From collection Candidates
Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon was elected to the Utah State Senate in 1896. She was the first woman state senator in the United States. Cannon had been a school teacher, newspaper typesetter, dish washer, and a secretary. She graduated from medical school at the age of 23 and from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Pharmacy two years later. In Salt Lake City, Cannon became the resident physician of the Deseret Hospital and was active in state suffrage campaigns. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was a polygamous wife. Cannon returned to school with the support of her husband, but the marriage did not survive the outlawing of polygamy in Utah.
