabitation." It was during
this trying ordeal that he became so intimately associated and acquainted with President Lorenzo Snow—a friendship feelingly referred to by the latter in his remarks at the funeral.
It is not necessary to dwell upon the labors of the deceased in the Apostleship, nor to mention in detail the many positions of honor and trust he occupied in the business world in this city and state. His connection with this journal, however, deserves more than a passing allusion. Immediately upon his return from his mission he entered this office as manager of the entire business, and assistant editor of the Juvenile Instructor. He did not consider himself a fluent or ready writer, yet some of the best work that has been done on the paper during the last twelve or fourteen years has been the product of his pen, while the amount that he has contributed is prodigious and quite beyond the calculation of all save those who have been with him all the time.
What he has also done for other periodicals would if known cause him to be regarded as one of the most industrious and prolific writers in the community; and when to all this is added his personal management of the papers in question and the aid rendered in the management of numerous other enterprises of magnitude, it hardly need be said that great as was his capacity for work, it has been taxed to the uttermost.
The service he has rendered this paper has not perhaps been fully appreciated, but it can never be forgotten. He was so completely identified with the establishment that in his loss it seems as if the greater and better part had gone. It is hard to believe that his place can ever be filled; surely he will be missed, not only in the walks of life where he was daily seen, but by the thousands over whom his talents, his influence and his example were exercised for good. But "the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord!" Abraham H. Cannon has earned his rest and his reward, and he has gone to their enjoyment. He leaves an untarnished name, a spotless record—a priceless heritage to his family, his loved ones and the youth of Zion.
Mourning him as a loved one gone before, cut down in the very vigor of his manhood and when the future seemed so full of glorious promise for him, we who remain can but hope and strive for a blissful reunion with him in eternity. May his pure life and love sanctify all
our endeavors in the continued battle of life! May that tired body of his have sweet, peaceful rest!
The Editor.
J. Q. C. "Abraham H. Cannon." The Contributor. August 1896. pg. 644-645.
ABRAHAM H. CANNON.
A sad day was the nineteenth of July, just past, to the youth of Zion; for, with the breaking of the dawn on that day, one of their noblest exemplars, one of their ablest friends, one of the highest possible types of youthful integrity and righteousness, passed away from mortality. Abraham Hoagland Cannon, whom the readers of this magazine have especial cause to love, is no more. Two weeks of severe illness which kept him to his bed, preceded by several days of agonizing pain which would have more quickly prostrated and discouraged almost anybody else, is the brief record of his last illness. As if his indomitable spirit was glad to be released from its tired tabernacle of clay, he went bravely and unmurmuringly to the end. Kind unconsciousness came several hours before the last, and the sorrowing loved ones who surrounded the bed could not but be grateful that at least the closing moments of that courageous and busy life were free from such struggles as the nature of the ailment and the undaunted spirit of the sufferer would have appeared to promise. His end was peaceful—a fitting and welcome termination to a young life of unremitting toil and activity.
Abraham H. Cannon was born in this city on the twelfth of March, 1859, and received the best opportunities of education that the country afforded, though at a comparatively early age he preferred to leave school and begin practical life in the workshop. The days he spent in the old Church carpenter shop on the Temple Block, were followed by nights devoted to the study of architecture. In the trade and the profession he had scarcely become adept when, having but recently married, he was called on a mission to Europe. Naturally of a pious turn, he obeyed the call with joyful promptitude, and on his return, nearly three years later, he was recognized as having opened several new fields in Germany, baptized many new members, and performed altogether a mission of distinguished success. He was soon thereafter chosen one of the general presidency of the Seventies, a position he retained until October, 1889, when he was called and ordained to be one of the Twelve Apostles.
Though seventeen of his thirty-seven years of lite were thus actively spent in the ministry, he found time for the exercise of his talents in many other directions. He had a fine business mind, being prudent and sagacious in large affairs, while scrupulously exact and observing as to the details of every enterprise with which he was identified. In the vast realm of commerce he seemed to be entering upon a mighty career, having concerns in hand with which the hopes and destinies of the whole community were closely wrapped up. As a publisher, no man of his years among our people had ever done so much. In addition to his large share in the control of the Deseret News establishment since 1892, and his sole management of the Juvenile Instructor and other publications issued from that house, he assumed some years since the proprietorship of the Contributor, and to it he continued to give his most devoted care up to the very last. Indeed, when upon his deathbed and when experiencing only momentary gleams of consciousness, one of his last requests was that the writer of this sketch, who was watching by his bedside, would read the last proofs of the July number of this magazine and return them to the printer in order that the delay in publication might be shortened The incident is a type of his whole character — thoughtful of every interest entrusted to him, unselfish as to himself, industrious and energetic, almost to the point of unwisdom in caring for his own health and comfort.
Though the earth received his pure, cold tabernacle many days ago, the writer feels still unable to realize the loss which has been sustained. But the heart is too heavy to admit of the multiplication of words concerning him. He was a loving, true brother, a valiant, consistent friend, a virtuous, upright Saint—an honest man. May his rest be sweet; and may all of us who loved him in life whether brothers, relatives or friends —be so blessed as to be granted a glad reunion with him in eternity.
J. Q. C.
ABRAHAM H. CANNON.
A sad day was the nineteenth of July, just past, to the youth of Zion; for, with the breaking of the dawn on that day, one of their noblest exemplars, one of their ablest friends, one of the highest possible types of youthful integrity and righteousness, passed away from mortality. Abraham Hoagland Cannon, whom the readers of this magazine have especial cause to love, is no more. Two weeks of severe illness which kept him to his bed, preceded by several days of agonizing pain which would have more quickly prostrated and discouraged almost anybody else, is the brief record of his last illness. As if his indomitable spirit was glad to be released from its tired tabernacle of clay, he went bravely and unmurmuringly to the end. Kind unconsciousness came several hours before the last, and the sorrowing loved ones who surrounded the bed could not but be grateful that at least the closing moments of that courageous and busy life were free from such struggles as the nature of the ailment and the undaunted spirit of the sufferer would have appeared to promise. His end was peaceful—a fitting and welcome termination to a young life of unremitting toil and activity.
