Line of Robert & Rebecca Rankin of Guilford Co., NC

THIS ARTICLE IS OUTDATED AND NEEDS TO BE REVISED. MORE YDNA RESULTS ARE IN.

This is a descendant chart for yet another line of Rankins: Robert and Rebecca Rankin of Guilford Co., NC. I cannot say anything positive about Y-DNA results concerning this line … yet. Y-DNA test results for one of their descendants should be available by the end of March 2017. More then. Meanwhile, I hope this chart has something of value for someone with a Rankin ancestor in North Carolina in the last half of the 18th century.

1 Robert Rankin and wife Rebecca (last name unknown) of Guilford County emigrated from Letterkenny Parish, Donegal County, Ireland to Pennsylvania about 1750.[1] Robert was part of the Nottingham Company, which acquired Granville grants in that part of North Carolina that became Guilford County. Robert and his son George were listed in the 1753 West Nottingham Township tax list for Chester County, PA.[2] Robert and Rebecca and some of their children migrated to NC in 1755. Because the family used the same men’s given names repeatedly – particularly Robert, George and John – I have adopted some shorthand designations or nicknames to distinguish among them. Here are the main ones:

  • Robert Rankin with wife Rebecca: “R&R” or “Robert Sr.’”
  • R&R’s son Robert: “Robert d. 1795.”
  • George d. 1851” was the only proved son of Robert d. 1795, although there may have been others. George d. 1851 married Nancy Gillespie and went to McNairy Co., TN. A gift deed proves that they had a son named Robert:
  • “Robert (1792? – 1845?).” As the question marks indicate, it is not certain where this Robert went and my opinion is speculative.
  • R&R’s son George who married Lydia Steele: “George d. 1760.” Proved sons of George d. 1760 and Lydia:
  • Shaker Rev. John, born in Guilford in 1757, was an ordained Presbyterian minister who became a “Shaker” and died in Logan Co., Kentucky.
  • Rev War Robert, born in Guilford in 1759, was a Revolutionary War veteran who moved to McNairy Co., TN and died there in 1840.

Robert Sr. left no will, despite bad information to the contrary in Gregg Moore’s compiled Rankin history. Moore claims that Robert Sr. died testate in 1795.[3] That is demonstrably incorrect, see my article on the subject here.

According to Rev. S. M. Rankin, Robert Sr. died in Guilford County about 1770.[4] Rev. Rankin also asserted in another part of his book that Robert died before the church started keeping minutes, which was in 1773. Rev. Rankin says that Robert and Rebecca’s children were George, Robert, Rebecca, John and others. I would add a daughter Ann Rankin Denny, who is established by strong circumstantial evidence. I would discount Rebecca because I didn’t find any evidence of her, although a daughter by that name would obviously be likely.

There are several family trees on Ancestry.com that identify R&R as the parents of both (1) David Rankin who died in Iredell Co., NC in 1789 and (2) Samuel Rankin (1734 – 1816) who married Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander Rankin and lived in Lincoln Co., NC. So far, I have not found anyone who cites any evidence for that information except for other Ancestry family trees. I have found no evidence in county or other records that either David or Samuel was a son of R&R. Two descendants of David of Iredell have tested, and neither matches Samuel Rankin. At minimum, this proves that David of Iredell and Samuel of Lincoln cannot possibly have been brothers.

R&R’s children appear in this chart with a “2” preceding their names. R&R’s grandchildren are numbered “3,” their great-grandchildren are “4,” and so on, in standard outline genealogy format, except that I have included more information than is usual in the outline format. Citations are contained in footnotes.

2 John Rankin was a son of R&R, according to Rev. Rankin. There was a John Rankin in some early Rowan/Guilford records involving other people in the line of R&R. That John was too old to be Shaker Rev. John, born in 1757, the elder son of George d. 1760 and Lydia Steele Rankin.[5] Based on such records, Rev. Rankin is probably right about R&R having a son John. I found no evidence of land ownership or identities of any of John’s children except in Rev. Rankin’s book, which says that John had a son John. I have been unable positively to identify this line after Guilford County.

3 John Rankin

2 Rebecca Rankin was a daughter of R&R according to Rev. Rankin. She reportedly married James Denny. I found no evidence of a James and Rebecca Denny in Guilford, and I haven’t tried to find them elsewhere.

2 Ann Rankin married William Denny. R&R gifted land to their son George Rankin and to William Denny on subsequent days in April 1755. Both transactions were for five shillings, the traditional gift deed price.[6] Rev. Rankin’s book asserts that Robert & Rebecca “sold” William Denny his land, although the price clearly marks it as a gift. That virtually guarantees that William Denny was a son-in-law. William and Ann Rankin Denny’s children are proved by his 1766 will, which names his wife Ann and the following children:[7]

3 James Denny, of age by 1766

3 William Denny, of age by 1766

3 Hannah Denny, unmarried in 1766

3 Agnes Denny, unmarried in 1766

3 Jane Denny, unmarried in 1766. Many Rankin researchers believe this is the Jean Denny who married, in 1775, Robert d. 1795 — a son of R&R. However, R&R’s son Robert would have been Jane/Jean Denny’s uncle, if I am correct that Ann and Robert were siblings. It is definitely correct that some Jane/Jean Denny married some Robert Rankin in Guilford County in 1775. Who was the Robert in question? Not (1) Robert Sr. (who died by 1773 and was married to Rebecca LNU), (2) probably not Robert d. 1795, who was most likely Jane Denny’s uncle, and (3) not George and Lydia’s son Rev. War Robert, who was only 16 in 1775. Perhaps there was more than one Jane/Jean Denny in Guilford, which is quite possible. Or perhaps Jane/Jean Denny’s husband was the Robert Rankin of Iredell Co., son of David, who had a son named Denny Rankin. I suspect that is correct.

2 Robert RankinRobert d. 1795 — left a will proving five children. He may have had others, of course. He had three daughters and one son still living when he wrote his will.[8] The will identified by name a son George (George d. 1851), deceased daughter Mary Rankin Wilson’s three sons, and a daughter Isobel. Further, the will gave a 1/5th share of his estate to “each of my daughters now living,” implying two more living daughters in addition to Isabel. Thus, the will left 1/5th of the estate each to (1) George d. 1851, (2) the Wilson grandchildren (divided among the three of them), (3) Isobel, (4) an unnamed daughter, and (5) another unnamed daughter. One of the two unnamed daughters was the Rankin woman who married yet another William Denny, because the second William Denny died in 1825 and named his brother-in-law (identified as such) George d. 1851 as executor of his will.[9]

Rev. S. M. Rankin identified John, Robert and William Rankin as “sons of Robert [Robert d. 1795] and grandsons of Robert Sr.,” citing Caruther’s “Life of Caldwell” — but inexplicably omitting George d. 1851, proved in his father’s will. Elsewhere in the book, Rev. Rankin identifies John, Robert and William Rankin as sons of Rev. War Robert (making those three men great-grandsons of Robert Sr.). Rev. Rankin probably confused his Roberts, a very easy mistake to make in Guilford, and the latter is most likely correct. I am not including those three here as sons of Robert d. 1795, because I found no evidence for them in the Guilford records. Instead, this chart includes only the children proved by the will of Robert d. 1795: George d. 1851, Mary Rankin Wilson, Isabel, and two unnamed daughters, one of whom was the wife of William Denny who died in 1825.

3 George Rankin (George d. 1851) was born in Guilford Co., NC, 22 Mar 1767 and died in McNairy Co., TN, 15 Sep 1851.[10] George d. 1851 married Nancy Gillespie on 28 Jan 1791 in Guilford.[11] He sold 443 acres on the south side of Buffalo Creek in Guilford on 22 Aug 1832, and then moved to McNairy.[12] He and his wife Nancy (1773 – 30 Jul 1843) are buried at Bethel Springs Cemetery in McNairy. The census records for George in Guilford and McNairy support the possibility of 11 possible, but I haven’t been able to prove that many. This chart shows only seven children, and I’m not entirely sure about a couple of those.

4 Some Robert Rankin was a son of George’s, which is proved by a gift deed.[13] George d. 1851’s son was (if I have the right man) born in 1792 and died 1845 – the man whom I call Robert (1792? – 1845?).[14] It is possible — ** and this is speculative ** — that George d. 1851 and Nancy’s proved son Robert was the same man as the Robert Rankin who married Isabel Rankin, daughter of Rev. War Robert and Mary (“Polly”) Cusick Rankin. Isabel was b. 1791 – d. 1861, per her tombstone; she and her husband Robert Rankin would have been great-grandchildren of R&R and therefore second cousins. Their pedigrees, in short (if my speculation is correct: (1) Isabel’s pedigree would be R&R > George d. 1760 & Lydia > Rev. War Robert & Polly Cusick > Isabel Rankin, while (2) her husband’s would be R&R > Robert d. 1795 > George d. 1851 m. Nancy Gillespie > Robert (1792? – 1845?). Some Robert and Isabel definitely married in Guilford in December 1812.[15] See their line under Isabel. I have put their line under Isabel because her identity as a daughter of Rev. War Robert and Mary Cusick is reasonably certain, while the identity of her spouse Robert is speculative.

4 Rebecca Rankin, who was almost certainly the Rebecca who m. Jedediah Rankin in 1811. He was a son of Rev. War Robert and Polly Cusick. They went to Perry Co., AR, see their line under Jedediah.

4 Margaret (Peggy) Rankin, b. 1796, Guilford, d. 1875, Lincoln Co., TN, m. Joseph H Wallace, Guilford, 6 Jan 1818.

4 Daniel G. Rankin? m. Elizabeth Hanner 1823.

4 Thankful Rankin Wharton? 1803-1885.

4 David Caldwell Rankin, b. 1808, Guilford Co., NC, married #1 Mary M. C. F. _______ (d. 1847, McNairy Co., TN), married #2 Nancy Wilson. David was almost certainly still in his parents’ household in the 1830 Guilford Co., NC census. He was listed in his own household in the 1840 and 1850 census for McNairy Co., TN, with his father George enumerated in his household.

5 William Rankin, b. abt 1834

5 Nancy Rankin, b. abt 1838

5 George Washington Rankin, b. abt 1840

5 Angelina Rankin, b. abt 1842, may have married A. J. Minton, 23 Jun 1863, McNairy

5 Marion Rankin, b. abt 1847

4 John D. Rankin, b. Guilford 1816-17, d. McNairy 1870, m. Mary (“Polly”) Kerby (1820-1883). Buried Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Finger, McNairy Co., TN.[16]

5 Francis Marion Rankin, b. 1836, d. 25 Jun 1890, buried Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Finger, McNairy Co. Wife Louisa Elizabeth James, 19 Aug 1834 – 25 Oct 1926.[17]

6 Julia Ann Rankin, 1858 – 1906.

6 Robert W. Rankin, b. 12 Mar 1860 TN, d. 15 Nov 1919. Wife Margaret J. ______ (1868-1958).[18]

7 Perry P. Rankin, b. Feb 1889, d. _____

7 Letta V. Rankin, b. abt. 1893

7 Robert L. Rankin, b. Mar 1895

7 Franklin Rankin, b. 13 Sep 1899, d. 24 Apr 1979. Per his TN death certificate, Franklin was a son of R. W. Rankin & Margaret J. Rankin. Franklin’s wife was Winnie Essie Patterson. Per marriage certificate, they were m. 18 Dec 1921 in Chester Co., TN. Both are buried in the Cave Springs Cemetery, Henderson, Chester Co., TN. Winnie’s obituary (she died November 28, 2001) identified her husband as Frank, d. 1979, and identifies her children as follows …

8 Herman Rankin, predeceased his mother. Death certificate says he was b. 20 Jul 1923, d. 9 Aug 1998, son of Frank Rankin and Winnie Essie Patterson, buried Shelby Co., TN.

8 Daughter Bernice Rankin McDaniel of Memphis.

8 Son Glenn Rankin of Selmer, TN.

8 Son Aaron Rankin of Gallatin, TN.

6 William Sherman Rankin, 1866 – 1937

6 Mary F. Rankin, 1868 – 1937, m. Mr. Maness

6 F. M. Rankin, Jr., 1871 – 1894

6 Louisa Rankin, 1873 – 1949

6 John B. Rankin, b. 1877, d. ____

5 Nancy Rankin, b. 1838-39, d. 1923?

5 Sarah E. Rankin, b. 1842, d. 1915?

5 Lucy E. Rankin, 1843-44, d. ____

5 Mary J. Rankin, b. 1845, d. 1934?

5 Robert Neal Rankin, b. 1847, d. 1922?

5 Thankful Caroline Rankin, b. 1850, d. ?

5 Margaret S. Rankin, b. 1852, d. 1927?

5 Julia A. Rankin, b. 1854, d. ?

5 Elizabeth E. Rankin, b. 1857, d. 1943?

5 George D. Rankin, b. 1860, d. ? May have gone to Oklahoma.

5 Hugh Kerby Rankin, b. 1865, d. 1946? Ditto. McNairy estate records mentions Elizabeth, George and Hugh Rankin, heirs and minors, by their guardian ad litem. So the estate was administered prior to 1876.

3 Mary Rankin m. Andrew Wilson, d. by 1795. Some of these Wilsons went to McNairy Co., TN, but I have not attempted to track them or sort them out.

4 William Rankin Wilson, b. 1787, Guilford Co., NC, d. 1855, reportedly m. Lydia Rankin — the Lydia who was a daughter of Rev. War Robert and Polly Cusick. I haven’t seen proof.

4 Andrew Wilson

4 Maxwell Wilson

3 Isobel Rankin

3 Daughter Rankin, possibly Rebecca? Not identified by name in her father’s 1795 will, but see will of William Denny dated 12 Dec 1824 proved Feb 1825. Will mentions brother-in-law George Rankin. See also Guilford DB 8: 230, 1803 deed witnessed by William Denny and Rebeckah Denny.

