John Tanner was an American frontiersman and author, known for his life story as a captive of the Ojibwe tribe in the early 19th century. Born in 1780 in New York, he later moved to Michigan, where he experienced significant events that shaped his life and perspective. Tanner's narrative, titled "A Narrative of the Captivity and Adventures of John Tanner," details his experiences from 1800 to 1820. His account provides valuable insights into the culture and customs of the Native American tribes he encountered, as well as the challenges faced by settlers during that period.