​Looking Back: The End of an Era

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
On April 11, 1871, James H. Cannon, a Virginia native, married Miss Mary Elizabeth Dyer, a native of Hickory Grove, Warren County, MO. They came to Stony Point in Jackson County, and he engaged in farming and teaching until July 1873, when he opened the mercantile at Stony Point. The Cannons had six children: Marshall D., William A., Mary E., Blanche D., Martha A. and Annie S.  
 
The July 23, 2020 issue of Grain Valley News carried my article about the transfer of land from James Lucas to the town of Grain Valley on September 5, 1878. James H. Cannon was the Notary Public who signed the documents. In the spring of 1879, James and Mary Cannon purchase 129 acres of improved land in Grain Valley. Mr. Cannon established the first business, a mercantile located on Main Street just south of the railroad tracks.

He was also appointed the Postmaster in Grain Valley - a position he held until his death on November 18, 1882. His wife Mary succeeded him as Postmaster. Following his death, their son William Cannon (Annie) and son-in-law John William “Bill” Minter (Martha Adeline, “Addie”) became partners in the mercantile.

Eventually, Bill and Addie became the sole owners until the sale in 1926. This sale marked the final ownership by a family member of the business her father began in 1873. (note: the date in the article below, “Cards of Thanks” is incorrect). The business was sold  to Mr. A. N. Rice of Kansas City, who immediately held a 19-day closing-out sale. Eventually the building burned.

The Minters and the Cannons both had large homes on Main Street which were torn down in the 1970s to make room for the auto store and Sonic Drive-In. All that’s left of the Cannon Family in Grain Valley is the Cannon Addition south of the railroad and Cannon Street.
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