4 Rebeckah Denny m. Mr. Black

4 Pamela Denny m. Mr. Wilson

4 Nancy Denny

4 Isabel Denny

4 James Denny

4 William Denny

4 Allen Denny

3 Unnamed daughter Rankin.

2 George Rankin, b. 1729, Letterkenny Parish, County Donegal, Ireland. Emigrated to Pennsylvania about 1750 with father Robert.[19] Died 1760, Guilford Co., NC, m. Lydia Steele, from County Derry. George’s will, dated and proved 1760, names their sons John (“Rev. Shaker John”) and Robert (“Rev War Robert”).

3 Rev. Shaker John Rankin, b. 27 Nov 1757, Guilford Co., NC, d. 1850, Logan Co., KY. Married Rebeccah Rankin, 5 Dec 1786, a daughter of John Rankin and Hannah Carson (per Old Buffalo Church and Rev. John’s autobiography). He was ordained by Rev. Caldwell. He left NC in October 1796 and arrived in Gallatin, Sumner Co., TN, in Nov. 1796. In Dec. 1798, he moved to Gasper River, Logan Co., KY.

See http://digitalcommons.wku.edu.theses/1243. My listing of his children is entirely from the census records in Logan Co., KY.

4 George Rankin, 1787-1880. If birth date correct, he was b. NC.

 4 Hannah Rankin, 1789-1826. Ditto.

4 Robert Rankin, date unknown, reportedly second eldest son, if so … b. 1790.

4 James Rankin, 1791-1884

4 Solomon Rankin, 1796-1882

4 John N. Rankin, 1798-1870

4 Jesse Rankin, 1799-1882.

4 William Rankin, 1803-1880

3 Robert Rankin (“Rev War Robert”), b. 1759 in Guilford (per pension application), m. #1 Polly Cusick (date unknown), m. #2 Mary Moody in 1803, both marriages in Guilford. Polly Cusick evidently died about 1801. Robert and Mary Moody moved from Guilford to McNairy, TN about 1832. He died there in 1840.[20] She died after 1850, when she appeared in the census in a son’s household.

Children of Rev War Robert and Polly Cusick. Three daughters (Lydia, Isabel and Thankful) are proved by the Guilford Co. 1816 will of their grandfather, William Cusick, who identified his granddaughters as children of Robert Rankin and his deceased daughter Polly. [21]

4 Lydia Rankin, b. before 1803. Reportedly married her cousin William Rankin Wilson (a grandson of Robert Rankin d. 1795 in Guilford) and d. 1862 in Arkansas. I haven’t found proof. I (blush) haven’t seriously looked yet.

4 Isbel/Isabel Rankin, b. 1791, m. Robert Rankin 9 Dec 1812 in Guilford. I ** speculate ** he was her second cousin Robert, a proved son of George (1767-1851) and Nancy Gillespie Rankin.  Isabel and her husband Robert went to Arkansas, d. Pope Co. They are buried in the Old Kinslow Cemetery (about 1 mile west of Appleton, AR, now abandoned). Tombstones are inscribed “Robert Rankin d. 1845 aged 53” (which puts his birth year at 1792), “Isabelle Rankin died 1861 aged 70 years” (so born abt 1791), and “George W. Rankin died 1843 aged 22 yrs. 9 mo.” George was their son.

5 Margaret D. Rankin, 1813 –

5 Susan Rankin, 1814 –

5 George W. Rankin, 1821 – 1843

5 Malinda Rankin, 1823-1880, or possibly Salenda

5 Isabell Jane Rankin, b. 1825–26, d. 1899, married Joseph Poe

5 Robert M. Rankin, 1827 – 1894

5 Anthony Lambert Rankin, 1830-1892, m. Patience Ann Jones

6 Evert Rankin

7 Alta Rankin m. Ed Wilson

5 William Rankin?

5 Jasper N. Rankin, 1832-1862

5 Julia Ann Rankin

5 Carolina Rankin

5 Reuben Burr Rankin, b. 4 May 1834, d. 17 Aug 1909, Ozark, Franklin Co., AR. Married Nancy Elizabeth Nash, b. 1836, on 8 Dec 1853, marriage recorded in the minutes of the Glass Village Presby Congregation in Appleton, AR.[22]

6 John James Rankin, b. AR 8 Oct 1854, d. 22 Jan 1931, Perryville, Perry Co., AR. Married Margaret Ann Lemley, 7 Apr 1862 – 20 Oct 1948, Perryville.

7 Mollie Rankin, d. bef. 1961

7 Lee Lester Rankin m. May Hamilton, d. bef. 1961

8 Ruby Rankin

8 Lowell Rankin

7 Sibley Arthur Rankin, b. 1882, Appleton, AR, m. #1 Mayme Bunn, m. #2 Mary Estella Rankin, Morrilton, AR.

8 L. D. Rankin, Nachez, MS m. ????

9 Michael Rankin, b. abt. 1939, wife Carolyn, lived in Natchez on Rankin St.

9 John Patrick Rankin, b. abt 1943, Ole Miss, geological engineering

9 Lee Dennis Rankin, b. abt 1946.

7 Reuben Anderson Rankin, m. #1 Mae Bowie, m#2 Dollie Gentry, d. bef. 1961

7 Rulen? Nulen? Ephriam Rankin m. LaVada McGehee

8 John Edward Rankin of Tulsa, OK as of 1961

7 Jesse Parke Rankin m. Pearl Thedford, d. bef. 1961

8 Cleburne Rankin, lived in Perryville, AR as of 1961

8 Ida Rae Rankin m. Mr. Henry, lived in Little Rock as of 1961

7 Maudie Ethel Rankin, m. R. E. Richey, lived in Tulsa as of 1961

7 Odie Ella Rankin, m. #1 Ed Bland, m. #2 Jake Tulp, lived Little Rock

7 John Leland Rankin m. Maudie Luella Rankin, twin sister of the Mary Estella who m. Sibley Arthur Rankin, lived in Cutler, CA

7 Cecil Farrar Rankin, Perryville, AR, never married.

6 Mary M. Rankin, 1856-1871

6 Rosetta A. Rankin, 1857-1947, “Zett,” married Henry Templeton

6 Nancy Isobel Rankin, 1858-1947, m. Anderson Bartlett

6 Sarah Fina? Fine? Rankin, 1859-1934, m. Henry Bartlett

6 Laura Alice Rankin, 1865-1948

6 George Alver Rankin, 1868 – 1938, b. Mulberry AR, d. Lone Elm, Franklin, AR, m. Ollie Delana Francis, b. 1869

7 William Edgar Rankin, 1890-1946

7 Thomas Fay Rankin, 1892-1920

7 Phoebe Lois Rankin, 1895-1970

7 Jasper Francis Rankin, 1897-1988

7 George Argus Rankin, 1900-1993 m. Grace L.

7 Rollie Burr Rankin, b. 1905, AR, d. 1995, San Pablo, Contra Costa, CA, m. Hazel Melissa Mackey, 1904-1995. Kit #207504 in the Rankin DNA project.

4 Thankful Rankin, b. before 1803, m. Hance McCain in Guilford, 4 Feb 1818.

4 John Rankin, b. 17 Feb 1797 d. 24 Mar 1846, buried Bethel Springs Cem., McNairy Co., TN.

4 Jedediah Rankin is proved as a son of Rev. War Robert by an 1815 Guilford gift deed.[23] Born abt 1783-84, Guilford Co., NC, d. 1862. Appeared in the Guilford census in 1820.[24] Went to Perry Co., AR about 1832, says one source; another says he was there by 1830. Appears in the Perry Co. census in 1850 and 1860 in the household of his son George M. Rankin.[25] Jedediah was married twice. He married wife #1, Rebecca Rankin, 4 Dec 1811, Guilford Co., NC, Robert Rankin Jr., bondsman. [Note: Robert JUNIOR in 1811 was Robert, a proved son of George and Nancy Gillespie. Rebecca was almost certainly also a daughter of George and Nancy.] Rebecca died in 1827. Jedediah m. wife #2 was Elizabeth _______.

5 Catherine Rankin, b. 1812, married Mr. Kidd, to Texas.

5 Polly Ann Rankin, m. Capt. Wilson of Arkansas, she died in 1863.

5 George M. Rankin, b. abt 1822, Guilford Co., NC, m. Elizabeth Jane Alexander, 28 Dec 1841. See 1880 census.[26] Died 1896, Perry Co., AR. They had 14 children, per Goodspeed’s.

6 Robert N. Rankin, b. AR 10 Jun 1844, d. Corinth, MS, 1863

6 George W. Rankin, b. AR 15 Sep 1846, lived in Perryville

6 Rebecca Rankin, b. 1848, d. infant

6 William H. C. (or H. R.,?) Rankin, b. AR 4 Mar 1850, Perryville merchant, m. Mollie E. Swaggerty 7 Feb 1875 (she was b. GA)

6 Polly Ann Rankin, b. Apr 1851, d. 1863

6 Lucinda C. Rankin, b. AR abt 1854, might be the Lucinda Catherine b. Apr 1853, m. John Bland.

6 John J. Rankin, b. AR Apr 1855, d. Dec 1880

6 Isbel or Isabella C. Rankin, b. AR 1857, d. Jan 1877

6 Henry M. Rankin, b. AR 1859

6 Lousetta Rankin, b. AR 25 Dec 1861, m. George Bland, to California

6 Edmund (“Eddie”) Rankin, b. AR 26 Dec 1864, d. TX 1886

6 Elizabeth (“Betsey”) J. Rankin, b. AR Mar 1867, m. E. B. Rorer of Perry Co.

6 Monroe Madison Rankin, b. 3 Mar 1869, AR. See 1910, 1920 and 1930 census. Married Maggie Edwards 14 Jul 1895, Moab, Perry Co., AR. He was 26, she was 16. A SSI claim identifies spouse as Margaret M. Edwards, a child as Faye Edith Filkins. Children from census:

7 Lyle Rankin, b. abt 1898

7 Fay Rankin, b. abt 1905, married Mr. Filkins.

7 Roy Rankin, b. abt 1907-08 (seems to be “Ray” in the 1930 census)

7 Ruben N. Rankin, b. 1909. See 1930 census, living with parents Madison & Maggie. Married Eunice Bell Lane, 13 Jan 1929, Saline Co. AR. They have one child in that census: Ruben C. Rankin.

8 Reubin Cecil Rankin, 1930-1992. Tombstone in Smith-Rosemont Cemetery, Saline, Benton Co., AR. Wife Frances Louise Samples. SS death index mentions Reuben N. Rankin and Eunice J. Lane, his parents.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=RAN&GSpartial=1&GSbyrel=all&GSst=4&GScntry=4&GSsr=1601&GRid=44304504&

 7 Sybil Rankin, b. abt 1915

4 George Rankin, b. Guilford Co., NC (reportedly 1782), d. 1828, went to Pulaski Co., AR. Married Ann McMurray, 22 Nov 1803. See Pulaski County census, 1840 … Ann Rankin, 0001-00000001. She is 50<60, b. 1780-1790, fits with likely birthdate of George, son of Rev War Robert and Polly Cusick. She is listed on the same page as Wiliam D. Rankin in the 1840 census, suggesting he is her son. See also 1830 tax list, Pulaski Co., Ann Rankin (also listed 1836, 1839). Jedediah Rankin is listed on the 1830 tax list along with Robert Rankin. In the 1835 tax list, there is Robert Rankin, William Rankin (1835 and 36) and William D. Rankin (1839).

5 Probable son: John J. Rankin, b. abt 1822. In the 1850 census, Pulaski Co., AR, he is listed in the dwelling next to Ann Rankin, probably his mother.[27]

6 Dores, probably Doris, Rankin, b. AR abt 1845

6 Frances Rankin, b. AR abt. 1846

6 George Rankin, b. AR abt. 1849-50.

5 William D. Rankin, b. 1800-1810, AR. Married Minerva Payne, 12 Jul 1832, Pulaski Co., AR. Land grant, 1838, 160A, Section 29, T3-N, R15-W. 1840 census suggests two sons born 1835-40, one son born 1833-1840, plus two daughters. [28] His wife is 20 < 30 in 1840, born 1810-1820.[29] Children from 1850 census.[30]

6 Thomas Rankin, b. AR abt 1831

6 Julia Ann Rankin, b. AR abt 1834

6 James W. Rankin, b. AR abt 1836, married Sarah LNU.[31]

 7 William D. Rankin, b. AR 1859-60

7 Franklin Rankin, b. AR abt 1861

7 Texas? Rankin, female, b AR abt 1862

7 Elmira Rankin, b. AR abt 1867

7 Julia Rankin, b. AR abt 1869

6 Sarah Rankin, b. AR abt 1841

6 William? Henry Rankin, b. abt 1843 per 1850 census, abt. 1842 per 1870 census. Rankin descendant says he was b. 1839, d. 1906.[32]

 7 George Emory Rankin, 1866-1931, m. Sophronia Evelena Coley, 29 Mar 1894, Faulkner Co., AR. She died 1926 in Ouachita Parish, LA. Obit said her husband was “of Caldwell Parish.”[33]

8 Chester Clyde Rankin of Ceres, CA, b. 27 Dec 1894, Conway Co., AR per draft registration card, d. 11 Jul 1977, Ceres, CA.

8 William Henry Rankin, b. 1898, Howard Co., AR, d. 1981, Columbia, Caldwell Par., LA.

8 Rollie R. Rankin, b. 1902, Howard Co., AR, d. 1984, Caldwell Parish, LA

8 Alberta Rankin, b. abt 1905, Howard Co., AR

8 Bertie L. Rankin, b. abt 1907, Howard Co., AR

8 Laura Dee Rankin, b. abt 1909, Howard Co., AR

8 Harry B. Rankin, b. abt 1909, Howard Co., AR

8 Fred D. Rankin, b. 10 Feb 1913, Howard Co., AR, d. 11 Feb 1975, Winnsboro, Franklin Parish, LA. His obituary names his surviving sons and a couple of his brothers.