Abraham H. Cannon was born in this city on the twelfth of March, 1859, and received the best opportunities of education that the country afforded, though at a comparatively early age he preferred to leave school and begin practical life in the workshop. The days he spent in the old Church carpenter shop on the Temple Block, were followed by nights devoted to the study of architecture. In the trade and the profession he had scarcely become adept when, having but recently married, he was called on a mission to Europe. Naturally of a pious turn, he obeyed the call with joyful promptitude, and on his return, nearly three years later, he was recognized as having opened several new fields in Germany, baptized many new members, and performed altogether a mission of distinguished success. He was soon thereafter chosen one of the general presidency of the Seventies, a position he retained until October, 1889, when he was called and ordained to be one of the Twelve Apostles.
Though seventeen of his thirty-seven years of lite were thus actively spent in the ministry, he found time for the exercise of his talents in many other directions. He had a fine business mind, being prudent and sagacious in large affairs, while scrupulously exact and observing as to the details of every enterprise with which he was identified. In the vast realm of commerce he seemed to be entering upon a mighty career, having concerns in hand with which the hopes and destinies of the whole community were closely wrapped up. As a publisher, no man of his years among our people had ever done so much. In addition to his large share in the control of the Deseret News establishment since 1892, and his sole management of the Juvenile Instructor and other publications issued from that house, he assumed some years since the proprietorship of the Contributor, and to it he continued to give his most devoted care up to the very last. Indeed, when upon his deathbed and when experiencing only momentary gleams of consciousness, one of his last requests was that the writer of this sketch, who was watching by his bedside, would read the last proofs of the July number of this magazine and return them to the printer in order that the delay in publication might be shortened The incident is a type of his whole character — thoughtful of every interest entrusted to him, unselfish as to himself, industrious and energetic, almost to the point of unwisdom in caring for his own health and comfort.
Though the earth received his pure, cold tabernacle many days ago, the writer feels still unable to realize the loss which has been sustained. But the heart is too heavy to admit of the multiplication of words concerning him. He was a loving, true brother, a valiant, consistent friend, a virtuous, upright Saint—an honest man. May his rest be sweet; and may all of us who loved him in life whether brothers, relatives or friends —be so blessed as to be granted a glad reunion with him in eternity.
J. Q. C.
"Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon." Young Woman's Journal. August 1896. pg. 493-494.
Death of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon. The mystery of life and death is one that the Almighty holds closely within Himself. The puniest infant sometimes surprises us by the hold it has on vitality, and by the measure and multitude of the diseases it successfully withstands; while the sturdies child is stricken in a night, and before the parents can realize that robust health may be so soon supplanted, they find themselves bereaved. The hoary sage—ripened in years, and mental accomplishment, satisfied if not indeed tired with life, conspicuous in his own person as a type of longevity—is frequently the very one to close the eyes and perform the last sad offices for him who in the full bloom and vigor of hopeful manhood, healthy and sturdy as a growing young giant of the forest, is cut down while every promise seemed bright before him, and while a long, glowing future appeared assuredly to be his. But “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away—blessed be the name of the Lord;” and while reflections like the foregoing can hardly be suppressed in thinking of the taking off of a young man like Abraham H. Cannon, the comforting thought remains that the Almighty knows best, and does all things well. Of this vivid illustration of His omniscience, the readers of this paper need hardly now to be reminded. Of all the holy men who have held the Apostleship, none was ever better prepared to go before his Master than this junior ember. His feet had never faltered in the path of righteousness; his tongue had never uttered malicious or untruthful words; his heart had never been swayed by dishonest or unworthy thoughts. In a word, he was a godly man, a noble type of the best results of the revealed and everlasting gospel, a Saint in whom under the most rigid scrutiny there could be found no guile. It is difficult to speak of Abraham Hoagland Cannon without putting language to a severe strain. No purer spirit than his ever tabernacled in mortality; no truer soul ever mingled with the sons of men. His acts were all virtuous—his very thoughts were ever of an unselfish and unsordid character. If in the whole world there can be found one—and we doubt it—who looked upon him as an enemy, that one would never dare deny that Abraham Cannon was absolutely just, and that in his sense of justice the element of charity was never lacking. He was brave yet merciful, and though tremendously energetic, he was patient and held not back the comforting and encouraging word. How greatly he will be missed in the circles where he was wont to associate, cannot be told or estimated. While there are and will be beloved ones, his loss creates a vacancy, as was said at his funeral, which no other can ever fill. Abraham H. Cannon had but just entered upon his thirty-eighth year, having been born March 12, 1857, and obeying the last mortal summons on July 19th 1896. As an infant, a youth, a schoolboy, an apprentice, a missionary, a seventy, an Apostle, he showed and retained the same sterling attributes of character. He shirked no task, slighted no duty, withheld no obedience, and violated no trust that honor could require at his hands. His entire life testifies to the correctness of this tribute; for it was an open book before all his associates and the people. He needs no further eulogy in these columns than the admonition to each reader, to not the sturdiness of his promising career thus abruptly ended, and to follow as far as may be, the path he so gallantly trod. He will be remembered and beloved—apart from the amiable and generous characteristics which made him an honored member of his father’s household, and the honored head of a fine family of his own—as one of the greatest young men either the Church or the State has ever known. |
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon
|
Abraham H. Cannon
“…the substance of a diligent man is precious.”
-Proverbs 12:27
-Proverbs 12:27
Ordained: 7 October 1889 at age 30 by Wilford Woodruff
Biography
Abraham Hoagland Cannon was born 12 March 1859 in Salt Lake City to George Q. Cannon and Elizabeth Hoagland. Abraham was named after his maternal grandfather, Abraham Hoagland, who was his father’s bishop in Winter Quarters. When Abraham was only a year old, his father was called as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Abraham was baptized on his eighth birthday, 12 March 1867, by his father and was ordained an Elder 7 July 1875 at age 16, also by his father.
He received a good education, graduating from Deseret University, but chose to learn the practical vocation of carpentry. Nights he studied architecture. While his father was editor of the Deseret News, Abraham worked there for a time as well, as an errand boy.
