Tanner, Henry Martin

File — Box: 2, Folder: 10

Identifier: I

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

"Henry Martin Tanner, Joseph City Arizona Pioneer," by George S. Tanner. This biography was written by Henry Martin Tanner's son in 1964.

The Mormon colony of San Bernardino was established in 1851 and abandoned by the faithful in 1857 when Brigham Young ordered them back to Utah because of the approach of Johnston's army. The Sidney Tanner family was among the first colonists who settled Beaver City, Utah Territory, upon their return from California. Henry Martin Tanner grew up in Beaver and married Eliza Ellen Parkinson in 1877, in the St. George Temple just after he received his call to go to Arizona to colonize. This group of Arizona pioneers crossed the Colorado River at Pearce's Ferry March 19, 1878, taking two days to ferry the wagons and animals across. They joined the settlers at Joseph City the first part of May 1878. Those called on the mission to Arizona were expected to enter the United Order. This concept succeeded in varying degrees. In Joseph City it lasted ten years. The Articles of Association and Rules of the United Order had to be signed by all who participated. Consecration of properties was expected and recorded by a board of appraisers. People withdrawing from the Order were reimbursed according to the amount given and labor performed. In 1882-83 the Order was changed to a stewardship. Necessity demanded that the colonies be self-supporting. They had their own gristmill, sawmill, tannery, spinning wheels and looms, and dairy. Attempts at fruit and berry raising were unsuccessful because of the climate. In 1885 under the stewardship, Henry M. Tanner chose land to improve and build a house on. The following chapters portray a good picture of life in Joseph City.
Genealogical information on the Henry Martin Tanner family is included in the biography. 140 pages.

Dates

1857-1986

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.