The subject of this sketch, W.S. Cannon, an old resident of Clyde, came to this city as a clerk in the employ of the pioneer merchants, Herman & Davis, in the autumn of 1869. In 1875 he established a general merchandising business, continuing in that pursuit for upwards of a dozen years, and built the brick building now occupied by the boot and shoe department of the "Regulator." He carried a stock ranging from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars and was one of the leading merchants of Clyde.

Mr. Cannon was born on the eastern shores of Maryland in the village of Bridgetown, May 18, 1849, where he grew to manhood, receiving a common school education. In 1867, he left Maryland and after a sojourn of a little more than a year in Illinois, came to Clyde. In the meantime Mr. Cannon has spent several years away from Clyde. He began the practice of law in the office of Judge Hamilton, of Norton, the present judge from that district, appointed by Governor Stanley. He was with this able jurist for a period of four years and was admitted to the bar of Kansas February 2, 1890, at Norton, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1892, he visited Pueblo, Colorado, and became associated with Moses & Hubbell, attorneys, under the firm name of Moses, Hubbell & Cannon. One year later he returned to Clyde (where he always claimed a residence and came home to vote) and opened a permanent office. Mr. Cannon takes an active part in political affairs and votes with the Peoples party. He was twice elected mayor of the city of Clyde, and served as treasurer for eight years. Mr. Cannon was born in the same house where his father first saw the light of day. His parents were John M. and Susan (Elliott) Cannon. He is one of nine children, five of whom are living. A sister is the only one living at the Bridgeport home. Mr. Cannon married Miss Carrie Borton, one of Clyde's most estimable young women, a daughter of the late Baker Borton (see sketch). The are the parents of four children, Ruby, John, Bessie and Margery.