He married his first wife, Sarah Ann Jenkins, in October 1878. A year later, he married his cousin, Wilhelmina “Mina” Cannon.
Shortly after finishing his studies, in 1879, Abraham was called on a mission to Europe. He served primarily in Germany and Switzerland, although he began his mission in England. He mastered the language while there and wrote several hymns, later helping to translate the Book of Mormon into German. His mother also passed away during his absence.
While on his mission, he wrote a series of articles called “Jottings by a Young Missionary,” which were published under the pseudonym “Streben” (German for striving) in the Juvenile Instructor. They were published between June of 1880 and the end of December 1882. The articles read like a travelogue, describing the history and tourist attractions of the cities he visited with a few missionary experiences related in between.
The laws in Germany and Switzerland at the time were such that the authorities often kept the Saints from meeting together, objecting to the doctrines of polygamy and encouraging the converts to emigrate to Utah. The missionaries of the day suffered a lot of persecution and several were sent to prison, although Abraham Cannon was spared this experience.
The following are excerpts from his articles describing some of his experiences.
My feelings, on learning that I was appointed to perform a mission in Europe, were very peculiar, and can be better imagined than described. Having been born in Utah, and never having been outside of its boundaries, I felt my inexperience, and how unprepared I was to enter upon such a labor. Yet God is with those who will do their utmost, and will bless those who will seek His assistance. With this knowledge, I prepared to go forth, feeling thankful for the great honor conferred upon me, and also feeling the responsibility of the position, as a messenger of life and salvation. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 130)
My appointment was for the Nottingham Conference, and on Saturday evening I arrived in the city of Nottingham, and was rather disappointed in finding that the president of the Conference had gone out in the district to remain several days. There was no alternative for me but to remain here until his return. The next day being Sunday, I, of course, attended meeting. The afternoon was spent in bearing testimony, and in the evening I made my first attempt in speaking as a missionary. I trembled from head to foot, yet feeling determined to bear my testimony, I arose and spoke for a few minutes; long enough, however, to feel how little I was able to do without the assistance of God, and to feel that without His Spirit was within me, I could not successfully proclaim His word. Humility, faithfulness and prayerfulness, are very essential elements for every one to possess who would be a successful advocate of the gospel. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 131)
The call came from the President of the mission for me to go to Germany. I cannot tell how I felt when I received this word. Here was I, going to be sent into a country to proclaim the gospel, with the language of which I was entirely unacquainted. Yet I knew that it was my duty to answer the call, and accordingly trusted in the Lord. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 173)
I have tried to give my readers some little idea of the field in which my president called me to remain, to study the language, and, as soon as possible, to proclaim the gospel. A good branch of the Saints was here, and as there was not much traveling to do, I could devote more time to study, and thus my progress would be more rapid. For about three weeks after the departure of the president for Switzerland I was left with no one to whom I could speak English. This, without doubt, was as good a thing as could have happened to me, because I was compelled to learn. But I had to keep myself busy at all times, so as to allow no place for homesickness to enter; and through the blessings of my Heavenly Father I was enabled to keep free from this dreadful ailment. I can also testify, as others have before me, that the Book of Mormon, gives most excellent reading matter, to cause any feelings of lonesomeness to vanish. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 231)
The following is a story he told of meeting a protestant priest on a train.
We argued for some time on the apostasy, restoration of the gospel, and various other subjects, and finally, my opposer began to question me as to what church I belonged.
"Are you a Baptist?" he asked.
I answered, "No."
"An Irvinianer?"
"No; I am a 'Mormon', from America."
Upon hearing this last reply, my Christian (?) friend held up his hands in holy horror, exclaiming, "Were you a member of any other sect or party on the face of the earth, I would look upon you as a friend and converse with you as a brother; but with a Mormon I will have nothing to do, for a person belonging to such a church is entirely beneath my notice."
With this he gathered his parcels together, and moved to another part of the car where he thought himself secure from the attacks of "a 'Mormon' from America."
A number of passengers listened very attentively to the discussion, and were amused to see the discomfiture of the priest when he endeavored to argue against the doctrines of the scriptures. After the reverend gentlemen's hasty retreat, a number expressed a desire to hear more of our religion and people, and thus an opportunity was presented of bearing testimony to the truth. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1881, 189)
I was appointed to labor in the North German Conference, which had not been visited by an Elder from Zion for a considerable length of time, owing to the fact that the laws of Germany forbid our brethren to meet and converse with the Saints in the capacity of a religious service… Although I was happy to have the privilege of laboring in the ministry, still I felt my great weakness in being sent out alone among strangers… The Lord, however, gave me strength to overcome my natural feelings and taught me to place implicit confidence in Him, so that when the day of my departure for my new field of labor arrived, I hailed the same with pleasure and entered upon the performance of my duties with a joyful heart. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 101)
In order to do good without acting unwisely, we deemed it best to discontinue our open meetings, to divide the branch into several districts and to meet on evenings during the week at the homes of the Saints, inviting only such persons to our assemblies who as earnestly seeking after truth.
This plan proved successful, for we not only enjoyed a rich portion of the good Spirit ourselves, but we also had the pleasure of seeing the branch rapidly increase in numbers, and we could easily see that the Lord had overruled the wicked designs of the adversary for the good of His work. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 101-102)
On arriving in Bremen I received a letter from the President of the European mission containing my honorable release to return home with the company then about to sail. With great joy I packed my valise, boarded the ship and bade Germany farewell, turning my face to "the land of the free." Still, sorrowful thoughts crowded themselves upon me in parting with my brother and in leaving behind me the poverty-stricken Saints whom I had learned to love because of their faithfulness and sincerity in the cause of truth. Yet in leaving them I felt that they were in the hands of God, who would bless them according to their righteous desires and would also gather them in His own due time. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 375)
My feelings on arriving home once more and meeting with my friends and relatives in the home of the Saints can be better imagined than described… I had been away from home two years seven and one-half months, during which time many changes (some sad ones) had occurred; yet on returning my heart was filled with gratitude to God that He had given me a home among His people, and had permitted me to go abroad and bear my humble testimony to the nations. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 375)
Following his mission, on 10 June 1882 at the age of 23, he was called to the Presidency of the Seventy. He also assumed control of the Juvenile Instructor, a periodical geared toward children founded by his father. He was able to develop what was a small printing office into one of the foremost publishing houses in the west.