9 George E. Rankin of Bossier City.

9 Fred Allen Rankin, b. 1944, lives in Benton, Bossier Parish, LA.

6 Enneline? Rankin, b. AR abt 1845

6 George Rankin, b. AR abt 1847

5 Robert Rankin, b. 1805, NC, d. 1863, Perry Co., AR, m. Frances Hogan.[34] Buried in Antioch Cemetery, Perryville, AR. Double headstone with Frances. His tombstone says “Killed by Jayhawkers.” http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=52846&GRid=28734817&

6 W. G. Rankin, b. 2 Mar 1830, m. #1 Parmelia Ellsberry Mar 1852, two subsequent wives.

6 Martha A. Rankin, b. abt 1832, AR

6 Edmund Hogan Rankin, 5th child of 12, b. 31 Mar 1837 – d. 25 Jun 1917, m. #1 Nancy Jane Spears Jan 1863 (she d. 1883); m #2 Sarah Elizabeth Camp. Buried Antioch Cemetery, Perryville, Perry Co., AR.[35]

7 George W. Rankin, b. abt 1863, probably d. abt. 1881, age 18, buried Antioch Cem.

7 John A. J. Rankin, b. abt. 1864

7 Henry C. Rankin, b. abt. 1865

7 Elizabeth J. Rankin, b. abt. 1869

7 Charles C. Rankin, b. 11 Feb 1872, d. 15 Apr. 1901, buried Antioch Cemetery.

7 Edmond Filmore Rankin, b. 25 Jun 1873, d. 10 Aug 1947, wife Nancy Annie Rankin, 1872 – 1944. Buried Antioch Cemetery, Perryville.

7 Alice L. Rankin, b. abt 1874

7 Julie E. Rankin, b. abt 1878

7 William Alexander Rankin, b. 21 Sept. 1879, d. 1965, m. Zora Mae _____.[36] See also WWII Draft Registration card giving birth date, Zora’s name, and middle name.

8 Otto Harris Rankin, b. 5 May 1904, Perry Co., AR, d. 5 Dec 1977, AR. Married Novie Brown, Morrilton, Conway Co., AR, 14 Oct 1923, both age 19. Both buried Ada Valley Cemetery in Conway Co., AR.[37]

9 Marie Rankin, b. abt 1925

9 Paul Rankin, b. abt 1927

9 Juanita Rankin, b. abt 1929

9 Harold Leon Rankin, b. 2 Oct 1931, d. 20 Aug 2013, buried in Ada Valley Cemetery. Obituary names his survivors, including two sons. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=2162879&GRid=115842083&

8 Edward C. Rankin, b. abt 1906

8 Pearl E. Rankin, b. abt 1908-09

8 Lloyd M. Rankin, b. 22 Jun 1910, d. 18 May 1963. Buried Antioch Cemetery. Married #1, Conway Co., Lorene Paul, 12 May 1935. Married #2 Pearl McClain, 29 Mar 1941.

8 Violet Rankin, b. abt 1912

8 Dollie Rankin, b. abt 1916

8 Rayburn Rankin, b. abt 1920

Grandsons of William A. and Zora, not sure of father, positive about grandfather:

9 Don Rankin, b. abt 1933

9 Ronnie Rankin, b. abt 1936

6 Harriet J. Rankin, b. abt 1840, AR

6 Julia E. Rankin, b. abt 1842, AR

6 Luzetta E. Rankin, b. abt 1844, AR

6 John S. Rankin, b. abt 1847, AR

6 Charles C. Rankin, b. AR abt. 1849

6 Frances J. Rankin, b. abt. 1851

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Some more info, from one of those old “Heritage” books for Perry County, Page 689-690. *** Which George? (1) not George, son of R&R, died 1760; (2) not George d. 1851, because he stayed in TN and died there;

W.G. Rankin, a prominent stock dealer residing in Perryville, is a son of Robert Rankin and Frances Hogan of Tennessee and Georgia, respectively, the former a son of George Rankin of Guilford County, North CarolinaGeorge Rankin*** and his son Robert, in company with several others, traveled up the Arkansas River as far as Cane Hill, Washington, looking for a suitable location, but finally returned to Little Rock and shortly afterward settled on the Maumelle River, about fourteen miles southeast of Perryville, where he resided until his death. His wife died in 1858, a few years after his decease. … Robert Rankin moved with his father to the settlement on Maumelle River, where he entered eighty acres of land … Robert was married when quite young, being only twenty two years old on that occasion. He sold forty acres of land which he had previously entered and entered 120 acres more in the neighborhood of his eighty acres upon which he made his home and resided until his death in the fall of 1863, being murdered by a bushwhacker. His wife lived five years afterward and followed him to the grave. W.G. Rankin was born March 2, 1830, in what is now Faulkner County, and received all the advantages to be derived from the schools of that period. He remained at home and worked on the farm with his father until March 1852, when he married to Miss Parmelia Ellsberry, by whom he has had three children: C.C. (who resides in Perryville), Edmund H. (also of Perryville), and Margaret (wife of Robert Long, who resides eight miles from that town). Mr Rankin lost his wife on November 7, 1868 and in November 1871 he was again married, his second wife being Miss Julia Bagly, by whom he had one child: Mary Josephine. This wife died in 1878 and about one year and nine months later Mr Rankin married #3 Mrs Missouri Brazeale, by whom he has had two children: Egbert and Quinlen. After his first marriage he bought forty acres of land and entered 160 acres more eight miles east of Perryville where he resided from 1853 to 1876, and then moved to Perryville where he has lived ever since. During the war he enlisted in the army, but after three months’ service, the long marches, exposure and hard life of a soldier affected his health and he was forced to return home and hire a substitute to fill his place for the remainder of the war. Mr Rankin has made industry and good management accumulate a comfortable amount of property. He owns land east of block 14 in the town of Perryville, also forty acres just across the river with twenty acres under cultivation, besides having a half interest in 215 acres ten miles down the Fourche, of which twenty five acres are under cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to the Perryville Lodge. In politics he is a Democrat and has always voted that ticket. He is one of the old landmarks of the county and any history of the State of Arkansas would be incomplete without his name. Besides himself, Mr Rankin has two brothers and one sister still living: Edmund H. (residing in Perry County on the old homestead), Charles (residing 3 miles south of Perryville), and Martha (now the wife of Willis Y. Russell, living in Effingham County, Ill.

 

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Source for the following: The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Central Arkansas (Easley, SC: Southern Historical Press reprint, 1978; original publisher The Goodspeed Publishing Co. of Chicago, Nashville and St. Louis, 1889).

Goodspeed says that Jedediah Rankin came to Perry Co., AR in 1832. Jed was the father of G. M. Rankin, “who was born within one-half mile of the famous Guilford Court House … August 1, 1821.” “The grandfather, Robert Rankin, was a Revolutionary Soldier, and took part in the battle of Guilford Court House.”

                …. “Jedediah Rankin and his wife were the parents of five children, of whom 2 died when very young. The oldest, Catherine, was born in 1812 and married a man named Kidd, now residing in Texas. The next was Polly Ann, who married a Capt. Wilson, of Arkansas, [where] she died in 1863; and G. M. Rankin, who, after his mother’s death, in 1827, lived with an uncle named Robert Rankin, until 1837, when he moved to Arkansas, and joined his father … the elder Rankin [died] in 1862 at the age of 79 [thus born 1783, that would be Jedediah]… his wife [died in 1882, age 81].

                  … G. M. Rankin m. Elizabeth Jane Alexander 28 Dec 1841. They had 14 children, 7 still living (as of 1889, I suppose)…(1) Robert N. Rankin (b. 10 Jun 1844, killed at Corinth, 1863); (2) Wash. (b. 15 Sep 1846, lives in Perrybille); (3) Rebeca (b. 1848, d. infant); (4) W. H. R. Rankin (b. 4 Mar 1850, a merchant in Perryville, m. Mollie E. Swaggerty 7 Feb 1875, she from GA); (5) Polly Ann (b. Apr 1851, d. 1863); (6) Catherine (b. Apr 1853, m. John Bland of Perryville); (7) John Rankin (b. Apr 1855 d. Dec 1880); (8) Isabella (b. 1857, d. Jan 1877); (9) Henry (b. 1859); (10) Lousetta (b. 25 Dec 1861, m. George Bland, to CA); (11) Edmund (b 26 Dec 1864, d. TX 1886); (12) Betsey J. (b. Mar 1857, m. E. B. Rorer of Perry Co.); (13) Madison M. (b. 3 Mar 1869).

                  (Note on #4, William H. R. Rankin m. Mollie Swaggerty: they had 4 kids, (1) Hallie (Feb 1876), (2) Sibyl (Dec 1879), (3) Fay (Nov 1883) and (4) Joe (Jan 1886).

Another Rankin family, but I’m on a roll here … same source…

                  “W. G. Rankin …[of] Perryville is a son of Robert Rankin and Frances (Hogan) Rankin … Robert being a son of George Rankin of Guilford Co., NC… George Rankin and his son Robert …settled on the Maumelle River about 14 miles SW of Perryville … Robert … married … when only 22, d. fall of 1863, “being murdered by a bushwhacker” … W. G. Rankin was b. 2 Mar 1830 in what is now Faulkner county…m. Parmelia Elsberry in March 1852. W. G. and Parmelia had 3 children: (1) C. C. Rankin (Perryville); (2) Edmund H. (ditto); (3) Margaret m. Robert Long. Parmelia d. 7 Nov 1868 and W. G. married w#2 Julia Bagly, one dau (4) Mary Josephine. Julia d. in 1878 and W. G. married Mrs. Missouri Brazeale, two children: (5) Egbert and (6) Quinlen.

 …W. G. Rankin has 2 brothers and one sister still living: Edmund H. Rankin (Perry Co. on old homestead), Charles (3 miles south of Perryville) and Martha m. Willis Y. Russell, Effingham Co., IL.

 …about Edmund H. Rankin (b. 1 Mar 1837, Perry Co., the 5th of 12 children), son of Robert and Frances (Hogan) Rankin, m. Nancy Jane Spears, and they had 10 children, 9 still living: (1) George W., (2) Andrew J., (3) Henry Clay, (4) Frances Jane, (5) Charles C., (6) Edmond F., (7) Laura Alice, (8) Julian E. and (9) William A. … “the paternal grandfather” fought in the Battle of Guilford Court House…” I think Goodspeed’s may have omitted a generation … “the paternal great-grandfather came to America before the Rev War.” (ditto).

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[1] The source for the migration information is the autobiography of one of Robert and Rebecca’s grandsons, “Shaker Reverend John Rankin” who went to Union Co., KY. Excerpts from it are available in some family trees at ancestry.com. I would love to have a complete copy if anyone has one or can send a link.

[2] J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope, History of Chester County, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts, 1881), reproduction facsimile by Chester County Historical Society (Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, Inc., 1996).

[3] A. Gregg Moore & Forney A. Rankin (as added author), The Rankins of North Carolina : A Genealogy and History of Those Who Can Trace Their Ancestry to One of the Several Rankin Families Native to the Tar Heel State (Marietta, GA: A. G. Moore, 1997) (two volumes). Moore confused Robert d. 1795 with his father Robert Sr. m. Rebecca.

[4] Rev. S. M. Rankin, History of Buffalo Presbyterian Church and Her People (Greensboro, NC: Jos. J. Stone & Co., 1931).

[5] See, e.g., Rowan County, NC Order Book 3: 200 and Will Book A: 31, will of William Denny dated 1766, witnessed in 1766 and proved in 1770 by John Rankin.

[6] Rowan Deed Book 2: 67, 14 Apr 1755 deed from Robert Rankin to William Denny, 5 shillings, 640 acres adjacent the corners of Nottingham Company tracts No. 14 and 15; Rowan Deed Book 2: 70, 13 Apr 1775 deed from Robert and Rebecca Rankin to George Rankin, 480 acres on the south side of Brushy Fork.

[7] Guilford or Rowan County Will Book A: 31, Order Book 3: 200, will of Wm Denny naming wife Ann, dated 10 Aug 1766 proved May 1770.

[8] Will of Robert Rankin Sr. (who was then called “Sr.” since Robert m. Rebecca had died earlier) dated May 1795, proved Nov 1795. Guilford Co., NC, WB A: file #312.

[9] Ancestry.com. North Carolina, Wills and Probate Records, 1665-1998 (database online).

[10] Albert Brown, Cemeteries, 1824 – 1986 McNairy County, TN (1993).

[11] Frances T. Ingmire, Guilford County North Carolina Marriage Records 1771-1868 Volume III Names O-Z (Athens, GA: Iberian Publishing Co., 1984).

[12] A. B. Pruitt, Abstracts of Deeds Guilford Co, NC Books 19, 20, & 21 (1825-1836) (2007), abstract of Deed Book 19: 688.

[13] A. B. Pruitt, Abstracts of Deeds Guilford Co, NC Books 14, 15, & 16 (1819-1826) (2005), abstract of Deed Book 14: 11, deed of 23 Mar 1819 from “George Rankin Sr. to his son Robert Rankin Jr.,” both of Guilford, 110.5 acres on the south side of North Buffalo Creek. By 1819, the man designated as Robert Rankin Senior would be Rev. War Robert, son of George and Lydia Steele Rankin.

[14] See the 1820 federal census for Guilford Co., 1830 census for McNairy, and the 1840 census for Pope Co., AR.

[15] Ingmire, Guilford County North Carolina Marriage Records.

