TREASURE IN HEAVEN – The John Tanner Story – Today a film by T.C. Christensen



Neal A. Maxwell has explained that: “Consecration is the only surrender that is also a victory.” We might say the same thing about sacrifice.


In 1834, making money was not a problem for a Bolton, New York businessman named John Tanner. His challenge was his heath, with a badly infected and probably gangrenous leg. Seven different esteemed doctors told him that his leg must be amputated or he would die.


But a chance meeting with Mormon Elders would change his health and life forever. He had not put weight on his damaged leg for six months. However, because of his faith, he was commanded by Mormon Elder Jared Carter to and rise up and walk. He did so and was immediately healed and walked the quarter mile to be baptized in Lake George, that very evening.


His association with the Prophet Joseph Smith was one of mutual respect and friendship. When John Tanner was asked to give, he gave everything. He sold his hotels, two large farms, a dairy, an island, several homes, orchards, a sawmill and over 2200 acres of timberland. Tanner was largely responsible for donating the money that saved the Kirtland Temple property from foreclosure.


His story is not only about what he gave but also about what he gave up. Even though the word of wisdom at that time was not a commandment, he freely gave up alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee.


In fact he gave all he had, presenting us an example of sacrifice and generosity in serving the Lord.


In a few short years he went from vast wealth to begging bread for his family. He gave over 50,000 dollars to the Church, the equivalent of over 250 million today. In the 1840s, he was called on a mission to the eastern states and Joseph Smith promised him that his family would never again beg bread.


John had found the Pearl of Great Price and did not bother about the cost. He died six years later in the Salt Lake Valley.


John Tanner’s descendants include: N. Eldon Tanner, Marion D. Hanks, Hugh B. Brown and James E. Faust.


Leonard J. Arrington, in a 1979 Ensign article said, “John Tanner gave the Church two fortunes; his wealth and a family that has built the kingdom ever since.”


Brother Tanner is quoted as saying, “If other people had an easier life than I did, then they didn’t learn as much.”