In the winter of 1883-84, Abraham was stricken with typhoid fever and was near death for several weeks. He experienced what he described as an “out-of-body” incident where he saw his deceased mother, an experience he treasured the rest of his life.
A year later, on 28 April 1885, Abraham H. Cannon was arrested on the charge of unlawful cohabitation. He pled guilty and was then sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and was forced to pay a $300 fine, the maximum penalty at the time. During his incarceration, Abraham wrote a great deal, keeping a detailed record of his experiences and doing some writing and editing of a more general nature.
He was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1889, together with Marriner W. Merrill and Anthon H. Lund.
Having a father in the First Presidency wasn’t the reason for his calling. On the occasion of his call to the apostleship, Abraham recorded in his journal, “Early this morning I took Father to the Hot Springs in my buggy. Our conversation on the road gave me very great joy to see how happy he was at my call to the Apostleship without any suggestion from him.” (Britton 1999, Chapter 8: "These Clouds Will Roll By": "Once More to Public Usefulness", Location 9155)
Around the time of his call to the apostleship, Abraham married Mary “Mamie” E. Croxall. As a concession to the Manifesto and the desires of the general population of the Church, Elder Cannon built three homes for his three wives on the same plot of land.
Together with his brother, John Q. Cannon, he took charge of the Deseret News in 1892. Abraham was responsible for the business management of the successful newspaper. He also became the proprietor of the Contributor, a magazine for the youth of the Church.
One of Elder Cannon’s most striking characteristics was his determination to keep careful notes. He was often called upon to take the minutes in various meetings of the Presidency of the Seventy, and later Quorum of the Twelve. His extensive and detailed diaries of his time as an Apostle have also been published and offer an invaluable look into the lives of the apostles at the end of the 19th Century.
He had great business abilities. He served as business manager of the Deseret News Publishing Company, vice president of George Q. Cannon and Sons Co., vice president and assistant manager of the Bullion, Beck and Champion mining company and director of several banks and railroads. Elder Cannon was also vice president of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce and was in line to become its president.
Elder Cannon spent a great deal of his time looking after his father’s business interests and worried whether he was pleasing his father. He was often in demand because of his accounting experience, investment sense and management skills. Despite his father’s deep investment in republican politics, he remained neutral in most political situations. Shortly before his death and Utah’s successful bid for statehood, he was chastised by Joseph F. Smith for remaining so neutral in politics.
In October 1892, Elder Cannon's younger brother, David Hoagland Cannon, died unexpectedly while serving his mission in Germany, where Abraham had also served a few years earlier. Elder Cannon had assisted in the missionary preparation preceding his brother's mission, and therefore undoubtedly tried to prepare him to serve in the then-hostile environment of Germany. Despite advice to the contrary and his own ignorance of the language and culture, David Cannon had decided to serve without purse or scrip. He only served five months when he died from exposure. He was delirious when his brother, Hugh J. Cannon, who was serving his mission in a neighboring city, reached him to discover that David hadn't eaten in four days. Abraham Cannon was stunned upon hearing the news of his brother's death, as the family had no inkling of him suffering. Elder Cannon felt guilty about it, and named his next born son after him.
Shortly following his brother's untimely death, Elder Cannon became involved in a situation that appears very strange to the reader of today. His brother, David, had been engaged to Lillian Hamlin and had declared a long-standing intention to marry his cousin, Ann Mousley Cannon, when he died unexpectedly. George Q. Cannon then went to his son, Abraham, and asked him to marry Ann for time, while they would seal her to his deceased son, David. Any posterity would then be assigned to David’s family in the next life. He said that President Woodruff would agree to this sort of polygamous marriage post-Manifesto if it took place in Mexico. Abraham agreed, although he very rarely mentioned the situation in his extensive journals. Ann’s father also agreed, provided his daughter was okay with the arrangement, and the two were presumed to have married in Mexico in 1892, although Ann never bore any children.
Then, shortly before his own untimely death, he tried to rescue the failing Utah Loan and Trust company, an Ogden bank, going deeply into debt to buy it. Around this same time, Abraham married Lillian Hamlin, also in his brother, David’s stead, presumably on a boat off the coast of California in 1896. Although Joseph F. Smith denied having performed the marriage, there is some indication that he was involved in some way, perhaps performing her sealing to David. During this trip, Elder Cannon got ocean water in his ear, which may have contributed to his death. Nine months after the trip, Lillian bore a daughter, Marba, which is Abram spelled backwards.
Abraham H. Cannon died 19 July 1896 at age 37 after a brief and intensely painful inner ear infection, possibly related to his bout of typhoid fever. While on his deathbed, he asked his brother to read proofs of the Contributor aloud so he could approve them and there would be no delay in publication.
Abraham had been a great support to his father, who said on the occasion of his death, “…I could scarcely refrain from weeping in thinking about the manner in which he has helped me on various occasions and done what he could for my sons, some of whom seem inclined to lay heavy burdens upon me, without any design on their part to do so, but through mismanagement. Abraham has always stood by me and done all in his power to assist me, and I felt to bless him for it.” (Britton 1999, Chapter 12: From Statehood to the Century's End: Abraham's Death, Location 12480) George Q. Cannon felt very close to his son, Abraham, and left provision for his children in his will.
Quotes
Abraham H. Cannon’s talks at General Conference were often of a rather non-specific nature, jumping from topic to topic. It seems that his strength and talent for writing did not extend to public speaking.
Elder Cannon often felt his own weakness when speaking to the Saints.
Elder A. H. Cannon said he rejoiced in the testimony of the Gospel which the Lord had given him, and though he felt his own imperfections and weaknesses and saw them every day he lived, yet he hoped, through the faith and power which God would give him, to bring himself in due time under complete subjection to His mind and will. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1894, 274)
He had a testimony that if the people were not faithful, God would raise up another.
