One of the substantial citizens of Nowata is J. M. Tanner, who for many years was engaged in farming in this county. He was born near Alluwe in the Coowescoowee district on the 6th of March, 1875, a son of N. J. and Rachael A. (Journeycake) Tanner. His father was a native of Ohio and came to Indian Territory in 1863, locating in the Coowescoowee district, where he farmed and operated a sawmill until his demise in March, 1892. His wife was a daughter of the Rev. Charles Journeycake, a well known figure in the history of this country, and a sister of Mrs. N. M. Bartles, whose late husband was the founder of the town of Bartlesville in Washington county. Mrs. Tanner died on the 3d of February, 1892. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner the following children were born Ada, who was the wife of L. T. Kincaid and is now deceased; C. V., who is living with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Moon, at Cherryvale, Kansas ; Lorena, the wife of Ben Estes; Lily, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri; and J. M., whose name initiates this review.
In the acquirement of an education J. M. Tanner attended the subscription schools in the vicinity of the home farm: He was left an orphan at the age of fifteen years. A guardian was appointed for the estate and he went to live with his sister, Lorena, who is the wife of Ben Estes. He lived with them until he was twenty-one years of age, when he started out into the world on his own account, and his first day’s work was piling logs for his brother-in-law. His guardian turned over the money, his share of the estate, and Mr. Tanner removed to his own farm near Alluwe, on Lightening creek. His allotment consisted of ninety acres and he farmed there until 1917, when he disposed of the farm. In the meantime oil was discovered on the land and Mr. Tanner drew substantial royalties therefrom until he sold the land. He is now living practically retired in Nowata, where in addition to his home he owns extensive residential property. He likewise has in his possession considerable valuable farm land in Miami and the Osage country. Mr. Tanner has gained success in life as the result of his intelligently directed efforts, stanch determination and laudable ambition.
On the 24th of December, 1919, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Tanner to Mrs. L. C. Estes of Nowata. By a former marriage she has a daughter, Alice, who is the wife of O. A. Creason and they live with Mr. and Mrs. Tanner.
Since attaining his Majority Mr. Tanner has given his stanch support to the Republican Party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Tanner is active in the furtherance of every movement for the development and improvement of the community and he is one of Nowata’s most highly respected citizens.
