HON. JOHN R. TANNER, State Senator from this district, was born in Warrick County, Ind., April 4, 1844, and is a son of John Tanner (deceased), who was born on June 6, 1814. In 1862, our subject came to Clay County, locating at Flora. His education was acquired in the common schools of his native State, his experiences with the Hoosier schoolmaster having been more limited, however, than he desired. Mr. Tanner followed the noble example of his father in selecting his occupation, and is an esteemed and popular farmer. His farm consists of about 400 acres of valuable land. In 1863, he enlisted as a private in the Ninety-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers; served until June, 1865, when he was transferred to the Sixty-first Illinois, being mustered out of service at Springfield in September of the same year. He is an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics, he is a firm, prominent and active Republican. In 1870, he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Clay County, and at the expiration of his term of office was chosen Circuit Clerk. In 1876, he was appointed Master in Chancery, and in 1880 elected to the State Senate over Dr. Shirley, of Xenia, whom he defeated by a majority of nearly 400 votes, in a very close district. He was appointed a member of the State Central Committee of the Republican party in 1874, and has been retained in that capacity ever since. Mr. Tanner was married, December 25, 1866, to Miss Lauretta, daughter of Barton B. Ingraham, of this county. Two children are the fruits of this union - Lucinda J. and James M.
Transcribed by Laurel White from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, page 156-157.
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