We will live to see the day when the promises of God will be fulfilled, but we will all have to be tested. Will we then be faithful? The majority of the people will. And if they would not, if they all turned away, God would raise up a people unto him of the very stones of the ground. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1888, 711)
He felt that forgiveness was an essential characteristic of a Saint.
We should always be willing to forgive one another, and cultivate a spirit of charity toward the erring and weak; for by so doing we have claim upon the Lord that he will forgive us our trespasses. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1893, 322)
Elder Cannon had one of the strongest testimonies of the divine calling of the prophets of anyone who ever lived.
The men who have led this Church in this dispensation do not make mistakes, although, viewed by individuals devoid of the Holy Spirit, some of their acts may assume that appearance. I testify that President Woodruff, who stands at the head of the Church, is directed by the revelations of God. So with those associated with him. They may make mistakes in their personal concerns, but the affairs of the Church of Christ are moved forward by the power of inspiration of the Almighty. The Church will not diminish in power, but will increase in every gift and grace and in the power of salvation from this time forward. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1891, 338-339)
Another topic he felt strongly about was marriage. He warned the young people several times to marry within the faith and in the temple.
We find to-day that our young people, many of them born and reared in the Church, and who are heirs of the covenant and Priesthood, are not receiving these blessings from God which are to be obtained in the House of the Lord. Marriages are taking place with those not of our faith, and I tell you, brethren and sisters, it is my belief that if this thing continues, destruction will attend the people of God. Watch the course that these young people pursue, and you will find trouble and ruin will follow them. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1888, 325)
Being himself a capable manager, he did not understand idleness.
The experience of employers has proved that many men are unable to direct in wisdom their own work, to say nothing of directing the work of others. Every man should be, as far as possible, the master of his own labors; if this could not be done, he should place himself under the direction of one who had ability and the inspiration of God. Every man, woman, and child should be a producer. All such, if industrious and capable, would always be able to secure employment. Any honorable work, with any wage, is better than idleness and poverty. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1895, 259)
The Contributor published this regarding his character in general.
… his whole character—thoughtful of every interest entrusted to him, unselfish as to himself, industrious and energetic, almost to the point of unwisdom in caring for his own health and comfort….He was a loving, true brother, a valiant, consistent friend, a virtuous, upright Saint—an honest man. (J. Q. Cannon 1896, 645)
Francis M. Lyman thought that he worked too hard. He even went so far as to say that he died of overwork.
[His excessive work] came from the goodness and generosity of his soul. His nature was such that he could not refuse any good thing that was possible for him to do. (Lyman 2010, Introduction)
Joseph F. Smith gave this glowing tribute at his funeral.
Never did I see [Abraham] attempt to use an influence by force, or by contention, or by argument, or in any way other than by the calm, peaceful, kindly statement of the truth as it welled up in his soul and as it beamed from him like rays of intelligence… In the spirit of kindness, or reason, of persuasion and of love he sought to mould the thoughts of others and prevail upon them to see the truth as he saw it. … [He was a person of] pure intelligence and judgment and wisdom, with which he was endowed to a marvelous extent for a man of his years … a man of truth, a man fearless when duty called him, a man who was not afraid to meet the consequence of his own acts; … a man among men as well as a Man of God … and in every way … good and true, so far as my knowledge goes. (Lyman 2010, Introduction)
The following tribute was also given of him:
In his religious life and duties Abraham H. Cannon was scrupulously strict and energetic. He did not shrink from any duty devolving upon him and avoided no obligation; but responded to every call with promptness and fidelity. His precision in this regard was remarkable and was characteristic of him from his youth up. As a boy and as a man he was frank and fearless with a love for truth and virtue that was sublime. He never sought to shift to others any burden that devolved on him, and never hesitated to undertake a task that fell to his lot. In his public religious calling and in his private life he was a true disciple of Christ, essentially a servant of God, whose conduct endeared him to all associates by the bonds of conformity to divine principles. When in the course of events, during the persecutions of the Saints, it came his turn to endure imprisonment for his religion, he did so cheerfully, praising God that he was worthy to suffer in His cause; and all sufferings and privations then and at other times in his ministry he bore without murmuring, being willing to endure all for the gospel's sake. In his record as a man of God he will ever live in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints, by whom he was greatly beloved. (Jenson, Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia 1901, 168)
Conclusion
What kind of man was Abraham H. Cannon? He was a diligent man. He never stopped working for what he had. He tried to do what he felt was right at all times. He was an excellent writer and shared his talents by writing articles for the Church.
He had implicit faith in the leadership of his father, and sought his approval at all times. He had a great love for his family, and was deeply affected by the sudden death of his brother, David. He also put his affection into action, acting in his family's behalf whenever possible.
Britton, Davis. 1999. George Q. Cannon: A Biography. Kindle Edition. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book.
Cannon, Abraham H. 1888. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, May 21: 324-326.
—. 1888. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, November 5: 710-711.
—. 1891. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, June 1: 337-339.
—. 1893. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, May 15: 322.
—. 1894. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, April 30: 274-275.
—. 1895. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, April 25: 258-259.
Cannon, J. Q. 1896. "Abraham H. Cannon." The Contributor, August: 644-645.
2003. Church History in the Fulness of Times, Student Manual. Salt Lake City: Church Educational System Curriculum.
Jenson, Andrew. 1899. Church Chronology. A Record of Important Events. Second Edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret News.
—. 1901. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
Lyman, Edward Leo. 2010. Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895. Salt Lake City: Signature Books.
Streben. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, June 1: 130-131.
—. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, August 1: 173.
—. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, October 15: 231-232.
—. 1881. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, August 15: 188-189.
—. 1882. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, April 1: 100-102.
—. 1882. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, December 15: 375.
The Deseret News. 1892. "David Hoagland Cannon. His Death Occurred This Morning in East Germany." October 17: 4.
Biography
Abraham Hoagland Cannon was born 12 March 1859 in Salt Lake City to George Q. Cannon and Elizabeth Hoagland. Abraham was named after his maternal grandfather, Abraham Hoagland, who was his father’s bishop in Winter Quarters. When Abraham was only a year old, his father was called as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Abraham was baptized on his eighth birthday, 12 March 1867, by his father and was ordained an Elder 7 July 1875 at age 16, also by his father.
