Boswell, H. James, "American Blue Book Western Washington," Seattle, Lowman and Hanford Co., 1922. p. 35. W. V. TANNER, former Attorney General of Washington, and now a practicing attorney of Seattle, is conceded to be one of the ablest lawyers in the state, a man of broad vision and splended judgment. Mr. Tanner is a native of Minnesota, where he was born in 1881. He received his educational training in public schools, following which he prepared himself for the law, and was admitted to practice in 1902. In 1908 he became Assistant Attorney General of Washington, and three years later was made Attorney General, an office to which he was re-elected twice, resigning in middle of his second term. I might mention here that during Mr. Tanner's admistration his office handled in excess of 2000 lawsuits. Much of his work was what might be termed pioneer labor, there being no precedent by which he could be guided. Among the matters he put through were various state commission acts, and the workmen's compensation law. Several of these were taken to the United States supreme court, and in each instance Mr. Tanner was sustained in his contentions. In argument he is usually brief, but covers every detail of the matter at bar, while his points of law are strong and exceptionally well taken. It was while serving the State of Washington in the capacity of Attorney General that Mr. Tanner demonstrated his marked ability as a lawyer. During his tenure of that responsible office some of the most important and complex matters in state history came up for disposition. I do not believe Washington has ever had a man as Attorney General whose record surpasses that of Mr. Tanner. In 1915 Mr. Tanner married Miss Marie Taylor, and the couple have one daughter, Elizabeth, two years of age. Mr Tanner is a member of the Rainier club, Seattle Golf club, Tacoma Golf club, state and national bar associations. Submitted by: Judy Bivens * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.