Item Detail
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13548
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0
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0
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English
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Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon : Utah's First Woman Legislator
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Pioneer
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2004
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51
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no.3
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22-24
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In 1896, Martha Hughes Cannon found herself in an election with two unlikely opponents: Emmeline B. Wells, a close personal friend, and Angus M. Cannon, Sr., her husband. Martha won and became the first woman state senator to be elected in the United States. She made significant contributions during her term as senator, particularly in health reform, and established the Utah State Board of Health. In addition to civic service, this vivacious and educated woman did much to improve public hygiene, promote women's rights, and defend polygamy in the national arena.