Leader of the Republican Party Joseph G. Cannon smoking a cigar, U.S.A., 1922

Leader of the Republican Party Joseph G. Cannon is seen with a cigar in his mouth. Followed by Cannon sitting in a wicker chair reading his book, U.S.A., 1922. Joseph Gurney Cannon was an American politician from Illinois and leader of the Republican Party. Cannon represented parts of Illinois in the United States House of Representatives for twenty-three non-consecutive terms between 1873 and 1923; upon his retirement, he was the longest serving member of the United States Congress ever. From 1903 to 1911, he presided as Speaker of the House, becoming one of the most powerful speakers in United States history.