Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-11
REV. MIR. CANNON DYING.
This Beloved Pastor sinking Rapid
Ivnt 3 o'clock This Morning.


At3 o'clock this morning Rev. j. Polk
Cannon was said by his physicians 10
be sinking rapidly, and that It would be
impossible for him to live more than
an hour or so longer Mr.. Cannon lost
consciousness at O'Clock yesterday az
ternoon, and the members of his famIly
remained at his bedside throughout the
night During Mr. Gammon's long ana
painful Illness, and even while undergoing
the operation OF having his foot taken
on. at the Retreat for the Sick, he bore
his sufferings with remarkable patience
and Christian fortltude He has been con-
stantly visited by loving and anxious
friends, both among the clergy ana the
laity. not only belonging 10 his own de-
nomination. but from every religious boly
I'm the city He has been the recipient
OF the utmost care and best treatment
that could be provided. and 70 this has
been added the prayers Of the CHRISTIAN
people of Richmond and the aifectonate
attention of those who were dearest 10
him.
INJURY TO HIS FOOT.
Mr.. Gammon's illness began some time
during the latter part Of the month OF
Nav. He went to the General Assembly
held AT Dallas. Tex, as a delegate re-
presenting East Hanover PresDyteryi "u-
ring the month Of May. and while there
a tenderness developed In his lett ioo''
either from a corn or bruis. that many
brought about his death.
The last sermon ne preached In his own
pulpit on the Sunday following his return
For ten weeks his physicians gave MN
constant and patient attendance at ms
home. performing several operations IN
the hope of saving his foot. HIS condi-
ton however. became so alarming lhat
IL was found necessary 10 remove MIN
10 the Old Dominion Hospital tor the puf-
pose OF amputatlng his foot.
This operation was successfully per-
form d. but a complication OF diseas
existed which prevented his rallyins
after the operation.
BORN IN TENNESSEE
Mr.. Cannon was born on the 18th day
of August, lSi2. in sullivan county, Ten
neesee. and g q years Old.
He was the son OF Captain Abraham
and Mrs. Myra Cannon.
His father was a captain in the Con-
federal, army, and also served his state
In the Legislature, where Mr.. Cannon
was a page while yet lad.
President James X. Polk was an inti-
mate friend Of hts father, and wanted 10
adopt Mr.. Cannon as his son In carry
age. He was named after President POLK.
His mother died while he was but y
years old, and the care OF the FAMILY de-
yolved on a beloved aunt-Mrs. Emeline
NJ Deaderick-whOm he loved ana r.
spected as a mother.
Mr.. Gammon's youth was spent in
Knoxville. Tenn, where he was educated
at the university, which he left at the
breaking out Of the war 20 enter the Con-
federate service as volunteer. taking
the rank as captain.
HE STUDIED LAW.
After the close Of the war he studied
law, and began to practice at the bar,
when his father died. leaving to his care
a considerable family, which he found
necessary to look after and support. This
necessitated his engaging in the mer-
camille business which lead him 10 Bal
timore. where he joined the Presby terian
church mInistered to by the venerable DR..
Leyburn. Ii was under hts ministry that
Mr.. Cannon felt called to the ministry.
He entered Union Theological Seminary.
in Prince Edward county, and graduated
with distinction at the end Of four years.
He was a cassmate of Rev. DR.. Robert
i. Kerr. of the First Presbyterian church,
OF this city. and Rev. DIR. J. w. Rose
bro. OF Petersburg Hi, first charge was
the pastorate OF the Third church, Knox
vile. Tenn. from which he went 10 New
port, Tenn, and there married Miss Susie
Langhorne.
He served the Presbyterian church at
Asheville, n. c., for nearly ten years.
From Asheville he went to Smithyille.
Va, and was finally called to the pas
torate OF the Third Presbyterian church,
OF this city.
During the six years OF his pastorate
here. he has become widely known and
beloved by not only his own denomina-
ton, but Christian people OF all denomi-
nations.
He was a forcible expository preacher.
and delighted TO preach the truth in its
pureness and simplicity. AS a Christian
and minister Of the Gospel his life has
been unblameable.