James R. Tanner

James R. Tanner
Tanner in 1895
16th United States Commissioner of Pensions
In office March 27, 1889 – October 18, 1889
President	Benjamin Harrison
Preceded by	John C. Black
Succeeded by	Green Berry Raum
Personal details
Born	(1844-04-04)April 4, 1844 Richmondville, New York, U.S.
Died	October 2, 1927(1927-10-02) (aged 83) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Resting place	Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia
Occupation	civil servant
Known for	Stenographer at the deathbed of Abraham Lincoln, incorporator of the American Red Cross
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1861–1862
Rank	Corporal, USV
Unit	87th N.Y. Vol. Infantry Reg.
Battles/wars	American Civil War Peninsula campaign Siege of Yorktown Battle of Williamsburg Battle of Seven Pines Seven Days Battles Battle of Malvern Hill Northern Virginia campaign Battle of Thoroughfare Gap Manassas Station Second Battle of Bull Run

James R. Tanner (April 4, 1844 – October 2, 1927) was an American soldier and civil servant. He is best known for having lost both his legs below the knee at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Serving during the rest of the war as a government stenographer, he was present at the death of Abraham Lincoln and took notes that are the most comprehensive record of the events of the President's assassination. He later served as the United States Commissioner of Pensions, and helped reorganize and incorporate the American Red Cross.