[16] 7 Mar 1870, McNairy Co., TN, administrator’s bond on estate of J. D. Rankin, administrator F. M. Rankin, bond Francis Kirby. Book B: 88.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=15910&GRid=99472727&

[17] 1860 census, Purdy P.O., McNairy Co., TN, Frank Rankin, age 23, b. TN, Elizabeth Rankin, 24, July A. Rankin (sic, Julie or Julia), 2, and Robert W. Rankin, 3 months. Two households down from Frank Kerby. 1870 census, McNairy Co., Frances Ranken, 34, Sarah (?) E. Rankin, 35, Julia A. Rankin, 12, Robert W. Rankin, 10, William S. Rankin, 4, Mary F. Rankin, 1. The adjacent household is Mary F. Rankin, his mother (widow of J. D. Rankin). In 1870, he was the administrator on the estate of J. D. Rankin, with Francis Kirby, bondsman. 1880 census, McNairy Co., TN, F. M. Rankin, b. TN, parents b. NC, wife Louisa E. Rankin, son R. W. Rankin, 20, daughter Mary F. Rankin, 11, son F. M. Rankin, Jr., daughter Louisa Rankin, 7, and son John B. Rankin, 3. Headstone application for military veterans says that he was a Chief Master Sgt., 6th Tennessee Cavalry. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6039779

[18] 1900 census, Chester Co., TN, Robert W. Rankins, 40, b. TN Mar 1860, wife Margaret J. Rankins, 32, b. TN Feb 1868, son Perry P. Rankin, 10, b. TN Feb 1889, dau Letta V. Rankins, 7, b. TN _____, son Robert L. Rankins, 5, b. TN Mar.1895, son Franklin Rankins, 8 months, b TN Sep 1899. Plus Louisa E. Rankin, 65, b. TN Aug 1835. Buried in Cave Springs Cemetery, Henderson, Chester Co., TN: Robert W. Rankin, 12 Mar 1860 – 15 Nov 1919, and Margaret J. Rankin, 13 Feb 1868 – 16 Mar 1958.

[19] William R. Black, “Went off to the Shakers: The First Converts of South Union” (2013), Masters Theses and Special Projects. Paper 1243. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu.theses/1243. Cites the autobiography of Shaker Rev. John Rankin, son of George and Lydia, for the immigration facts.

[20] Tombstone in Bethel Springs Cem., McNairy Co., TN: “Private Robert Rankin, 29 May 1759 – 21 Dec 1840.”

[21] Will of William Cusick dated 4 May 1816 proved May 1817 naming children of Robert Rankin “Sr.” and deceased daughter Polly: Lydia, Isbel and Thankful. Guilford Co. WB B: 435.

[22] From Jackie Gillie’s 1961 letter, the organizational minutes of the Sulphur Springs Congregation (now the Appleton Presbyterian Church, Appleton, AR): church was organized 23 Mar 1856, “Bros. Jno. M. Poe and Reuben B. Rankin were duly elected and ordained to the office of Ruling Elders. List of charter members included R. B. (Reuben Burr) Rankin, his wife Elizabeth Rankin, R. M. Rankin (Robert, Reuben’s brother), A. L. Rankin (Anthony Lambert), Isabel J. Poe (Reuben’s sister Isabel who m. Jo. S. Poe) and their mother Isabel Rankin, who was #1 on the list.

[23] Guilford Co., NC Deed Book 12: 312, deed dated 24 Oct 1815 from Robert Rankin to his son Jeddediah Rankin, both of Guilford, for natural love & affection, 150A on the waters of North Buffalo Cr. adjacent the northeast corner of Robert Rankin’s old tract. Acknowledged by grantor August 1816.

[24] Federal census, 1820, Guilford Co., NC, Jedediah Rankin, p. 96, 000110-20010. Eldest male (Jedediah) is 26<45.

[25] 1850 census, Perry Co., AR, household of George M. Rankin, 28, b. NC abt 1822, farmer, Elizabeth Rankin, 22, b. AR, Robert Rankin, 6, b. AR, George W. Rankin, 4, b. AR, and Jedediah Rankin, 65, b. NC abt 1785 and with Elizabeth Rankin, 54, NC; 1860 census, Fource LaFave Twp., Perryville PO, Perry Co., AR: household of George M. Rankin, 38, farmer, b. NC abt 1822, Elizabeth Rankin, 32, b. AR, Robert N.? Rankin, 16, AR, George W. Rankin, 14, AR, William H. C. Rankin, 10, AR, Lucinda C. Rankin, 6, AR, John J. Rankin, 4, AR, Isbel C. Rankin, 2, AR, Henry M. Rankin, 3 months?, AR, Jeddiah S. Rankin, 74, b. NC, and Elizabeth Rankin, 63, NC.

[26] 1880 census, Fourch LaFave Twp., Perry Co., AR, household of George M. Rankin, 58, farmer, b. NC about 1822, parents b. NC, wife Elizabeth J. Rankin, 54, b. AR, parents b. VA, son John J. Rankin, 24, b. AR, son Henry Rankin, 20, AR, son Eddie? Rankin, 15, b. AR, daughter Elizabeth J. Rankin, 13, AR, son Monroe Rankin, 11, b. AR.

[27] 1850 census, Big Rock Pulaski Co., p. 340, dwl. 369: John J. Rankin, 28, Elizabeth, 26, Dores, 5, fem., Frances, 4, fem., and George 6 mos, all b. AR. Next dwelling Ann Rankin, 70, b NC, 1780.

[28] 1840 census, Pulaski Co., AR, 210001-11001, he is 30 < 40, born 1800-1810. One Rankin researcher says Wm. D. Rankin, s/o George, lived 1806-1846.

[29] Minerva Rankin m. George Abbott, 13 Oct 1855, Conway Co., AR, age 42 (b. abt. 1813). She appeared in the 1860 census in Conway Co., dwelling #257, in the household of Chas Adams, 38, as a cook, name of Minerva Abbott, 46, b. TN abt 1814, with Nancy Sexton, 15, b TN, George Rankin, 12, b. AR (Minerva’s son). In the adj. dwelling is J. W. Rankin (James), also Minerva’s son, 25, farmer, b. AR, Sarah Rankin, 22, b. TN, and Wm. D. Rankin, 6 mos., b AR.

[30] 1850 census, Conway Co., AR, #390, Minerva Rankin, 36 (b. abt. 1814), farmer, b TN, with Thomas Rankin, 19, b. AR, Julia Ann Rankin, 16, b. AR, James Rankin, 14, b. AR, Sarah Rankin, 9, b. AR, Henry Rankin, 7, b. AR (abt. 1843, is this William Henry???), Enneline? Rankin, 5, b. AR, and George Rankin, 3, b. AR (abt 1847).

[31] See 1850, 1860 and 1870 census. In 1870, he is listed in Conway Co., AR, dwl #89: J. W. Rankin, 35, b. AR abt 1835, with Susan, 30, MS, William, 11, AR, Franklin, 9, AR, Texas?, female, 8, b AR, Elmira, 4, b AR, and Julia, 1, b AR.

[32] 1870 census, Clark, Pope Co., AR, #342: Henry W. H. Rankin, 28, b AR abt 1842, Elizabeth H. Rankin, 20, b. AR abt 1850, and George E. Rankin, 4, b AR abt 1866.

[33] 1900 census, Suplhur Springs, Howard Co., AR, George E. Rankin, b. May 1866, m. 7 years, b AR/AR/AR, with wife Fromia E., b. July 1891, age 28, m. 7 years, AL/AL/AL, with sons Chester C., b. Dec 1894 and William H., b. Oct 1898. 1910 census, Duckett, Howard Co., AR, George Rankin, 44, AR/AR/AR, Saphronia Rankin, AL/TN/TN, Chester Rankin, son, 14, Wm. H. Rankin, 11, son, Rolly Rankin, 7, son, Elberta Rankin, 5, daughter, Bertie L. Rankin, 3, daughter, Laura Dee Rankin, 2, daughter, Harry Bee, 2, son.

[34] 1850 census, Perry Co., AR, household of Robert Rankin, 47, farmer, b. TN about 1803, so TN is wrong, Frances J. Rankin, 37, b. AR, William G. Rankin, 20, b. AR, Martha A. Rankin, 18, b. AR, Edward H. Rankin, 13, b. AR, Harriet J. Rankin, 10, b. AR, Julia E. Rankin, 8, b. AR, Luzette E. Rankin, 6, b. AR, John S. Rankin, 3, b. AR, Charles C. Rankin, 1, b. AR 1849.

[35] 1880 census, Fourche Lafave Twp., Perry Co., AR: Edmond H. Rankin, 43, farmer, b. AR, father b. NC; wife Nancy J. Rankin, 39; son George W. Rankin, 17; son John A. J. Rankin, 16; son Henry C. Rankin, 15; daughter Elizabeth J. Rankin, 11; son Charles C. Rankin, 9; son Edmond F. Rankin, 6; daughter Alice L. Rankin, 6; daughter Julie E. Rankin, 2; son William A. Rankin, 8 months.

[36] 1910 census, Rankin, Perry Co., AR: William A. Rankin, b. AR/AR/AR, farmer; wife Zora M. Rankin; son Otto H. Rankin, 6; son Edward C. Rankin, 4; daughter Pearl E. Rankin, 2. See also 1920 census, Maumelle, Rankin Twp., Perry, AR: Will A. Rankin, 40, b. AR, parents b. AR; wife Zora Rankin, 35; son Otto Rankin, 16; son Eddie Rankin, 14; daughter 1910 Pearl Rankin, 11; son Loyd Rankin, 10; daughter Violet Rankin, 8; daughter Dollie Rankin, 4; son Rayburn Rankin, 9 months. See also 1940 census, Rankin, Perry Co., AR: William A. Rankin, 60, b. AR; Zara Rankin, wife, 53, has had 8 children, all living; son Loyd Rankin, 29; daughter Violet Rankin, 27; grandsons Don Rankin, 7, and Ronnie Rankin, 4.

[37] 1940 census, Higgins Twp., Conway, AR: Otto Rankin, 35, farmer; wife Novie Rankin, 34; daughter Marie Rankin, 15; son Paul Rankin, 13; daughter Juanita Rankin, 11; son Harold Rankin, 8; daughter Thelma Rankin, 4; daughter Evaline Rankin, 7 months.

Part Two: Expanded Chart for James Rankin, son of Samuel and Eleanor Alexander Rankin

This is “part two” of an outline of the family tree of James Rankin, one of the sons of Samuel and Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander Rankin. It is an expanded outline that includes notes containing census records and other information, all shown in italics. I initially included citations to specific records (e.g., death certificates), although the sources became so repetitive that I abandoned that effort.

For a list of the primary sources I used in preparing this chart, see Part One HERE.

And now, for anyone who is an absolute sucker for detail, is the lonnnngggg expanded chart …

1 Samuel Rankin (1734 – 1816) and Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander Rankin (1740 – 1802). Samuel’s will, dated 16 Dec 1814 and proved April 1826, names inter alia their son James. (1) These dates of birth and death disagree with those given by most Rankin researchers. They are from Goshen Grove Presbyterian Cemetery inscriptions transcribed on FHL Microfilm #882,938. The film contains a pre-1914 cemetery inscription survey; the Historical Records Survey Service Division of the WPA prepared the transcription. Samuel Rankin’s tombstone has long since disappeared, but his wife Eleanor’s was still standing in the late 1990s. (2) North Carolina State Archives File Box C.R.060.801.21, original will of Samuel Rankin. Recorded in Lincoln County Will Book 1: 37. Will names children William, Jean Hargrove/Hartgrove, Samuel, David, Robert, Alexander, Ann Rutledge, Eleanor Dickson and James. A tenth child, Richard Rankin, predeceased Samuel but is proved by strong circumstantial evidence.

2 James Rankin (b. 1775-1780, d. 1832-1833). Wife Mary (“Polly”) Johnson, marriage bond 26 Aug 1812, Lincoln Co. Will named wife Mary, youngest child Mary Ann, and sons Richard and Robert. Provided all property to be equally divided among his children, without naming them. However, his estate records identify eight children. (1) 1820 census, Lincoln Co., NC, p. 350, James Rankin, 30001-10011. Male 26 < 46, female > 45, female 26 < 45, 3 males < 10, 1 female < 10. James, the eldest male, was b. 1775-1794. (2) 1830 census, Lincoln Co., NC, p. 231, James Rankin, 12020011-101001, shows James in the age 50 < 60 bracket, b. 1770-1780. Combining the 1830 and 1820 census info, James was born 1775-1780. (3) North Carolina State Archives, File Box C.R.060.801.21, “Lincoln County Wills, 1769 – 1926 Quickle – Reep,” file folder labeled “James Rankin 1832.” Folder contains the original will of James Rankin dated 27 Nov 1832, proved Jan 1833. Recorded in Lincoln Co. Will Book 1: 273. (4) File folder labeled “James Rankin 1832” also contains a document showing the division of his estate in eight lots to his heirs Robert Rankin, Rufus Rankin, Caroline Rankin, James Rankin, Louisa Rankin, Samuel Rankin, Richard J. Rankin, and Mary Rankin.

3 Robert Rankin, b. abt 1815, Lincoln Co., NC, d. after 1880, Crawford Co., AR. He is probably the Robert Rankin who appeared in the 1850 and 1860 census in Gaston Co., NC and then in the 1870 and 1880 census in Crawford Co. AR. Wife Harriet D. Alexander. (1) 1850 census, p. 404, Gaston Co., NC, dwelling #193, Robert Rankin, 35, merchant, b. NC, Harriet D. Rankin, 21, b. NC. (2) 1860 census, Woodlawn PO, Gaston Co., NC, Robert Rankin, 46, farmer, b. Lincoln Co., NC, Harriet Rankin, 30, b. Mecklenburg Co., NC, Amzi Rankin (male), 7, Charles Rankin, 4, and Robert Rankin, 2. Listed adjacent to James Alexander. (3) In the 1870 census, this family appears in Crawford Co., AR, Richland Twp., Van Buren, PO, dwelling 98: Robert Rankin, 55, farm labor, b. NC, Hariet Rankin, 42, b. NC, Emsly? Rankin (male, most likely Amzi?), 19, b. NC, Charles Rankin, 13, b. NC, Mary Rankin, 10, b. NC, Alice Rankin, 8, b. NC, Ada Rankin, 6, b. NC, and Robert Rankin, 2, b. NC. (4) 1880 census, Alma, Crawford Co., AR, dwelling 35, Robert Rankins, 65, farmer, b. NC, parents b. NC; H. D. Rankin, wife, 51, Charles Rankin, 23, son, Alice W. Rankin, daughter, 17, Ada D.? Rankin, 15, daughter, Robert E. Rankin, 12, son, and Richard A. Rankin, 3, son. (5) 1900 census, Crawford Co., AR, Alma Twp., dwelling #48, Harriet D. Rankins, b. Apr 1920, age 71, widowed, has had 10 children, 6 living, b. NC, parents b. NC; son Amzi A. Rankin, b. Mar. 1853 in NC, age 47, single, saloon keeper. Same dwelling, family of Ada B. Cason, daughter (of Harriet Rankin), b. Sep 1863 NC, age 36, married 9 years, has had 5 children, 4 living, Thomas E. Cason, (Harriet’s) son-in-law, b. Jul 1860, MS, 39, married 9 years, chief of police; Robert W. Cason, grandson, b. Apr 1894 AR, age 6, Delia A. Cason, granddaughter, b. Apr 1894 AR, age 6, Edw. E. Cason, grandson, b. Dec 1895, AR, age 4, Caude Cason, grandson, b. Nov 1899, and Richard A. Rankin, son, b. May 1871, age 29, b AR.