He received a good education, graduating from Deseret University, but chose to learn the practical vocation of carpentry. Nights he studied architecture. While his father was editor of the Deseret News, Abraham worked there for a time as well, as an errand boy.
He married his first wife, Sarah Ann Jenkins, in October 1878. A year later, he married his cousin, Wilhelmina “Mina” Cannon.
Shortly after finishing his studies, in 1879, Abraham was called on a mission to Europe. He served primarily in Germany and Switzerland, although he began his mission in England. He mastered the language while there and wrote several hymns, later helping to translate the Book of Mormon into German. His mother also passed away during his absence.
While on his mission, he wrote a series of articles called “Jottings by a Young Missionary,” which were published under the pseudonym “Streben” (German for striving) in the Juvenile Instructor. They were published between June of 1880 and the end of December 1882. The articles read like a travelogue, describing the history and tourist attractions of the cities he visited with a few missionary experiences related in between.
The laws in Germany and Switzerland at the time were such that the authorities often kept the Saints from meeting together, objecting to the doctrines of polygamy and encouraging the converts to emigrate to Utah. The missionaries of the day suffered a lot of persecution and several were sent to prison, although Abraham Cannon was spared this experience.
The following are excerpts from his articles describing some of his experiences.
My feelings, on learning that I was appointed to perform a mission in Europe, were very peculiar, and can be better imagined than described. Having been born in Utah, and never having been outside of its boundaries, I felt my inexperience, and how unprepared I was to enter upon such a labor. Yet God is with those who will do their utmost, and will bless those who will seek His assistance. With this knowledge, I prepared to go forth, feeling thankful for the great honor conferred upon me, and also feeling the responsibility of the position, as a messenger of life and salvation. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 130)
My appointment was for the Nottingham Conference, and on Saturday evening I arrived in the city of Nottingham, and was rather disappointed in finding that the president of the Conference had gone out in the district to remain several days. There was no alternative for me but to remain here until his return. The next day being Sunday, I, of course, attended meeting. The afternoon was spent in bearing testimony, and in the evening I made my first attempt in speaking as a missionary. I trembled from head to foot, yet feeling determined to bear my testimony, I arose and spoke for a few minutes; long enough, however, to feel how little I was able to do without the assistance of God, and to feel that without His Spirit was within me, I could not successfully proclaim His word. Humility, faithfulness and prayerfulness, are very essential elements for every one to possess who would be a successful advocate of the gospel. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 131)
The call came from the President of the mission for me to go to Germany. I cannot tell how I felt when I received this word. Here was I, going to be sent into a country to proclaim the gospel, with the language of which I was entirely unacquainted. Yet I knew that it was my duty to answer the call, and accordingly trusted in the Lord. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 173)
I have tried to give my readers some little idea of the field in which my president called me to remain, to study the language, and, as soon as possible, to proclaim the gospel. A good branch of the Saints was here, and as there was not much traveling to do, I could devote more time to study, and thus my progress would be more rapid. For about three weeks after the departure of the president for Switzerland I was left with no one to whom I could speak English. This, without doubt, was as good a thing as could have happened to me, because I was compelled to learn. But I had to keep myself busy at all times, so as to allow no place for homesickness to enter; and through the blessings of my Heavenly Father I was enabled to keep free from this dreadful ailment. I can also testify, as others have before me, that the Book of Mormon, gives most excellent reading matter, to cause any feelings of lonesomeness to vanish. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1880, 231)
The following is a story he told of meeting a protestant priest on a train.
We argued for some time on the apostasy, restoration of the gospel, and various other subjects, and finally, my opposer began to question me as to what church I belonged.
"Are you a Baptist?" he asked.
I answered, "No."
"An Irvinianer?"
"No; I am a 'Mormon', from America."
Upon hearing this last reply, my Christian (?) friend held up his hands in holy horror, exclaiming, "Were you a member of any other sect or party on the face of the earth, I would look upon you as a friend and converse with you as a brother; but with a Mormon I will have nothing to do, for a person belonging to such a church is entirely beneath my notice."
With this he gathered his parcels together, and moved to another part of the car where he thought himself secure from the attacks of "a 'Mormon' from America."
A number of passengers listened very attentively to the discussion, and were amused to see the discomfiture of the priest when he endeavored to argue against the doctrines of the scriptures. After the reverend gentlemen's hasty retreat, a number expressed a desire to hear more of our religion and people, and thus an opportunity was presented of bearing testimony to the truth. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1881, 189)
I was appointed to labor in the North German Conference, which had not been visited by an Elder from Zion for a considerable length of time, owing to the fact that the laws of Germany forbid our brethren to meet and converse with the Saints in the capacity of a religious service… Although I was happy to have the privilege of laboring in the ministry, still I felt my great weakness in being sent out alone among strangers… The Lord, however, gave me strength to overcome my natural feelings and taught me to place implicit confidence in Him, so that when the day of my departure for my new field of labor arrived, I hailed the same with pleasure and entered upon the performance of my duties with a joyful heart. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 101)
In order to do good without acting unwisely, we deemed it best to discontinue our open meetings, to divide the branch into several districts and to meet on evenings during the week at the homes of the Saints, inviting only such persons to our assemblies who as earnestly seeking after truth.
This plan proved successful, for we not only enjoyed a rich portion of the good Spirit ourselves, but we also had the pleasure of seeing the branch rapidly increase in numbers, and we could easily see that the Lord had overruled the wicked designs of the adversary for the good of His work. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 101-102)
On arriving in Bremen I received a letter from the President of the European mission containing my honorable release to return home with the company then about to sail. With great joy I packed my valise, boarded the ship and bade Germany farewell, turning my face to "the land of the free." Still, sorrowful thoughts crowded themselves upon me in parting with my brother and in leaving behind me the poverty-stricken Saints whom I had learned to love because of their faithfulness and sincerity in the cause of truth. Yet in leaving them I felt that they were in the hands of God, who would bless them according to their righteous desires and would also gather them in His own due time. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 375)
My feelings on arriving home once more and meeting with my friends and relatives in the home of the Saints can be better imagined than described… I had been away from home two years seven and one-half months, during which time many changes (some sad ones) had occurred; yet on returning my heart was filled with gratitude to God that He had given me a home among His people, and had permitted me to go abroad and bear my humble testimony to the nations. (Streben, Jottings by a Young Missionary 1882, 375)
Following his mission, on 10 June 1882 at the age of 23, he was called to the Presidency of the Seventy. He also assumed control of the Juvenile Instructor, a periodical geared toward children founded by his father. He was able to develop what was a small printing office into one of the foremost publishing houses in the west.
