In this episode, we welcome Kenneth L. Cannon II to discuss his book George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy. Elder George Q. Cannon, known as the Father of Utah Statehood, served in four First Presidencies and is one of the most influential and fearless LDS apostles in Mormon history. From translating the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian, to editing Elder Parley Pratt’s autobiography, to printing some of the Journal of Discourses and giving hundreds of sermons of his own, to simultaneously having a polygamist family and having a prestigious career in politics – Elder Cannon’s influence was enormous. Listen in as Ken takes us through the highlights of the career of an LDS apostle who met several Presidents of the United States, promoted woman’s suffrage, and who was liked and sought after by an ex-Queen of Hawaii. In this interview, Ken helps us understand the significance and legacy of an LDS apostle of whom it is hard to exaggerate his significance.

Book: George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy

Other resources by Kenneth L. Cannon II:

- “‘Mountain Common Law’: Extralegal Punishment of Seducers in Early Utah in Historical Perspective” (see also JD 1.95-100)

- “Wives and Other Women: Love, Sex, and Marriage in the Lives of John Q. Cannon, Frank J. Cannon, and Abraham H. Cannon” (Dialogue)

-“After the Manifesto: Mormon Polygamy, 1890-1906”, found in The New Mormon History, edited by D. Michael Quinn

- “Do I hear an Echo? The Continuing Trial of the Mormon Church after Smoot’s Retention”, found in The Reed Smoot Hearings, edited by Michael Harold Paulos and Konden Smith Hansen

One thing to note was George Q. Cannon’s impact on the LDS theological debates over the Holy Ghost. Dr. Thomas Alexander (citing Ken Cannon in footnote 16) states: “In response to questions raised by Talmage’s lectures, George Q. Cannon, of the First Presidency, ‘commenting on the ambiguity existing in our printed works concerning the nature or character of the Holy Ghost, expressed his opinion that the Holy Ghost was in reality a person, in the image of the other members of the Godhead – a man in form and figure; and that what we often speak of as the Holy Ghost is in reality but the power or influence of the spirit.’” (“The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine”, found in Line Upon Line edited by Gary James Bergera)

Some examples of George Q. Cannon’s sermons:

“The Increase of Faith Among the Saints...”

“Conflict of Truth Irrepressible – Sin Causes Fear, then Apostasy”

“Celestial Marriage”

“The Right and Authority of President Brigham Young”

“Unity, etc.”

“The Building of Temples – The Keys of the Apostleship”

“The New Birth – Baptisms for the Dead – Temples”

“Those Who Hear the Gospel Must Obey It, Or They Cannot Be Saved By It”

“The Rock of New (or Continued) Revelation...”

“Spiritual Gifts Attainable...”

“The Blessings Enjoyed Through Possessing the Ancient Records, etc.”

“Kind of God the Saints Believe In...”

“The Logan Temple...”

See also Collected Discourses, v. 1, 195-204 (February 24, 1889); v. 2, 129-133