4 Amzi Alexander Rankin, b. 14 Mar 1853, Woodlawn, Gaston Co., NC, d. 23 Jun 1914, Muskogee, Muskogee Co., OK. Findagrave website has obituary identifying Woodlawn as his birthplace. He apparently never married. Buried Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK. (1) 1910 census, Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK, West Gentry Ave: Amsie [sic] A. Rankin, 53, single, b. NC, parents b. NC, Mary D. Holt, sister, 49, widowed, and Boy [?] G. Holt, nephew, 25, b. AR, father b TX, mother b NC. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=69677109&amp;ref=acom

4 Charles Rankin, b. abt 1856-57, Gaston Co., NC. Died before 1900.

4 Robert Rankin, b. abt 1858, Gaston Co., NC. Died before 1870.

4 Mary D. Rankin, b. abt 1860-61, Gaston Co., NC. Married a Mr. Holt, no marriage record found. According to her brother Amzi’s obituary, she lived in Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK as of 1914. She was listed there in the 1930 census with her brother Robert. (1) Listed in brother Amzi’s household in 1910 census, see above. (2) 1930 census, Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK, 703 W. Gantry St., D. Holt (female), 69, widowed, b. NC, parents b. NC, and brother R. E. Rankin, 63, widowed, b NC., parents b. NC.

4 Alice W. Rankin, b. 1863, Gaston Co., NC, d. 1945, McIntosh Co., OK. Husband William Thomas McNeely (1860-1914), married 23 Oct 1883 in Crawford Co., AR. Both are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK. (1) Alice’s tombstone: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=McNeely&GSiman=1&GScid=98551&GRid=79087030& (2) Tom’s tombstone: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=79608448&amp;ref=acom

4 Ada B. Rankin, b. Sep 1863, Gaston Co., NC. Husband Thomas E. Cason, married about 1891, Crawford Co., AR. See 1900 census with her mother Harriet Rankin, above.

4 Robert E. Rankin, b. Sep 1866, Gaston Co., NC. Appeared with sister Mary D. Rankin Holt in the 1930 census, Checotah, McIntosh Co., OK, widowed. Wife Rose Thursten/Thuston, m. 31 Dec 1891, Crawford Co., AR. (1) 1900 census, Indian Territory, Creek Nation, Checotah: Robert E. Rankin, b. Sep 1866, age 33, married 8 years, b. NC, parents b. NC, hardware salesman; wife Rose Rankin, b. Apr 1867, has had one child, b. AR, parents b. AR; Wiley E. Rankin, son, b. Dec 1896, Indian Territory, Creek Nation, father b. NC, mother b. AR. (2) 1910 census, Denver, CO, 2215 Clarkson St., Robert E. Rankin, 42, 1st marriage, b. NC, parents b. NC, salesman, furniture store; wife Rose, 43, b. AR, parents b. AR, son Wylie E., 13, b. OK, father b. NC, mother b. AR.

5 Wiley Edward Rankin, b. 31 Dec 1890, Checotah, OK, d. 1945. Buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., CO. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=47089970&amp;ref=acom

4 Richard Arthur Rankin, b. May 1871, Crawford Co., AR. Lived in McIntosh Co., OK as of 1914; Muskogee, OK, in 1934; rural Muskogee Co., in 1940. Buried Sperry Rest Haven Cemetery, Osage Co., OK. Wife Bernice, LNU. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=15941441&amp;ref=acom

3 Caroline Rankin.

3 James Rankin, b. abt. 1829. He might be, and probably is, the James Alexander Rankin (25 Jun 1829 – 2 Aug 1881) buried in the Rankin Cemetery in Upton Co., TX. James Rankin, son of James and Mary Johnson, identified himself as a carpenter in both the 1850 Gaston Co. census (in the household of his brother Samuel Rankin) and the 1860 census in Bowie Co., TX in the household of Robert Beaty, probably his brother-in-law. https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSfn=James&GSby=1829&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1881&GSdyrel=in&GSst=46&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=55136923&df=all&

3 Louisa Rankin, b. abt 1827-28. She might be the L. R. Rankin (female), age 32, in the 1860 census for Bowie Co., TX along with J. A. (James Alexander?) Rankin, 31, carpenter, Robert Beaty, 32, carpenter, and M. A. Beaty (female, perhaps Louisa’s sister Mary?), 29. All were born in NC.

3 Samuel Rankin, b. abt. 1821. Identified his occupation as “miner” in the 1850 census. To my surprise, gold was mined in Gaston Co. (1) 1850 census, Gaston Co., NC. Listing for Samuel Rankin with his siblings Rufus, Louisa and James Rankin. Samuel Rankin, 29, “miner,” Rufus Rankin, 27, farmer, Louisa Rankin, 23, James Rankin, 20, carpenter. Rufus’ first wife, Mary, died in March 1850, and his three eldest children (William, 6, Laura, 4, and James, 4 months) are also enumerated in the household.

3 Richard J. Rankin.

3 Mary Rankin. May be the Mary who married Robert Alexander Beaty on 22 Apr 1849, see the 1860 census, Bowie Co., TX and the 1850 census, Gaston Co., NC, listings for Robert Beaty.

3 William Rufus Rankin, b. 7 Mar 1823, Gaston Co., d. 17 Nov 1883, Gaston Co. He is buried in Goshen Grove Cemetery, Belmont, Gaston Co., NC. Major, Confederate Army. Married twice: #1 Mary Ann (possibly Capps?, 23 Feb 1826 – 6 Mar 1850); #2 Sarah Elizabeth Stowe (8 Apr 1840 – 28 Aug 1892). (1) 1850 census, Gaston Co., NC. Listing for Samuel Rankin with his siblings Rufus Rankin, Louisa Rankin, James Rankin, and Rufus Rankin’s eldest three children. Rufus’ first wife, Mary, died in March 1850, and the census was taken in August 1850. The three children of Rufus and Mary are listed in the household: William, 6, Laura, 4, and James Rankin, 4 months. (2) 1860 census, Woodlawn PO, Gaston Co., NC, dwelling 979, Rufus Rankin, 37, farmer, $1500/$3078, Sarah Rankin, 20, NC, William Rankin, 16, NC, Laura Rankin, 14, NC, James Rankin, 10, NC, Whiten Rankin, 3, NC, Andrew Rankin, 2, NC, J. Pinkney Stowe, 25, and Eliza W.? Stowe, 51. (3) 1870 census, River Bend, Gaston Co., dwelling 192, Rufus Rankin, 48, farmer, $2000/$1000, b. NC, Sarah Rankin, 28, NC, Mack Rankin, 20, NC, Whiten Rankin, 13, NC, Andrew Rankin, 9, NC, Pinckney Rankin, 7, NC, Robert Rankin, 5, NC, Mary Rankin, 3, NC, Larkin Rankin, 2 months, NC. (4) 1880 census, South Point, Gaston Co., William R. Rankin, 57, b. NC, parents b. NC. Wife Sarah Rankin, 40, son Andrew Rankin, 21, son Pinkney Rankin, 18, son Robert Rankin, 14, daughter Mary Rankin, 12, son Larkin Rankin, 10, daughter Jane Rankin, 8, son Albert Rankin, 6, son Price Rankin, 4, and mother-in-law Eliza A. Stowe, 71. (5) Adjacent tombstones in Goshen grove for William Rufus Rankin, CSA, Mary A. Rankin, wife of W. R. Rankin, and Sarah E. Rankin, wife of W. R. Rankin. “Wife of” is inscribed on the tombstones of both Mary and Sarah. Goshen Grove Presbyterian Church is located at 380 Woodlawn Avenue, Belmont, NC. The cemetery is past the church on the right, just before you get to the railroad tracks. William Rufus Rankin’s tombstone gives his dates of birth and death and has a “CSA” inscription. Military marker indicates that he was a Major in the 37th NC Infantry Regiment. See image at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=66750474William Rufus Rankin’s first three children (William Gamewell, Laura and James) were children of his first wife Mary Ann. The remaining 9 children (Whiten through Price) were children of his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth Stowe.

4 William Gamewell Rankin, 9 Mar 1844 – 12 Feb 1900. Wife Elvira A. Leeper (16 May 1840-11 Feb 1916). Buried New Hope Presbyterian Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1870 census, River Bend, Gaston Co., William Rankin, 26, b. NC, Elvira Rankin, 29, NC, Sallie Rankin, 6, NC, Wiley Rankin, 2, NC and Mary Rankin, 1, NC. (2) 1880 census, Gaston Co., William Rankin, 36, farmer, b. NC, parents b. NC, wife Elvira A. Rankin, 40, son Wiley T. Rankin, 12, NC, daughter Mary A. Rankin, 9, NC, son Edward J. Rankin, 7, NC, and daughters Laura B. Rankin, 4, NC, and Emma F. Rankin, 1, NC. (3) 1900 census, Gaston Co., NC, Elvira A. Rankin, 60, Leona L. Rankin (Laura?), 24, Emma F. Rankin, 21, John R. Rankin, 18, and Rufus A. Rankin, 17. (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=44671755 (5) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=44672427

5 Sallie Rankin, b. abt 1864, Gaston Co.

5 Wiley Theodore Rankin, 24 Sep 1867 – 18 Dec 1929. All children were by first wife, Lula Ford. Second wife Lillie Johnston, married 24 Sep 1902, Gaston Co. Wiley and Lillie died in Ft. Lauderdale, Broward Co., FL, but are buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1910 census, 501 W. Main, Gastonia, Wiley T. Rankin, 42, 2nd marriage, President, Insurance and Realty, wife Lillie J. Rankin, 35, first marriage, married 8  years, has had no children, daughter Mildred, 16, daughter Elener, 13, son Wiley [sic] T., 11, daughter Lula, 9. (2) 1920 census, 501 W. Main St., Gastonia, Wylie T. Rankin, 53, b. NC, parents b. NC, President, Cotton Mills, wife Lillie Rankin, 44, son Theodore Rankin, 21 (President, Cotton Mill), daughter Lula Rankin, 19, and sister Emma Rankin, 42. (3) 1927 Gastonia city directory, Wiley T. Rankin (wife Jillie [sic] J.), mayor and councilman, City of Gastonia, Pres. Gastonia Insurance and Realty Co., and Pres-Treas Osceola Mills (Inc), residence 501 W. Main Ave. (4) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Lillie J. Rankin, widow of Wiley T., residence 501 W. Main Ave. (5) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=83290875&amp;ref=acom (6) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=48278&GRid=83290874&

6 Mildred Rankin, b. 17 Jun 1893, Gaston Co., d. 2 Feb 1941, Gastonia, NC. Husband Haddon Spurgeon Mackie (1891-1970). http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=84273713&amp;ref=acom

7 Wiley Theodore Mackie, b. 13 Jul 1920 – 11 Sep 1943. Annapolis. Lt., U.S. Navy, WW II. Served on the U.S.S. Rowan, torpedoed off the coast of Italy.

7 Mary Lou Mackie, a. abt. 1922, m. Alton F. Bryant, 19 Nov 1946, Gaston.

6 Elma or Emma? Rankin, b. 24 Sep 1896, Gastonia. Husband John D. Kennedy, married 1930 in Brevard Co., FL. (1) 1940 census, Ft. Lauderdale, Broward Co., FL, John D. Kennedy, 35, lawyer, b. FL, wife Elma R., 37 (?), b. NC.

6 William Theodore Rankin, b. 24 Nov 1898, Gastonia, d. 4 Apr 1952, Gastonia. Wife Mary Payne, m. Gastonia 25 Apr 1929. (1) 1927 Gastonia city directory listing for Wiley [sic] T. Rankin Jr., VP-Supt. Osceola Mills Inc., residence at 501 W. Main Ave. (2) 1930 census, Gastonia, 609 South Street, William T. Rankin, 30, President, Cotton Mill, Mary P. Rankin, wife, 24. (3) 1940 census, Gastonia suburbs, T. Rankin, 41, b. NC, salesman, completed 4 years college, wife Mary Rankin, 34, b. NC, and son Wiley, 9, b. NC. (4) Death certificate lists his occupation as “V.P. Textiles, Inc.,” usual address at 1305 York Road, Gastonia. (5) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=83290871&amp;ref=acom

7 Wiley Theodore Rankin, 7 Oct 1930 – 14 Dec 1999. Wife #1 Jeanette Adams; wife #2 Hally Lee. (1) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=13044757&amp;ref=acom (2) College yearbook picture: http://search.ancestry.com//cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=YearbooksIndex&h=252573731&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=twY46&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&rhSource=1265 (3) Obituary: GREENSBORO — Wiley Theodore Rankin III, 69, died Dec. 14, 1999. He was a native of Gastonia, son of the late William Theodore and Mary Payne Rankin, husband of the late Jeanette Adams Rankin, attended Gastonia High School, NCSU School of Textiles where he was a brother in the Sigma Chi fraternity, worked for Goodyear, America Enka for 27 years, retired from American Rayon, served in the Air Force where he was a cryptographer stationed in Germany, continued service locally as the vice president for the Greensboro Optimist Club, ran its junior golf outing the past two years, volunteered with Greensboro Safety Town run by the Greensboro Police Department. SURVIVORS: Wife, Hally Lee Rankin; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. David Simel and Dr. Joanne Piscatelli, Durham, Bruce and Kristal Simel, New Bern, Dr. William T. Rankin III and Gena Rankin, Mebane; daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Dana Simel and Michael Herrinton, Palo Alto, Calif., Mary Rankin Vowell and Capt. J.B. Vowell, Columbus, Ga.; grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Raphael, Drew, Brian and Dylan Simel and Adam Vowell

6 Lula Rankin, 6 Nov 1900 – 2 Feb 1985, buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. Schoolteacher. (1) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Lula Rankin, teacher, West School, residence 501 W. Main Ave. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=83290878&amp;ref=acom

5 Mary A. Rankin, 1870 – 22 Aug 1919. Married Charles Clyde Craig 19 Nov. 1895, Gaston. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=96744276&amp;ref=acom

5 Edward Jenkins Rankin, 26 Dec 1872 – 28 Aug 1950, buried Oakwood Cemetery. Wife Emma Mary or Mary Emma Stowe, married 1 Apr 1898. Owner and/or manager of a furniture store. (1) 1934 Gastonia city directory, “Rankin-Armstrong Co., Inc.,” Edward J. Rankin, President-Treasurer. Furniture, refrigerators, household goods, at 124-132 S. Marietta; wife Emma J., residence at 315 Highland. (2) Edward’s family has consistent census records from 1900 through 1940, inclusive. They lived at 605 South Main in 1900, 601 W. Airline I 1910 and 1920, and 315 N. Highland St. in 1930, 1940 at the time of his death in 1950. The census records prove 2 daughters.

