Across from the road from the church stood the home of Deacon Joseph Tanner (1792 – 1838). Deacon Tanner kept a tavern and like all tavern keepers served spirits. When the Temperance Movement gained steam under the ministry of Hart Talcott, Tanner announced that liquor would no longer be served.
Shortly thereafter, the tavern’s sign was torn down by some disgruntled patrons who claimed that no man who refused to sell liquor should keep a tavern.
The Joseph Tanner family removed to Waverly, IL in 1835.