James M. Tanner, for many years identified with the mill and lumber
business of Louisville, is adjudged to be one of the wealthiest men in Clay
county, if not, indeed, the wealthiest. Certain it is that he has prospered
beyond his fairest dreams of early days, when his possessions were trifling
but his ambitions of that high order which make success the natural outcome
of one's efforts. First as a farmer in a small way on a rented farm, then as
the proprietor of a farm of which he was the actual owner, later branching
out into the saw-mill business on a somewhat limited scale which has
resulted in the extensive mill and lumber business of later years, he has
advanced steadily from one phase of prosperity to another until he has
reached his present high place in the financial affairs of his city and
county. He is variously connected with a number of the leading enterprises
of his community, and his influence has been felt in practically every
avenue of industry peculiar to his district. He has been identified also
with public affairs of the state, and at one time was warden of the
penitentiary at Chester, Illinois. His life has been one of wide and varied
interests and he is still occupying a foremost place in the affairs of his
city.
Born in Indiana, June 8, 1839, James M. Tanner is a son of
John and Eliza (Downs) Tanner, both natives of Kentucky and born in that
state in 1814 and 1813, respectively. In 1833 John Tanner moved to Indiana
and settled in Warrick county, where he engaged in farming pursuits. In 1858
he removed to Missouri, where he became interested in the lumber and
mercantile business, locating in that line at Popular Bluff, and there
erecting the first steam saw mill that town ever possessed. Early in the
Civil war Mr. Tanner enlisted in the Union army, but after a few months he
was furloughed home on account of illness. While at home he was made
prisoner and taken to Columbus, Mississippi, and died there in the southern
prison. The years of later life had prospered John Tanner, and he left a
comfortable estate for the maintenance of his family. He left nine children
and his widow at his death. The family were members of the Missionary
Baptist church from childhood, the father having been reared in that faith.
He was a son of John Tanner, a native of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky,
where he remained until the War of 1812, in which he served, passing away a
short time after his return from the war. The maternal grandfather of James
M. Tanner, of this review, was Thomas Downs, a native of Kentucky. He was a
farmer and a Missionary Baptist preacher for sixty-five years, dying in the
pulpit.
Educated in the common schools of Indiana, James M. Tanner
passed his boyhood years in like manner with the youth of his time and
class. In 1862 he enlisted in the Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, having served
as a scout previous to his enlistment in that regiment. He was captured
while on a scouting expedition and sent to Columbia, Mississippi, where his
father expired as a prisoner. The young man made his escape, however, and
after enlisting in the Thirteenth Illinois served through to the close of
the war, when he came to Carbondale, Illinois. In 1865 he moved to Clay
county, with the intention of entering on the life of a farmer. He was
practically penniless, and it was necessary for him to rent a farm to begin
operations. After a few seasons of strenuous work and planning Mr. Tanner
found himself in a position where he was able to buy a farm for himself,
which he did. He prospered, and in a short while saw an opportunity to
engage in the saw mill business, and he has since that time been occupied in
that industry, with ever increasing operations, and has amassed a
considerable wealth as the result of his efforts along that line. He was for
some time associated in the business with his brother, ex-Governor John R.
Tanner, as a partner, but for the most part has been alone in his
operations. He has never entirely given over his early farming interests,
and is the owner of a magnificent farm of three hundred and forty-seven
acres of valuable farm land, and devotes much of his attention to
stock-breeding, mules being the principal produce of his farm.
Mr.
Tanner is interested in a number of financial organizations of the county,
and is president of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank. He was at one
time warden of the State Penitentiary at Chester, Illinois, and while there
devoted his spare moments to writing a book entitled "Genealogy of the
Tanner Family." The work is a most interesting collection of material and
facts relating to the Tanners, and throws much light upon the lives and
characters of representatives of this fine old name. Mr. Tanner has always
been a Republican and has-been active in his efforts for the party welfare.
He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is past commander of
Louisville Chapter, No. 556. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows and the
Rebekahs. Mr. Tanner bears the distinction of being the oldest resident of
Louisville, all who were there when he came having died or moved away to
other parts.
Mr. Tanner has been thrice married. His first marriage
occurred on Christmas day of 1860, when Mary J. Tanner became his bride. One
child was born to them, Viola, who married George Vandever, and she died in
September, 1871. Mr. Tanner subsequently married Matilda Missenheimer. They
became the parents of two children, Myrtle, who married John Blacklage, and
Lillian, who became the wife of Seymour Hoyt. On February 15, 1890, Mrs.
Tanner died and in 1892 Mr. Tanner married Mittis J. Clifton, a
school-teacher. They have two children: Ruby, who is still in the parental
home, was graduated from a college in Lexington, Kentucky; and James C., now
in high school at Louisville. The family are members of the Christian
church.
Extracted 09 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Southern Illinois, by George W. Smith, published in 1912, volume 3, pages 1647-1648.
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