John Tanner and his family

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286 John Tanner and His By the time the family moved to Family Montrose, Iowa, in 1840, Myron sizeable lad of fourteen, beginning to share the hard work to There was plenty do, and a rugged lad like Myron farm. He would soon have the the on almost equal to a man and was a of the farm. was responsibility of its management. mission to New York to electioneer for the Prophet Joseph who was a candidate for the presidency of the United States. In his absence from the farm, he left son of his second wife, and Myron in charge. There Albert, In 1844 John Tanner was called on a youngest available as to what happened, but Albert and to work in harmony, and as a consequence unable Myron Albert left the home of his stepmother and half brothers and went off on his own, leaving Myron with the entire responsibility for managing the farm." By 1844 Myron was eighteen years old. are no particulars were Myron found that managing the large farm and trying to coax work from his younger brothers was a sizable job, and when his father returned in the fall John was disappointed at the way the farm had G been handled. Myron was deeply hurt by his father's displeasure and carried throughout his life. He felt he had done as well as anyone his age and experience could have been expected to do. He probably had, and John Tanner, now a man of sixty-six was not handling the generation problem as well as he might. But Myron goes on to say that in the ensuing years all was forgiven on both sides and an even closer bond was forged between them.' the hurt during the last two years the Saints were in Nauvoo that finished his school days. "In 1844 I was permitted to attend Myron school seven weeks, and in 1845 ten weeks. That completed my school days," he said." It was In 1846 when the Saints entered upon their enforced exodus, Myron along with his brother Albert enlisted in the Mormon Battalion for a year's service. Myron became ill and left the Battalion, winter­ ing in Pueblo. He later joined the Saints on the exploring expedition into the Salt Lake Valley. 9 After a short stay in the valley, Myron and several others re­ turned to Winter Quarters. His experience on the return are of interest as he describes the immense herds of buffalo which roamed the prairies before the wanton slaughter of the princely animals."