In the winter of 1883-84, Abraham was stricken with typhoid fever and was near death for several weeks. He experienced what he described as an “out-of-body” incident where he saw his deceased mother, an experience he treasured the rest of his life.
A year later, on 28 April 1885, Abraham H. Cannon was arrested on the charge of unlawful cohabitation. He pled guilty and was then sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and was forced to pay a $300 fine, the maximum penalty at the time. During his incarceration, Abraham wrote a great deal, keeping a detailed record of his experiences and doing some writing and editing of a more general nature.
He was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1889, together with Marriner W. Merrill and Anthon H. Lund.
Having a father in the First Presidency wasn’t the reason for his calling. On the occasion of his call to the apostleship, Abraham recorded in his journal, “Early this morning I took Father to the Hot Springs in my buggy. Our conversation on the road gave me very great joy to see how happy he was at my call to the Apostleship without any suggestion from him.” (Britton 1999, Chapter 8: "These Clouds Will Roll By": "Once More to Public Usefulness", Location 9155)
Around the time of his call to the apostleship, Abraham married Mary “Mamie” E. Croxall. As a concession to the Manifesto and the desires of the general population of the Church, Elder Cannon built three homes for his three wives on the same plot of land.
Together with his brother, John Q. Cannon, he took charge of the Deseret News in 1892. Abraham was responsible for the business management of the successful newspaper. He also became the proprietor of the Contributor, a magazine for the youth of the Church.
One of Elder Cannon’s most striking characteristics was his determination to keep careful notes. He was often called upon to take the minutes in various meetings of the Presidency of the Seventy, and later Quorum of the Twelve. His extensive and detailed diaries of his time as an Apostle have also been published and offer an invaluable look into the lives of the apostles at the end of the 19th Century.
He had great business abilities. He served as business manager of the Deseret News Publishing Company, vice president of George Q. Cannon and Sons Co., vice president and assistant manager of the Bullion, Beck and Champion mining company and director of several banks and railroads. Elder Cannon was also vice president of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce and was in line to become its president.
Elder Cannon spent a great deal of his time looking after his father’s business interests and worried whether he was pleasing his father. He was often in demand because of his accounting experience, investment sense and management skills. Despite his father’s deep investment in republican politics, he remained neutral in most political situations. Shortly before his death and Utah’s successful bid for statehood, he was chastised by Joseph F. Smith for remaining so neutral in politics.
In October 1892, Elder Cannon's younger brother, David Hoagland Cannon, died unexpectedly while serving his mission in Germany, where Abraham had also served a few years earlier. Elder Cannon had assisted in the missionary preparation preceding his brother's mission, and therefore undoubtedly tried to prepare him to serve in the then-hostile environment of Germany. Despite advice to the contrary and his own ignorance of the language and culture, David Cannon had decided to serve without purse or scrip. He only served five months when he died from exposure. He was delirious when his brother, Hugh J. Cannon, who was serving his mission in a neighboring city, reached him to discover that David hadn't eaten in four days. Abraham Cannon was stunned upon hearing the news of his brother's death, as the family had no inkling of him suffering. Elder Cannon felt guilty about it, and named his next born son after him.
Shortly following his brother's untimely death, Elder Cannon became involved in a situation that appears very strange to the reader of today. His brother, David, had been engaged to Lillian Hamlin and had declared a long-standing intention to marry his cousin, Ann Mousley Cannon, when he died unexpectedly. George Q. Cannon then went to his son, Abraham, and asked him to marry Ann for time, while they would seal her to his deceased son, David. Any posterity would then be assigned to David’s family in the next life. He said that President Woodruff would agree to this sort of polygamous marriage post-Manifesto if it took place in Mexico. Abraham agreed, although he very rarely mentioned the situation in his extensive journals. Ann’s father also agreed, provided his daughter was okay with the arrangement, and the two were presumed to have married in Mexico in 1892, although Ann never bore any children.
Then, shortly before his own untimely death, he tried to rescue the failing Utah Loan and Trust company, an Ogden bank, going deeply into debt to buy it. Around this same time, Abraham married Lillian Hamlin, also in his brother, David’s stead, presumably on a boat off the coast of California in 1896. Although Joseph F. Smith denied having performed the marriage, there is some indication that he was involved in some way, perhaps performing her sealing to David. During this trip, Elder Cannon got ocean water in his ear, which may have contributed to his death. Nine months after the trip, Lillian bore a daughter, Marba, which is Abram spelled backwards.
Abraham H. Cannon died 19 July 1896 at age 37 after a brief and intensely painful inner ear infection, possibly related to his bout of typhoid fever. While on his deathbed, he asked his brother to read proofs of the Contributor aloud so he could approve them and there would be no delay in publication.
Abraham had been a great support to his father, who said on the occasion of his death, “…I could scarcely refrain from weeping in thinking about the manner in which he has helped me on various occasions and done what he could for my sons, some of whom seem inclined to lay heavy burdens upon me, without any design on their part to do so, but through mismanagement. Abraham has always stood by me and done all in his power to assist me, and I felt to bless him for it.” (Britton 1999, Chapter 12: From Statehood to the Century's End: Abraham's Death, Location 12480) George Q. Cannon felt very close to his son, Abraham, and left provision for his children in his will.
Quotes
Abraham H. Cannon’s talks at General Conference were often of a rather non-specific nature, jumping from topic to topic. It seems that his strength and talent for writing did not extend to public speaking.
Elder Cannon often felt his own weakness when speaking to the Saints.
Elder A. H. Cannon said he rejoiced in the testimony of the Gospel which the Lord had given him, and though he felt his own imperfections and weaknesses and saw them every day he lived, yet he hoped, through the faith and power which God would give him, to bring himself in due time under complete subjection to His mind and will. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1894, 274)
He had a testimony that if the people were not faithful, God would raise up another.
