Tanner, John, 1780?-1847

Contributed to

A narrative of the captivity and adventures of John Tanner, (U.S. interpreter at the Saut de Ste. Marie,)
Book 1830

Summary: John Tanner, known also by his Ojibwe name Shaw-shaw-wa-ne-ba-se, was captured by Odawa Indians as a child after his family had homesteaded on the Ohio River in present-day Kentucky. He grew up among the Odawa and Ojibwe nations, becoming fully acculturated and learning the Saulteaux language. He married an Ojibwe woman, served as a guide for European fur traders, and worked as an interpreter. His story of life with the Ojibwe was published in 1830. Titled A Narrative of the Captivity and Adventures of John Tanner, it was a popular success and remains an important historical record. Wikipedia
Gender or Sex: Male [1][4][5]; Unknown [2]
Born: 1780 [2][5]
Birth Place: Kentucky [5]
Died: 1846 [5]; 1847 [2]
Country: United States [2]
Language: English [3]
Occupation: writer [5]

Sources: 1. VIAF; 2. Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (Germany); 3. Bibliothèque nationale de France; 4. National Library and Archives of Québec; 5. Wikidata

Last updated May 14, 2025