J.E. Tavener, who is engaged in the livery business at Lanark, and also conducts a feed stable, was born in Morgan County OH March 5, 1842. His parents, Samuel and Sarah J. (Combs) Tavener, were natives of Virginia, where they spent their entire lives, and were laid to rest on Old Dominion soild. The subject of this notice was reared on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits until a young man of 20 years.

The Civil War now coming on, young Tavener enlisted in Co. C, 97th OH Infantry in which he served 34 months. He met the enemy in many of the important battles which followed, beign at Murfreesboro, Franklin and Nashville TN and was with Sherman at Atlant. He received his honorable discharge at Columbus OH. After retiring from the army he turned his face toward the West, and first located in Rock Island County IL where he was employed by the month for two years. He then engaged in farming until 1883, duirng which year he established himself in his present business.

Mr. Tavener keeps a complete outfit of road vehicles and horses, and is patronized by the best people of the town and vicinity. He was first married in Rock Island COunty, Ill in 1867 to Miss Ellen Fox who was born in Ohio in 1847. This lady died, and our subject was married a second time in the same county in 1877 to Miss Lucinda Vanderburg. She was born in NY in 1846 and of this union there is one child, a son, Clyde. Mr. Tavener, politically votes the Democratic ticket. He may usually be found at his business headquarters near the Union Stock Yards, and the promptness with which he waits upon his customers has resulted in his becoming popular, so that he is steadily building up a lucrative business.

Portraits & Biographical Carroll County IL 1889 Pg 1001