We will live to see the day when the promises of God will be fulfilled, but we will all have to be tested. Will we then be faithful? The majority of the people will. And if they would not, if they all turned away, God would raise up a people unto him of the very stones of the ground. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1888, 711)
He felt that forgiveness was an essential characteristic of a Saint.
We should always be willing to forgive one another, and cultivate a spirit of charity toward the erring and weak; for by so doing we have claim upon the Lord that he will forgive us our trespasses. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1893, 322)
Elder Cannon had one of the strongest testimonies of the divine calling of the prophets of anyone who ever lived.
The men who have led this Church in this dispensation do not make mistakes, although, viewed by individuals devoid of the Holy Spirit, some of their acts may assume that appearance. I testify that President Woodruff, who stands at the head of the Church, is directed by the revelations of God. So with those associated with him. They may make mistakes in their personal concerns, but the affairs of the Church of Christ are moved forward by the power of inspiration of the Almighty. The Church will not diminish in power, but will increase in every gift and grace and in the power of salvation from this time forward. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1891, 338-339)
Another topic he felt strongly about was marriage. He warned the young people several times to marry within the faith and in the temple.
We find to-day that our young people, many of them born and reared in the Church, and who are heirs of the covenant and Priesthood, are not receiving these blessings from God which are to be obtained in the House of the Lord. Marriages are taking place with those not of our faith, and I tell you, brethren and sisters, it is my belief that if this thing continues, destruction will attend the people of God. Watch the course that these young people pursue, and you will find trouble and ruin will follow them. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1888, 325)
Being himself a capable manager, he did not understand idleness.
The experience of employers has proved that many men are unable to direct in wisdom their own work, to say nothing of directing the work of others. Every man should be, as far as possible, the master of his own labors; if this could not be done, he should place himself under the direction of one who had ability and the inspiration of God. Every man, woman, and child should be a producer. All such, if industrious and capable, would always be able to secure employment. Any honorable work, with any wage, is better than idleness and poverty. (A. H. Cannon, The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star 1895, 259)
The Contributor published this regarding his character in general.
… his whole character—thoughtful of every interest entrusted to him, unselfish as to himself, industrious and energetic, almost to the point of unwisdom in caring for his own health and comfort….He was a loving, true brother, a valiant, consistent friend, a virtuous, upright Saint—an honest man. (J. Q. Cannon 1896, 645)
Francis M. Lyman thought that he worked too hard. He even went so far as to say that he died of overwork.
[His excessive work] came from the goodness and generosity of his soul. His nature was such that he could not refuse any good thing that was possible for him to do. (Lyman 2010, Introduction)
Joseph F. Smith gave this glowing tribute at his funeral.
Never did I see [Abraham] attempt to use an influence by force, or by contention, or by argument, or in any way other than by the calm, peaceful, kindly statement of the truth as it welled up in his soul and as it beamed from him like rays of intelligence… In the spirit of kindness, or reason, of persuasion and of love he sought to mould the thoughts of others and prevail upon them to see the truth as he saw it. … [He was a person of] pure intelligence and judgment and wisdom, with which he was endowed to a marvelous extent for a man of his years … a man of truth, a man fearless when duty called him, a man who was not afraid to meet the consequence of his own acts; … a man among men as well as a Man of God … and in every way … good and true, so far as my knowledge goes. (Lyman 2010, Introduction)
The following tribute was also given of him:
In his religious life and duties Abraham H. Cannon was scrupulously strict and energetic. He did not shrink from any duty devolving upon him and avoided no obligation; but responded to every call with promptness and fidelity. His precision in this regard was remarkable and was characteristic of him from his youth up. As a boy and as a man he was frank and fearless with a love for truth and virtue that was sublime. He never sought to shift to others any burden that devolved on him, and never hesitated to undertake a task that fell to his lot. In his public religious calling and in his private life he was a true disciple of Christ, essentially a servant of God, whose conduct endeared him to all associates by the bonds of conformity to divine principles. When in the course of events, during the persecutions of the Saints, it came his turn to endure imprisonment for his religion, he did so cheerfully, praising God that he was worthy to suffer in His cause; and all sufferings and privations then and at other times in his ministry he bore without murmuring, being willing to endure all for the gospel's sake. In his record as a man of God he will ever live in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints, by whom he was greatly beloved. (Jenson, Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia 1901, 168)
Conclusion
What kind of man was Abraham H. Cannon? He was a diligent man. He never stopped working for what he had. He tried to do what he felt was right at all times. He was an excellent writer and shared his talents by writing articles for the Church.
He had implicit faith in the leadership of his father, and sought his approval at all times. He had a great love for his family, and was deeply affected by the sudden death of his brother, David. He also put his affection into action, acting in his family's behalf whenever possible.
Britton, Davis. 1999. George Q. Cannon: A Biography. Kindle Edition. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book.
Cannon, Abraham H. 1888. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, May 21: 324-326.
—. 1888. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, November 5: 710-711.
—. 1891. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, June 1: 337-339.
—. 1893. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, May 15: 322.
—. 1894. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, April 30: 274-275.
—. 1895. The Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, April 25: 258-259.
Cannon, J. Q. 1896. "Abraham H. Cannon." The Contributor, August: 644-645.
2003. Church History in the Fulness of Times, Student Manual. Salt Lake City: Church Educational System Curriculum.
Jenson, Andrew. 1899. Church Chronology. A Record of Important Events. Second Edition. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret News.
—. 1901. Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: The Andrew Jenson History Company.
Lyman, Edward Leo. 2010. Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895. Salt Lake City: Signature Books.
Streben. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, June 1: 130-131.
—. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, August 1: 173.
—. 1880. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, October 15: 231-232.
—. 1881. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, August 15: 188-189.
—. 1882. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, April 1: 100-102.
—. 1882. "Jottings by a Young Missionary." The Juvenile Instructor, December 15: 375.
The Deseret News. 1892. "David Hoagland Cannon. His Death Occurred This Morning in East Germany." October 17: 4.