6 Annie Lucille Rankin, 23 Feb 1900 – Nov 1992, Gastonia. Apparently never married. (1) 1936 Gastonia city directory, A. Lucille Rankin, steno, County Welfare Department, residence 315 N. Highland (her parents’ home from at least 1930 to 1950). (2) Profession given as “Steno, Welfare” and “Steno, Municipal” in the 1930 and 1940 census, respectively. (3) Delayed birth certificate gives her father’s middle name as Jenkins. (4) She was the informant on her father’s and her Aunt Emma’s death certificates, suggesting she was perhaps the family caretaker.

6 Margaret S. Rankin, b. 19 July 1909.

5 Laura Luna Rankin, 12 Dec 1875 – 17 Jan 1945. Married John Taylor Harrison, 10 Apr 1901, Gaston Co. Buried New Hope Presbyterian Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=34081310&amp;ref=acom (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=34081336

5 Emma F. Rankin, b. 6 Oct 1878, d. 22 Feb 1957, lived in Gastonia her entire life. Resided 702 S. Chester St. when she died. Buried at New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Gastonia. Sales clerk. (1) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Emma F. Rankin, saleswoman, Matthews-Belk Co., residence 702 S. Chester.

5 John Ralph Rankin, 6 May 1881 – 2 Oct 1920. Married Victoria May Grischy 24 May 1906. Buried in New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery. (1) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=2155069&GRid=125401880& (2) 1910 census, Spokane, WA, John R Rankin, 28, married 4 years, b NC, parents b NC, salesman; wife Victoria M., 24, m. 4 years, has had two children. Sons James R., 3, and William, 2 months.

6 James Robert Rankin, b. 15 Apr 1907, Gastonia, d. Mar 1982, Gastonia. Wife Eugenia White, 1908 – 1996. Buried Gaston Memorial Park.

6 William Rankin, b. 1910.

5 Rufus Andrew Rankin (Sr.), b. 15 Oct 1882, Gaston, d. 11 Jan 1933. Wife Minnie Jane Armstrong, married 21 Mar 1906, Gaston Co. Buried at Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1910 census, 507 South St., Gastonia, Rufus A. Rankin, 27, m. 4 years, proprietor of furniture store, wife Minnie J. Rankin, 22, daughters Evalyn, 3 and Mary R., 17 months. (2) 1920 census, same address, Rufus A. Rankin, 37, proprietor of a furniture store, Minnie J., wife, 32, daughters Evelyn, 12 and Mary R., 11, son Rufus A. (), 8, daughter Alice E., 6, & son Robert W., 2. (3) 1927 Gastonia city directory, Rufus A. Rankin, wife Minnie, President of Piedmont Oil Co., Inc., residence at 507 South St. (4) 1930 census, same address, Rufus A Rankin, 47, proprietor, “oil jobber,” son Rufus A. Jr., 18, daughter Alice E., 16, son Robert W., 12, daughter Helen F., 9, and son Samuel A. Rankin. (5) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=96744014&amp;ref=acom

6 Evelyn Rankin, 16 Jan 1907 – 30 Aug 1999. Married John Paul Stowe, Gaston Co., 29 Nov 1934. Registered nurse, 4 years of college. Buried Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery, Mt. Holly. (1) 1927 Gastonia city directory, Miss Evelyn Rankin, student, residence at 507 South St. (2) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Evelyn Rankin, secretary, County Health Dept., residence 315 N. Highland. (3) Find-a-grave website has her obituary identifying parents, siblings, children. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=13091819&amp;ref=acom

6 Mary Ruth Rankin, 6 Nov 1908 – 1 Jul 1977. Married Henry W. Jordan 3 Nov 1933 in Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC. Buried Pine Hill Cemetery, Burlington, Alamance Co., NC. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=13091819&amp;ref=acom

6 Rufus A. Rankin Jr., b. 1 Aug 1911, Gastonia, d. 6 Jan 1985, Kilmamock, Lancaster Co., VA. Wife Dorothea Edwards Higgins, married 15 Apr 1939, Richmond, Henrico Co., VA. Worked in the Credit Department at Exxon (previously Humble Oil., previously Standard Oil Co.). Buried in the Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Weems, Lancaster Co., VA. (1) 1927 Gastonia city directory, Rufus A. Rankin Jr., residence 507 South St. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=76928863&amp;ref=acom

7 Rufus A. Rankin III, 25 Sep 1940 – 26 May 1994. Buried Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Weems, Lancaster Co., VA. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=76929098

7 Henry L. Rankin. Serving in U.S. Navy when his father died in 1985.

6 Alice Elvira Rankin, b. 16 Nov 1913, Gaston, d. 8 Feb 2003, Gastonia. Married Wilson Alexander Forbes 10 May 1938, Gaston. Both are buried at Olney Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Gastonia. (1) 1936 Gastonia city directory, Alice E. Rankin, schoolteacher, residence 507 S. South St. (her parents’ house). (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=24914716&amp;ref=acom

6 Robert Wray Rankin, 10 Sep 1917 – 22 Jul 1958. Wife Jane Elizabeth Boren, married 18 Oct 1941. Military service, WW II, PFC. Buried Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia. In 1947, he was the Gastonia City Tax Collector. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=96744131&amp;ref=acom

6 Helen Franklin Rankin, b. about 1921. B.S., Secretarial Administration, Womens College, UNC. Married Harry Tracy Westcott, 21 Mar 1942, in Randolph Co., NC.

6 Samuel Armstrong Rankin, b. 12 Aug 1923, Gastonia, d. 29 Oct 1994. Married Cornelia Stevens Lowe, 23 Feb 1946 in Chester, Washington Co., VA. Buried in Sunset Knoll Cemetery, Ramseur, Randolph Co,. NC.

4 Laura Rankin, 29 Mar 1846 – 10 Jan 1906. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=132162139

4 James (“Mack”?) Rankin, b. Mar. 1850.

4 Whiten Robertus Rankin, b. 3 Feb 1857, d. 19 Jul 1946, South Point, Gaston Co. Wife Judith Elizabeth McKee, married 6 Nov 1879, Gaston Co. (1) 1910 census, South Point, Gaston Co., Whiten R. Rankin, 53, m. 30 years, b. NC, parents b. NC, wife Elizabeth, 53, and daughters Katie, 22, Georgia, 15, and Lydia, 11. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=139473336

5 Thomas Pinkney Rankin, b. 19 Aug 1880 – 15 Feb 1963. Married Vivian Pearl Leonhardt 18 Mar 1903, Gaston. Buried Edgewood Cemetery, Lowell, Gaston Co. (1) 1910 census, South Point, Gaston, Thomas P. Rankin, 29, m. 7 years, merchant, wife Vivian, 27, daughter Roberta, 5. (2) 1930 census, Lowell, Gaston, Thomas P. Rankin, 49, m. 27 years, bank cashier, wife Pearl, 47, son Thomas, 19, daughter Vivian, 15, son Charles (?), 10. (3) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=155873762&amp;ref=acom

6 Roberta Rankin, 1904-1976, m. George Blakey Smith. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=126811468

6 Thomas Pinkney Rankin Jr., b. 25 Jun 1910, Lowell, Gaston Co., d. 18 Jun 1978. Buried Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=155873970

6 Bennie Vivian Rankin, b. 18 Mar 1918, Lowell, d. 28 Jan 1995, Malvern, Hot Springs Co., AR. Husband Glenn Baker. Buried Shadowlawn Cemetery, Malvern. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=155873970

6 Eugene Malcom Rankin, b. 17 Aug 1922, Lowell, d. 31 Jan 2016, Greenwich, Conn. Buried Edgewood Cemetery, Lowell. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=161485810

5 Zada Rankin, b. 17 Aug 1882, Gaston Co.

5 John Robert Rankin, b. 14 Mar 1885, Gaston Co., d. Feb 1970. Married Clara E. Sloan, 25 Nov 1913, Gaston. (1) 1920 census, Gastonia, 514 S. York St., John R. Rankin, 34, Gastonia postmaster, wife Clara S., 31, son James W., 5, daughter Sarah E., 3. (2) 1930 census, Gastonia, 304 W. 5th, John R. Rankin, 45, VP bank, wife Clara D., 42, son James W., 15, daughter Sarah E., 13, and son R. Sloan, 10.

6 James W. Rankin, b. 20 Oct 1914, Gastonia, d. Feb 1987, Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC. Married Susan Porter Calder 16 Jul 1938, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Duke University mid 1930s, Business Administration. (1) 1942 Gastonia city directory, James W. Rankin, VP-Sec, New Way Laundry and Asst Office Mgr, FCM. (2) By 1957 at the latest, living in Greensboro, NC, listed in city directories. 1957, James an accountant with Burlington Industries.

6 Sarah E. Rankin, b. abt 1917, Gastonia.

6 Robert Sloan Rankin, b. 23 Feb 1920, Gastonia, d. 14 Aug 1998, Hilton Head Island, SC. (1) 1940 census, Robert S. Rankin, midshipman, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, age 20, from Gastonia, NC.

5 Sarah Katie Rankin, b. 20 Dec 1887, Gaston Co.

5 Annie Minerva Rankin, b. 4 Feb 1891, Gaston Co.

5 Georgia May Rankin, b. 17 May 1894, Gaston Co.

5 Lyda Violet Rankin, b. 5 Dec 1898, Gaston Co.

4 Andrew Johnson Rankin, b. 21 Jan 1859, Gaston Co., d. 11 Nov. 1936, Gastonia. Lived at 414 W. 5th Avenue, Gastonia. Sec./Treas. Building & Loan at retirement; earlier, salesman, general merchandise store. Married Emily Ann Smith (7 May 1858-27 Dec 1937) on 13 Dec 1883 in Gaston Co. Buried Hollywood Cemetery along with wife and all three daughters. (1) 1900 census, South Point, Gaston Co., Andrew J. Rankin, b. Jan 1859, age 41, m. 16 years, b. NC, parents b. NC, salesman, general merchandise; wife Emma, b. Mar. 1858, age 42, m. 16 years, has had 3 children, all living; daughters Margaret E. Rankin, b. Nov 1884, age 15, Ida M. Rankin, b. Mar 1888, age 12, and Sarah E. Rankin, b. Jul 1889, age 10. (2) 1910 census, South Point, Gaston Co., Andy J. Rankin, 51, first marriage, 26 years, merchant, general store; Emily A. Rankin, wife, 52, has had 3 children, all living, and daughters Ida, 22, saleslady, general store, and Edna, 20, public school teacher. (3) 1920 census, Gastonia, 414 West 5th, Andrew J. Rankin, 60, Sec. & Treas., Building & Loan; wife Emily A., 61, daughter Sarah E. 30, teacher, grade school. (4) 1930 census, Gastonia, 314 West 5th, Andrew J. Rankin, 71, Sec/Treas, Building & Loan, wife Emily, 72, and daughter Edna, 45, steno, Building and Loan. (5) 1936 Gastonia city directory, Andrew J. Rankin (Edna, his daughter also living there; Emily has died), Secretary-Treasurer, Gastonia National Farm Loan Association, 414 W. 5th (6) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=96972792 – Andrew’s grave. (7) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=47713&GRid=96972754& – Emily’s grave.

5 Margaret Elva Rankin, 29 Nov 1884 – 2 May 1981, Gastonia. Husband John Pinchback Chandler (1887-1929), married 21 Aug 1907, Gaston Co. Both buried Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=96972874&amp;ref=acom

5 Ida Myrtle Rankin, 24 Mar 1888 – 14 Feb 1981, Gastonia. Husband Samuel Sidney Shuford (1880-1957), married 1 Oct. 1914, Gaston Co. Both buried Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia.

