William Courtland Tanner, the son of John and Phoebe Tanner, was born at Hopkinton, R. I., July 26, 1830, and died at his home in Farina, Ill., Sunday, February 10, 1918, in the 88th year of his age. He was married to Lydia A. Saunders at Westerly, R. I., February 22, 1851, by Rev. Jacob Ayers. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Michigan, here they lived until the spring of 1866, when they came to Farina. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner have had four children besides an adopted child, none of whom are now living, all of whom died in youth except Willard, who passed away only two months ago. There are no relatives living here. He has one grandson in California. Mrs. Tanner departed this life December 17, 1901. Much of the time since, Mr. Tanner has been cared for by his son and wife. Loss of eyesight in the spring of 1902 and the gradual loss of hearing the past few years, left Mr. Tanner in no pleasant circumstances, but he bore his affliction with a wonderful patience. Mr. Tanner was converted in early life, but it is not known when or where he first joined the church. He was among those who helped to organize the Seventh Day Baptist church at Farina in April, 1866, he and his wife being charter members. During his active life he was a faithful attendant and loyal worker in the church and at the time of his death was an honored member in good standing. He was a shipbuilder by trade and followed carpentry for a number of years after coming here. He also lived on a farm for a number of years. For six months at the close of the Civil War he was a soldier, being mustered out in September, 1865. Funeral services were conducted at the house Tuesday afternoon, February 12, at 2 o'clock, by Pastor L. O. Greene, and the body was laid to rest in the Farina Cemetery.
