John Riley Tanner

John Riley Tanner
Tanner circa 1899
21st Governor of Illinois
In office January 11, 1897 – January 14, 1901
Lieutenant	William A. Northcott
Preceded by	John Peter Altgeld
Succeeded by	Richard Yates Jr.
Treasurer of Illinois
In office 1887–1889
Governor	Richard J. Oglesby
Preceded by	Jacob Gross
Succeeded by	Charles Becker
Member of the Illinois Senate
In office 1880-1883
Personal details
Born	April 4, 1844 near Boonville, Indiana
Died	May 23, 1901(1901-05-23) (aged 57) Springfield, Illinois
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Lauretta Ingraham, Cora Edith English
Children	Lucinda J., James Mack
Residence(s)	Louisville, Illinois; Chicago; Springfield
Alma mater	none
Occupation	Politician
Profession	Politician
Signature

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John Riley Tanner (April 4, 1844 – May 23, 1901) was the 21st Governor of Illinois, from 1897 until 1901.

Tanner was the first governor in the country to be openly neutral in labor disputes, gaining national notoriety for his actions in a series of coal mine disputes. With the Spanish–American War looming, he was the only governor to raise and combat-equip a National Guard unit of African American soldiers led by African American officers.

Tanner's administration was capable and efficient, placing the state on a sound financial footing and passing significant legislation. However, he was constantly at odds with Chicago's political leaders, both Democratic and Republican, a feud that came to be symbolized by his signing of the infamous "Allen bill", which gave control of Chicago's intra-city transportation network to corrupt financier Charles Yerkes.

Tanner declined to seek a second term as governor, instead choosing to oppose the renomination of his former political ally, Shelby Cullom, as U.S. Senator. Tanner was badly defeated within his own party, ending his political career. He died less than five months after leaving office.