5 Sarah Edna Rankin, 6 Jul 1889 – 20 Jul 1987, never married. Edna was a public grade school teacher from at least age 20 until sometime before age 41. After that, she was a stenographer at a Building & Loan, presumably the same place where her father was Secretary-Treasurer. Informant on her father’s death certificate. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Rankin&GSiman=1&GScid=47713&GRid=97014253&

4 Rufus Pinkney Rankin, b. 16 Feb 1862, Belmont, Gaston Co., d. 1 Nov 1910, Gastonia. Wife Zoe Anna Hand (Mar 1867 – 24 Jan 1929), married in Gaston Co. 20 Oct 1887. Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1900 census, Gastonia, P. Rankin, b. Feb 1862, age 38, m. 12 years, manufacturer; wife Zoe, b. Mar 1869, 31, m. 12 years, has had 4 children, all living; son Grady Rankin, b. Feb 1891, age 9, daughter Violet, b. Jun 1894, age 6, son Henry, b. Oct 1895, age 5, and son Laurence, b. Mar 1898, age 2. (2) 1910 census, Gastonia, 209 E. Long? Avenue, Rufus P. Rankin, 48, first marriage, 22 years, Pres., cotton mill and bank; wife Zoe A., 41, has had 5 children, all living, son Rufus G., 19, bookkeeper, bank, daughter Sarah V., 16, son Henry, 14, son Lawrence S., 12, and son Pink, 8. (3) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=17145813&amp;ref=acom – R.P.’s grave. (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=17145830&amp;ref=acom – Zoe’s grave

5 Rufus Grady Rankin Sr., b. 25 Feb 1891, Gastonia, d. 13 Jun 1976, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Married Ruth Boyce, 22 Jan 1913, Gaston Co. Quite an extraordinary career, starting as a bookkeeper in Gastonia National Bank at 18, became a Director 4 years later (see his father’s occupation), then President of Pinkney Cotton Mills (plus positions in many other cotton mills), eventually a director of Duke Power Co. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1920 census, Gastonia, Grady R. Rankin, 28, President, Cotton Mills; wife Ruth, 26, daughter Anna B., 6, and son Grady R. Rankin Jr., 1 ½. (2) 1930 census, Gastonia, 317? S. York St., Grady Rankin, 39, first marriage at age 21, President, Cotton Mills, wife Ruth, 37, first marriage age 20, daughter Anna B., 16, son R. Grady Jr., 11, son David, 7, and son George, 5 ½. (3) 1940 census, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Eastover Road, Grady Rankin, 49, Executive, Public Utilities, Ruth B., wife, 47, and sons David H., 17, and George M., 15. (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17145854

6 Anna Boyce Rankin, b. 18 Jan 1914, Gastonia, d. 10 Feb 2011, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co.. Husband Joseph William Lineberger, married 30 July 1938 at Blowing Rock, Watauga, NC, where her father owned a home. Went to Hollins College 1932; belonged to the Riding Club. Buried at Lutheran Chapel Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=120900848&amp;ref=acom

6 Rufus Grady Rankin Jr., b. 3 Jul 1918, Gastonia, d. 12 May 1997. Married Margore Louise Crist, 17 May 1941, in Caldwell Co., NC. Second marriage in Collier Co., FL, Nov 1967, name not given in marriage index. Died 12 May 1997, Lake Wales, Polk Co., FL, buried in Naples, Collier Co., FL, UCC Memorial Gardens. (1) WWII draft registration gives his address as 180 Prospect St., Lenoir, Caldwell Co., NC; employed by self, “commission agent,” Sinclair Refining. Person who would know his whereabouts: Mrs. R. G. Rankin, 322 Eastover Rd., Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC. (2) Went to UNC, late 1930s.

6 David Holland Rankin, b. 18 Jul 1922, Gastonia, d. 28 Dec 2013, Charlotte, NC. U.S Naval Academy, Annapolis. He was on the first ship into Tokyo Bay after the surrender to clear the harbor. Married Nancy Fidelia O’Herron, 26 Feb 1946. Retired as President and CEO of Eckerd Drugs. Captain of the golf team at Annapolis. There is a lengthy and detailed obituary at this link: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=David-Rankin&lc=2734&pid=168779754&mid=5793005

7 David Holland Rankin Jr.

7 Betty Rankin, m. Richard Hecenbleikner.

7 Samuel Boyce Rankin, wife Susan.

7 Michael O’Herron Rankin, wife Kay.

6 George Mason Rankin, b. 18 May 1924, Gastonia, d. 12 Jun 1969, Asheville, Buncombe Co. Went to UNC at Chapel Hill, B.A. Spanish, Navy ROTC, Phi Beta Kappa; graduated in three years. Married Ann Rawley Long, 1 Apr 1950, Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., NC. When he died, he resided at 14 Lynwood Road, Asheville, NC. President, Rankin Oil Co. Buried in Lewis Memorial Park, Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=19804947&amp;ref=acom

5 Sarah Violet Rankin, b. 16 Jun 1893, d. 16 Jan 1969, Gastonia. Married George B. Mason, Gaston Co., 29 Oct. 1913. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=74261337&amp;ref=acom

5 Henry Rankin, b. 26 Oct 1895, Gaston Co., NC, d. 21 Oct 1964, Durham, Durham Co., NC. Married Mary Olive Reed abt 1918. College graduate. (1) 1920 census, Gastonia, Henry Rankin, 24, VP & Treasurer, cotton mill, wife Olive R. Rankin, 22, and son Henry, 15 months. (2) 1930 census, Gastonia, Henry Rankin, 34, first married at age 22, Sec. & Treas., cotton mill, wife Olive R., 31, son Henry Jr., 11, and daughter Preterssia [sic], 9. (3) 1940 census, Gastonia suburbs, Henry Rankin, 44, VP of Textiles Inc., cotton mill, wife Olive, 42, son Henry Jr., 21, and daughter Patricia, 19.

6 Henry Rankin, b. abt 1919, Gastonia.

6 Patricia Rankin, b. 21 Mar 1921, Gastonia.

5 Lawrence Samuel Rankin, b. 20 Mar 1898, Lowell, Gaston Co., d. 6 Feb 1978, Gastonia. Wife Sadie Love Thomson. Lived at 602 S. York St., Gastonia. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Lawrence S. Rankin, wife Sadie T., Vice President Gastonia Insurance Agency Inc. and Agent, Sinclair Refining Co., residence 408 W. 6th (2) 1940 census, Gastonia, Lawrence Rankin, 42, distributor, Sinclair Oil, wife Sadie, 39, son Lawrence Jr., 15, son James, 12, son Robert, 10, and mother-in-law Statia Thomson. (3) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17145779

6 Lawrence Rankin Jr., b. 3 Sep 1924, Gaston Co., d. 12 Jan 1998. Enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserves 24 Feb 1943 in Miami, had one year of college.

6 James Thomson Rankin, 12 May 1927 – 29 Mar 1992. Spouse Barbara Grigg, 17 Jan 1930 – 13 Dec 2015. Both buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia.

6 Robert Hand Rankin, b. 12 May 1929, Gastonia, d. 18 Sep 1998, buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia.

5 Rufus Pinkney Rankin Jr., b. 23 Jan 1902, Gaston Co., d. 26 May 1992, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Married Jessie Gray Boggs, 27 Dec 1922. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. (1) 1930 census, Gastonia, Pinkney Rankin, 339 York Road, age 28, cotton broker, wife Jessie G., 28, son Pinkney Jr., 4. (2)http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=140642755&amp;ref=acom

4 Robert Franklin Rankin, b. 17 Jan 1866, Belmont, NC, d. 14 Dec 1960, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC. Wife #1: Sarah Ella Jenkins (mother of Nellie, Campbell and Robert), m. 1889; wife #2, Anna Jane Wells, m. 27 Oct 1897 (mother of Sarah, Graham and Cecil); wife #3, Florence Rackley, who survived him (mother of Juanita, Charles, Pinkney Ray and Margaret Elizabeth). (1) Tombstone of Sarah Ella Jenkins, 31 Aug 1870 – 14 Apr 1894: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17108366 (2) Marriage certificate, Robert Franklin Rankin, son of Rufus and Sarah E. Rankin, married 27 Oct 1897, Gaston Co. to Annie Wells. She was b. 30 Jul 1877 – d. 11 Feb 1907, buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. Her tombstone is at this link: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=17121034&amp;ref=acom (3) 1900 census, Gastonia, F. Rankin, b. Jan 18__, age 34, m. 3 years, with Mrs. R. F. Rankin, wife, b. Jul 1877 (this is Anna Wells), age 22, married 3 years, has had one child, living; daughter Nellie, b. Mar 1890, age 10, son Campbell, b. Mar 1892, age 8, son Robert Jr.? b. Feb. 1894, age 6, and daughter Sarah, b. Aug 1898, age 1. (4) 1910 census, River Bend, Gaston Co., Robert F. Rankin, 43, 3rd marriage, married one year, contractor; wife Florence J., 29, has had one child, still living, son David Campbell, 19, son Robert R., 16, daughter Sarah E., 12, son Graham F., 7, son Cecil C., 5, and daughter Juanity V., 11 months. (5) 1920 census, River Bend, Gaston Co., Robert F. Rankin, 54, wife Florence J., 39, dau Sarah J., 21, son Graham, 17, son Cecil, 14,   daughter Juanity, 12, son P. Ray, 10, son Charles, 8, daughter Margaret, 6, daughter Ruth, 4, daughter Lillian, 2, and daughter Fannie, 2 months. (6) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=31574403

5 Nellie Rankin, b. Mar 1890, Gaston Co.

5 David Campbell Rankin, b. 17 Mar 1892 – d. 14 May 1962, buried Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church Cemetery, Charleston, Charleston Co., SC. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=41839200

5 Robert Richard (or Richard Robert?) Rankin, b. 24 Feb 1894 – d. 28 Apr 1972, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Infantry Captain, WW I. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=69219678

5 Sarah E. Rankin, b. 10 Aug 1898 – d. 23 Nov 1985. Husband Ross Orr McConnell. Both buried Steel Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=32678368&amp;ref=acom

5 Graham Franklin Rankin, b. 23 Dec 1902, Mt. Holly, d. 5 Oct 1958, Staunton, Augusta Co., VA. Wife Margaret Dunn Rankin (6 Sep 1901 – 25 Dec 1991, married in Gaston Co. 20 Nov 1923. Census and death certificate identify him as an automobile salesman, real estate salesman, and life insurance salesman. He and wife are both buried in the Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, Augusta Co., VA (1) 1930 census, Mt. Holly, River Bend Twp., Gaston Co., Graham Rankin, 27, salesman, auto co., wife Margaret, 28, and son Frank, 5. (2) 1940 census, River Bend Twp., Gaston Co., Graham F. Rankin, 37, real estate salesman, wife Margaret, 38, and son Robert F., 15. (3) Death certificate confirms that he was a son of Anna Wells, Robert Franklin Rankin’s 2nd (4) Margaret’s tombstone: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=148059779

6 Robert Frank Rankin, b. 8 Aug 1924, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC, d. 18 Jun 2015, Staunton, Augusta Co., VA. Buried Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=148059779, obituary included.

5 Cecil Coke Rankin, b. 30 Jan 1905? Mt. Holly, Gaston Co., NC. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=17121108&amp;ref=acom

5 Juanita Victoria Rankin, b. 23 Apr 1909, Mt. Holly – d. 2 Apr 1994, Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC. Buried Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=65060486

5 Pinkney Ray Rankin, b. 20 Aug 1910, Mt. Holly, Gaston.

5 Charles Wesley Rankin, b. 10 Dec 1911, Mt. Holly, Gaston.

5 Margaret Elisabeth Rankin, b. 29 Mar 1913, Mt. Holly, Gaston.

4 Mary Eliza Rankin, 1868 – 1900. Husband Charles Hall Lineberger, 1858 – 1932. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38891900

4 Larkin Edgar Rankin, b. 10 Feb 1870, d. 28 Aug 1935, Gastonia, Gaston Co., NC. Buried at Hollywood Cemetery, Gastonia. Wife Jennie Lineberger Hand, 13 Feb 1874 – 24 Apr 1953. Married 11 Jan 1893, Gaston Co. (1) Death certificate gives his name as “Lark E. Rankin” and identifies him as a son of William Rufus Rankin and Sarah Stowe, also names his wife. (2) 1900 census, South Point Twp., Gaston Co., Larkin E. Rankin, b. Feb. 1870 NC, parents b. NC, grocer; Jennie L. Rankin, wife, b. Feb 1894; William L. Rankin, son, b. Nov 1894; Sarah E. Rankin, daughter, b. Jul 1896; Larkin E. Rankin, son, b. Feb 1898; Thomas P. Rankin, nephew, b. Aug 1880. (3) 1910 census, South Point Twp., Gaston Co., dwelling 98, Larkin E. Rankin, 40, m. 17 years, merchant, general store; Jennie L. Rankin, wife, 26, has had 6 children, 5 living; Lamar? A. Rankin, son, 16; S. Rankin, 14, son (should be daughter); Ellis L. Rankin, son, 11; Lois Rankin, 6, daughter; Henry H. Rankin, son 1. (4) 1927 Gastonia city directory, L Ellis Rankin (wife Jennie H.), county auditor and clerk, County Board Commissioners, residence at 705 S York. (5) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Larkin E. Rankin, wife Jennie H., clerk, County commissioners. Residence 701 S. York. (6) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=167236477

5 William Lamar Rankin, b. 13 Dec 1893, Gaston Co., d. 3 Oct 1966, Shelby, Cleveland Co., NC, although he was a resident of Gastonia. Wife Tula Beard, married 14 Nov 1918. Textile salesman at the time of his death. Buried Oakwood cemetery. Findagrave incorrectly identifies his parents, which are named on his death certificate (Lark E. Rankin and Jennie Hand); son William Jr. was the informant. (1) 1930 census, Gastonia, Gaston Co., Lamar Rankin, 36, shipping clerk, cotton mill, wife Tula, 31, son Billie, 11, son Sammie, 8, daughter Dorothy, 5, and son Donald, 2 ½.

6 William Lamar Rankin, Jr., b. abt. 1919, Gaston Co. Resident of Salisbury, Rowan Co., in 1966.

6 Sam Rankin, b. abt. 1922, Gaston Co.

6 Dorothy Rankin, b. abt. 1925, Gaston Co.

6 Donald Rankin, b. abt. 1927, Gaston Co.

5 Sarah Erwin Rankin (or Erwin S., female), b. Jul 1896. (1) 1927 and 1936 Gastonia city directories, Miss Erwin Rankin, clerk Efird’s Department Store, residence 701 S. York.

