Born in 1859 in Payson, Utah to Myron and Mary Jane Mount Tanner, Joseph Marion survived the diseases and illnesses that claimed so many infants and small children in his day. His parents lost a son previous to his birth, and two children afterward. When he was 20, his Mother wrote, “One after another the little ones came, and some went before they knew much about this world’s coldness. One boy, our second born, grew to manhood and I feel that in him my hopes are realized.”
At 17, he was determined to get an education and petitioned Professor Karl G. Maeser and the Brigham Young Academy Board to attend night classes in order to catch up with the class that commenced in the first half of the school year. Concerned for his coworkers at the Woolen Mills, who initially manifested unusual interest in attending, he petitioned for 27 of them to join him. But evening studies require self-denial and sacrifice of the activities and night time pleasures of youth, and after a few weeks Joseph Marion was the only student left in the class.
At 19, he graduated as a member of the first class of graduates from Brigham Young Academy. The unusual ability in his youth to choose self-discipline and the sacrifice of immediate pleasures for a higher purpose led to the development of an excellent character and a prodigious capacity for work and service that exemplified his life. Of all the professions he might have chosen, Joseph Marion chose to be a teacher. “Professor Maeser was fully convinced that I possessed the essential elements of a teacher, and there a close relationship sprang up which increased with time. I... continued my studies the second year, working during vacations for means which I needed to continue my studies.”
He twice presided over the University of higher education in Logan--initially Brigham Young College and Utah Agricultural College, both precursors to todays Utah State University. During his first tour of duty he became aware of an opportunity to lead a number of students, current and former, to extend and increase their capacity to learn and serve. From the Board of Trustees, he secured financing for those in need and with inspiration and guidance led them all to Harvard. He rented a house in Cambridge for his flock of academic fledglings, which through a cooperative agreement, greatly reduced expenses.
George Thomas, destined to become the President of the University of Utah was one of these. Another, Dr. John A. Widstoe, who would one day stand at the summit of both Church and State, said of Joseph Marion, “He was not only a great teacher, but also an inspirer of men! A teacher’s duty is not done when he passes onto others the facts of his particular discipline. Facts are forgotten, but the memory of guidance and inspiration never dies.” (Photos & Achievements enclosed.)
Marc Tanner, a great grandson of Joseph Marion, who also became a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ related that he was tutored in his studies at the University of Puget Sound Law School by the Spirit of this great man.
Mike Tanner, June 2019
