Poor Man’s Philanthropist - the
Thomas Cannon Story, by Sandra Waugaman with Thomas Cannon,
2004, Palari Publishing, $23.95, 249 pp.
Everyone should have a man like Thomas
Cannon as a friend, neighbor, and overall community asset.
A retired postal worker, Tom Cannon made his name in the
local papers a when he began writing $1,000 checks for those
more needy than himself. There were times when some
wondered if he was sacrificing funds he could not spare.
His late wife Princetta was still living then, and was a
bedridden invalid. At the time, their living conditions
were less than favorable. Caring for his wife was a full time
job, but instead of feeling pity for himself, he found
compassion for others less fortunate. As he explained in
his recent biography, “Themoney is really a
At his recent book signing at the
Valentine Richmond History Center, History Center Deputy
Director Suzanne Savery (l) and Thomas Cannon (r) displayed
some of his handiwork. Not only is the retired postal
worker a philanthropist, he is also an accomplished artist in
many media.
symbol of caring and concern. Nobody
is going to get rich from $1,000. The money is useful,
but the more important thing is that somebody thinks so much of
you that they give you a gift.”
We met this wonderful artist and
social activist some time ago through a mutual acquaintance,
Joseph Epps of Chase City. Joe, another enthusiastic and
exuberant soul, met Tom through a mutual interest of theirs:
Thyne Institute. Thyne was a school founded for
newly emancipated blacks after the Civil War by northern
Presbyterians. Joe had siblings who attended Thyne before
it closed in the 1950s. Tom Cannon also attended there as
a child. At the time Joe and Tom met, Joe was very active
in promoting the Thyne Institute Memorial, a facility to be
built on the site of the former school. Tom read about
their efforts to raise money, and he donated one of his famous
$1,000 checks. Thank heavens Tom and Joe met, because
they have become the closest of friends
Tom Cannon (l) with his biographer Sandra
Waugaman (r) took a moment to share in a snapshot with
Tom’s good friend from Chase City, Joe Epps (c).