5 Larkin Ellis Rankin, b. 29 Apr 1898, Gaston, d. May 1959, Highlands, Florida. Married Lucile Evelyn Trimble or Trumbly, 12 Dec 1927. May have been married previously. (1) 1930 census, Gastonia, Larkin Ellis Rankin, 704 Lee St., 31, Service Supt., oil refinery, wife Lucile K?, 30, son John D., 11 months (born 1929). (2) 1940 census, living in his mother’s household at 701 S. York St.: Jennie H. Rankin, 66, widowed, daughter Erwin S. Rankin, 44, son Larkin E. Rankin, 41, daughter-in-law Lucile P.?, 40, and granddaughter Jane C. Rankin, 7.

6 John Daniel Rankin, b. 27 Aug 1929, Gaston, apparently died before 1940.

6 Jane Cecile Rankin, b. 29 Mar 1933, Gastonia.

5 Lois Rankin, b. 12 May 1904, Gaston. Schoolteacher. 1927 Gastonia city directory, Miss Lois Rankin, teacher South School, residence 701 S. York.

5 Henry Hand Rankin, b. 6 Jan 1909, Lowell, NC, d. 29 Apr 1990, Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co. Went to UNC, Chapel Hill. 1931 yearbook says his major was textile manufacturing; member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Blonde hair, blue eyes, apparently. Married Helen Bell, 14 Oct. 1939, in Iredell Co., NC. Both are buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont. (1) 1927 Gastonia city directory, listing for Henry H. Rankin, student, residence 701 S. York. (2) Helen’s obituary (30 Dec 1917 – 17 Jul 2016) is on the Findagrave website. The website erroneously identifies one of her children as a Wm L. Rankin b. 1893. Clearly error. (3) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=167156386 (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=167236028

6 Richard Henry Rankin, 21 Feb 1948 – 7 Oct 2014. Apparently never married. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=137014633

4 Nancy Jane Rankin, b. abt 1872, Gaston Co., NC, d. 14 Nov. 1949, lived in rural South Point, Gaston Co. Husband Charles I. Armstrong, married in Gaston Co. 29 Jan 1891. (1) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=49951188 (2) Death certificate gives the name of her mother as Sarah Elizabeth Stowe, the only evidence I’ve found of Sarah’s middle name. Buried Goshen Cemetery, Belmont.

4 Albert Richard Rankin, b. 28 Mar 1874 – d. 30 Oct 1931, Gastonia. Wife Estella (“Stella”) Iola Jenkins. (1) 1910 census, Gastonia, Albert R. Rankin, 35, marriage #1, 12 years, Travelling Salesman, Wholesale Groceries, wife Stella J., 29, has had 7 children, 5 living, daughters Nancy A., 9, Annie S., 7, Mabel L., 4, Berta, 2, and son Albert R. Rankin Jr., 3 months (b. 1910). (2) 1920 census, Gastonia, 175 W. 4th, Albert R. Rankin, 46, broker, feed stuff, flour, wife Stella J., 38, daughters Nancy A., 19, Annie S., 17, Mabel L., 13, Alberta, 11, son Albert R., 9, and daughter Alice McN?, 6. (3) 1930 census, Gastonia, Albert R. Rankin, 55, first married at age 24, foodstuff salesman, wife Stella J., 49, first married age 18, son Albert R. Jr., 20, bookkeeper, and daughter Alice M., 16. (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17145533

5 Nancy Adele Rankin, 22 Nov 1900 – 30 Aug 1999, Gastonia. Married Theodore Page Morris. Buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. Obituary and tombstone at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13044810

5 Annie Sloan Rankin, 1 Aug 1902 – 25 Mar 1988. Husband Allen Harold Sims. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=15500512

5 Mabel Lee Rankin, 19 Feb 1906 – 21 Aug 1999, Gastonia. Husband Harry Lindley Rutter. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gastonia. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13044785

5 Alberta (“Berta”) R. Rankin, 3 Jan 1908 – 19 Oct 1979, Gastonia. Husband Carroll Jenkins Shelton. Buried Oakwood Cemetery. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=13044785

5 Albert R. Rankin Jr., b. 12 Jan 1910, Gastonia, d. 24 Aug 1985. Buried Oakwood Cemetery, Gaston. Wife Bobbie Titman (21 May 1912 – 19 Nov 1983). (1) 1934 Gastonia city directory, Albert R. Rankin , assistant secretary-treasurer, Avon Bonded Wholesale Inc., residence at 701 S. Chester. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=83290859&amp;ref=acom

5 Alice McNeill Rankin, b. 14 Jul 1913, Gastonia, d. 10 Dec 1993. Married Edward Smith Gordon, 9 Nov 1938, Gaston Co. (1) 1936 Gastonia city directory, Alice M. Rankin, clerk, Textiles, Inc., residence 701 S. Chester. (2) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=83290862&amp;ref=acom

4 Emmett Price Rankin, 25 Sep 1876 – 10 Jun 1954. Died Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Buried in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia. (1) 1934 city directory, Gastonia, listing for E. Price Rankin (wife Lillian C., Rankin’s Cash Grocery), clerk in charge, Victory Station U.S. PO, York Road near Carolina Ave., South Gastonia. (2) Death certificate identifies him as a son of William Rufus Rankin and Sarah Stowe. (3) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=128657429

1817 Will of William Lindsey, Nash Co., NC

I just sent another Lindsey researcher my transcription of William Lindsey’s Nash County will, dated 16 Feb 1817 and proved in May 1817. After hitting “send,” it occurred to me that other Lindsey researchers might like to see that will, so I’m including it in this post.

I made the transcription from the original will, which is available to the public at the NC Archives in Raleigh. The original will is contained in a file box numbered CR.069.801.6 and labeled “Nash Co. Wills 1778 – 1922, Keith – Owen.” The box contains a manila folder labeled “William Lindsey 1817” in which the will is filed. My transcription is verbatim from the original, including spelling errors.

It is a charming will, not least because of the spelling errors – although they are undoubtedly the fault of whomever actually put William’s wishes on paper. The will clearly reveals a man who cared deeply for his children, concerned that the young ones “mind thare stepmother” and be kept out of all “dissepated cumpany.” He also wanted them to receive enough education to at least allow them to read the Bible for themselves. His signature is a big quavery – he was apparently sick – but it features a large “W” and “L,” suggesting to me a man who was comfortable in his own shoes.

To take out the mystery, the will names William’s wife “Polley” (there is no evidence of her maiden name) and seven children, including three daughters and four sons. Polley was his second wife. The evidence, although not conclusive, suggests that William’s first wife and the mother of all or most of his children may have been a Miss Longbottom or Long Bottom, given name unknown. There are many myths on the web (including some misnamed “vital records” available at Ancestry.com) about William Lindsey’s family of origin, but I will save that issue for another day.

Here are the names of William’s children and a little bit about them. The names leave no doubt whatsoever that William Lindsey was a serious Methodist. In fact, he had been ordained by John Wesley himself. Also, he owned no slaves, which wasn’t uncommon among Methodists. Good for him.

  1. John Wesley Lindsey, b. abt. 1794, Nash Co., NC, d. between 1850-1860, Leake Co., MS. Wife Zany Rogers, daughter of Robert and Ann Rogers. John Wesley and Zany left Nash after November 1830, when he last appeared in the Nash records, acknowledging a deed for the sale of his land. He had appeared in Leake County by 1835.
  2. Asbury Lindsey, b. abt. 1796, Nash Co., NC, d. 1854, Nash Co., wife’s name unknown. Lived in Nash his entire life.
  3. Jerusha Lindsey, b. abt. 1798, Nash Co., NC, no further record.
  4. Elizabeth “Betsy” Mary Fletcher Lindsey, b. between 1798-1800, Nash Co., NC. No further record.
  5. Wiliam Ray Lindsey, b. between 1802-1804, Nash Co., d. abt. 1827, Nash Co. He never married and had no children, although some Lindsey researchers have confused William Ray with another William Lindsey in Nash who married Nancy Pridgen and had children named Bennett Lindsey and Nancy W. Lindsey. The latter William died in 1825 and was the son of Jeptha Lindsey. The estate records for Jeptha conclusively prove that Bennett and Nancy were not the children of William Ray Lindsey. Rather, they were Jeptha’s grandchildren and were the children of Jeptha’s son William. The confusion about the children’s father is understandable: at one time, the NC Archives estate records for William Ray, son of William, were mixed with those for William, son of Jeptha — and the guardian records for Bennett and Nancy W. were mixed in with both of them. I think the archivists have now sorted out those files.
  6. Mary “Polly” Mintz Lindsey, b. 24 Aug 1805, Nash Co., NC, d. 30 Jul 1880. Married Hudson Finch. Lived her entire life in Nash County.
  7. Edward Buxton Lindsey, b. 1811, Nash Co., d. Jan 1883 in Claiborne Parish, LA. Edward was my ancestor. He left Nash County about 1830 for Pike/Barbour County, Alabama (Barbour was created from Pike), where he married my ancestor Elizabeth Jane Odom, daughter of Jacob and Nancy Stubbs Odom. Edward and Elizabeth Jane moved to Drew Co., AR, where she died in 1854, after having 9 and probably 10 children. Edward soon married Ruth Belle Crook, wife #2. They divorced. Edward then moved to Claiborne Parish, LA, where he married wife #3, Elizabeth J. Marshall. Edward and Elizabeth moved to Tyler Co., TX, where Elizabeth died after having one child. Edward next married wife #4, Permelia Dean. They divorced, and Edward moved back to Claiborne Parish about 1870 with a small son in tow. There is a longish article about him titled “Edward Buxton Lindsey: one of my family legends” on this website.

With that preamble, here is William Lindsey’s will:

“In the name of God amen I William Lindsey of the county of Nash and State of North Carolina cawlling to mind the near aproch of death but of disposing mind and memory blessed be God do make and ordain this my Last will and Testament In manner and form following to wit I render my Sole to God that gave it and body to be buried in usual manner –

First my will an desier is that all my Just debts be paid out of my bonds open accoumpts and personal Estate.

Item I give and bequeth to my loving wife Polley Lindsey hole of the property that she pursest before our marriage which part in money was severnty dollars, I also give to her all the bacon and lard and all the corn and small gran for the seport of her and the family that continue with her – and my desier is that my Eldest Son John Wesley Lindsey see that thay mind thare Stepmother and thare larning bisness and are kept out of all dissepated cumpaney and also to have sum chance of schoolling at least to know how to read the word of God,

I also lend to my wife Polley the house and plantation on which I live beginning at a lightwood stump in the midle run? thence a west corse to the middle branch to a popler, then down the meanders of sd branch to the run of? Saponey Creek to a Large corner cypres on the bank of sd creek then up the sd creek to Pridgen Manning’s line then south along sd Manning line to Nathan Joiners line a corner lightwood stump thence East sd Joiners line to a corner pine, thence south a long said Joiners line to Christipher Taylors line a corner pine in John Bisets line thence an east corse along sd Bissets line to Jacobs Swamp to a corner maple Joran Shurods line, then up sd swamp Sherods line to a corner pine thence a north corse along a line of markt trees to the road then up the road west to a hickrey thence along the path as the fence goes to the mouth of the long lane then down sd lane to the first station containing Two hundred acres more or less, during her natrel life or widow hood.

I also give to my beloved Wife Polley one gray horse Dimant and her riding saddle and one cow and calf or yearling Two yoes and lambs choice Two sows and piggs – my will and desier is that my son William Ray Lindsey shold continue with my wife five years and to go Equal in the proffits of the orchard and land on which thay live and his own land that I shall here after give to him, It is also my will that my wife Polley Lindsey and Edward Buxton Lindsey as soon as connvenent thay are to pay one hundred and fifty dollars for the purpose of paying of my land contracts. Now the land that I have above lent to my wife Polley after her death or marrige, I give to my Beloved son Edward Buxton Lindsey to him and his heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved son John Wesley Lindsey the tract of land that I Bought of of Nathan Lindsey and part of a tract that I bought of Amos Hatcher Beginning at Jephtha Lindsey’s corner a cypres on the Sapony Creek thence up the various corses of sd creek to a corner cypres then up the midle branch to a corner poplar thence along the middle lane to a corner lightwood stump thence a long the long lane to the mouth then along the path and fence to the road a corner hickrey then down the road East to a pine then south along a line of markt trees to a corner pine Jurdan Sherods line then east to a corner pine sd Sherrods line then North to a corner pine Jepthah Lindseys corner then along sd Lindseys line to the first station containing one hundred and eighty acres more or less to him and his heirs for ever and also one bay mare Pol? bridle and saddle one cow and calf and two yoes and lambs and one bed and furnture to him and his heirs for Ever on conditions he pays three hundred dollars towards the lands that I am in debt for.

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved son Asbury Lindsey the tract of land I bought of Edward Ballard all lying on the North side of the road and one horse named doctor one cow and calf two yoes and lambs and one bed and furniture, to him and his heirs forever, upon condition he pays one hundred and fifty dollars twoards the land I am now in debt for.

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved son William Ray Lindsey all the ballance of my lands that I have not heartofore given away two hundred acres more or less and one gray mare called Spinnet and one saddle and bridle one cow and calf two yoes and lambs one sow and piggs and one bed and furniture to him and his heirs for ever – upon condition he pays one hundred dollars towards the lands that I am now in debt for.

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved daughter Jerusha Lindsey one bed without any furniture only a sted one cow and yoe and lamb and she furnished with cotton and wool soficent cloth her bed to her and her heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved daughter Polley Mintz Lindsey one bed and furniture and fifteen dollars in money to her and her heirs forever

Item I give and bequeth to my beloved daughter Betsey Mary Fletcher Lindsey one bed and furniture and fifteen dollars in money to her and her heirs for ever.

Now my will and desier is that if either of my four sons to whom I have given my land shold dy with out a lawfull heir that the land to them given shold be equally divided between those that survive.

Now all the ballance of my Estate undevsd I leave to be sold for the purpose of paying my debts, now if thare shold not be as much money needed as I have left above for my sons to pay they are to pay in purportion to those sums above named.

And I do hereby nominate and appoint my beloved son John Westley Lindsey and Richard Holland executer to this my last will and testament signed and seled in present of us this 16th of February 1817.

William Lindsey

Barn Tucker [and] Nelson Bone [witnesses]