Ephriam Cannon was born in (Thompkins) Delaware County, New York January 23, 1827. On October 19, 1900, Ephriam passed away. Burial was in Afton Cemetery. He iwas a Civil War Veteran.

For the last five years his health has been gradually failing, and several times relatives thought the end was near. After a painful illness of two weeks from Neuralgia, he died. He visited in Minnesota frequently and while there he felt better, so he decided to sell his farm in Afton to Charles Zwick, and buy a home at Wells, Minnesota. He moved a year ago last April, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Miss May Cannon. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon returned from a several months visit with their son, Dr. Charles Cannon, in St. Paul just two weeks prior to his death.

Upon Ephriam's arrival at home he was taken worse, since which time he had been unable to talk or take any nourishment. Mr. Cannon has been a resident of Afton Township for over 30 years and all that time lived on the same farm until a year and a half ago when he moved to Wells.

Mr. Cannon was seventy-three years old last January. He leaves a devoted wife who has shared his joys and sorrows for fifty-two years.

He moved to Wisconsin and was married to Miss Emily Oviatt in 1849 and to this union was born 13 children. Mr. Cannon was a kind husband and father. No burden was too heavy nor any day too long for him in his efforts to provide for those he loved. About 53 years ago he identified with the Methodist Church.

Mr. Cannon was a man of large information, being a great reader. During the years of his early and riper manhood, he accumulated a large and valuable supply of knowledge. As a public speaker, he was clear and forceful, and very able in debate.

When the nation's name and honor was in jeopardy, he was among the first to enlist for the defense of the flag, going out in company G of the thirty-eight Wisconsin Volunteers. In 1865, he received a slight wound from a bursting shell, which stunned him for a time, but he remained on the field in action until shouts of victory rent the air. Mr. Cannon was one of the first men to climb the works before Petersburg, and had the great pleasure of witnessing the surrender of Lee to General Grant at Appomattox Court House.

He and Emily has 13 children: Ephriam E., Chancy, Olive, Fannie Ferguson, Charles, Fred, Allie Coleman, Clara May Butts, Elva Rose Goodrich, Lena Garlock Barnes, Clinton, Effie Blake, and Florence Persis Smith.

He was one of the early pioneers of this county, being identified with its organization and the organization of Afton Township, where he held positions of trust and honor. The gentle husband, kind father, faithful friend, true soldier and patriot is gone, but the sweet fragrance of a beautiful life remaineth ever.