Charles Tanner was born on 28 November 1830 at Tower Hill, Dutchess County, New York. He married
Leah Ann Ferdon, daughter of
Jacob J. Ferdon and
Effie Blauvelt, on 30 December 1854 at Closter, Bergen County, New Jersey. Charles Tanner was a farmer on 18 July 1860 at Harrington Twp., Bergen County, New Jersey.
Charles Tanner and
Leah Ann Ferdon appeared on the census of 18 July 1860 at with Jacob Ferdon, Harrington Twp., Bergen County, New Jersey. Charles Tanner was a merchant on 20 July 1870 at Harrington Twp., Bergen County, New Jersey.
Charles Tanner and
Leah Ann Ferdon appeared on the census of 20 July 1870 at Harrington Twp., Bergen County, New Jersey; Real Estate value $3,000. Personal value $3,000.00. He had established the Tanner Coal Company in Closter, Bergen County, New Jersey. He brought his son-in-law William N. Wray into the business to keep the books. He brought his son-in-law John R. Demarest, which was expanded into a lumber company. The company names were Tanner Coal Company, the Tanner & Wray, then Tanner and Demarest and finally J. J. Demarest. Charles Tanner died on 9 February 1894 at Possibly, Harrington Twp., Bergen County, New Jersey, at age 63. He was buried after 9 February 1894 at Tappan, Rockland County, New York.