Catherine Tanner (maiden name: Hurley) was born around 1817 in Ireland. She eventually immigrated to America and settled in Mercer, Pennsylvania. She married Richard Tanner, and they had at least three children: Thomas, born on April 13, 1843; William, born around 1845; and Catherine, born around 1850. Her husband probably died around 1850. She remained in Mercer and raised her children, and by 1850, she owned $500 of real estate. She died sometime after 1863.