Eleanor "Ellen" Alexander Rankin Archives - Digging Up Dead Relatives:

Rankin families in the darn book

I hope this is the last time I blather about The Compleat Rankin Book, which continues to nip at my heels. I’m ready to move on to Volume 2.

I’ve received two emails asking me which Rankin families are included in the book. Also, one blog commenter speculated that her line is not in it. In response, here are some short blurbs for the lines in the book to let you know which Rankins are included and generally who they are …

Robert and Margaret (“Peggy”) Berry Rankin of Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana. Lt. Robert and his brother William were both Revolutionary soldiers. Their fabulous individual war stories are covered in some detail. Lt. Robert died in Louisiana, but is buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin … or so the Cemetery believes, despite some hilarious evidence to the contrary. Lt. Robert’s brother William died in Mason County, Kentucky, as did his brother John. The three brothers (there may be others) left large families — twenty-eight children among them. Their descendants should be legion. Their parents are not proved. The next article I post will share my opinion about their family of origin, assuming I am able to formulate one that isn’t just rank speculation.

Joseph and Rebecca Rankin (“J&R”) of New Castle County, Delaware. Their sons John and William went to Guilford County, North Carolina. Their descendants are well-documented in a book by Rev. Samuel Meek Rankin.[1] J&R’s son James went to Washington County, Pennsylvania. Only J&R’s sons Joseph (Jr.) and Lt. Thomas Rankin stayed in New Castle. J&R’s probable son Robert is a mystery. Their daughter Ann lived with her brother Joseph (Jr.) and apparently never married. No, Samuel Rankin who married Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander was not J&R’s son, despite Rev. Rankin’s speculation on that issue.

Four of J&R’s sons fought in the Revolution, assuming Rev. Rankin is correct about John and William fighting at Guilford Court House. His family tradition that they fought in that battle accords with the fact that every able-bodied patriot for miles around reportedly participated. Ostensibly a British victory, it was nevertheless a major blow to Cornwallis in the Southern Campaign. If you haven’t been to the Guilford Courthouse National Park in Greensboro, it is worth a trip.

Robert and Rebecca Rankin (“R&R”) of Guilford County, North Carolina. Their son Robert died there in 1795, leaving one son named George and four daughters. R&R’s son George married Lydia Steele and died in Rowan County (from which Guilford was created) in 1760. George left two young sons, John and Robert, who left Guilford for Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. R&R also had at least three daughters: Ann Rankin Denny (proved), Rebecca Rankin Boyd (probable) and Margaret Rankin Braly/Brawley (also probable).

R&R’s line includes at least one Revolutionary War soldier and the famous Rev. John Rankin of the Shaker colony in Logan County, Kentucky. Shaker Rev. John was kind enough to pen an autobiography identifying where the family lived before they came to the colonies. That is a rare case of certainty about a Rankin family’s specific Ulster location. Otherwise, Rev. John’s autobiography is a piece of work. I challenge you to get through it.[2]

David and Margaret Rankin of Iredell County, North Carolina. David may have been a son of Robert and Rebecca Rankin of Guilford. Y-DNA tests allow that possibility, although there seems to be no evidence in the paper records. David and Margaret’s son James died at the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill in 1780, leaving four underage children in Lincoln County. Their son Robert survived Ramsour’s and moved to Gibson County, Tennessee, where he filed a Revolutionary War pension application.

Robert had proved sons David and Denny Rankin, both of whom remained in Iredell and married McGin sisters. Robert also had a daughter Margaret Rankin Finley, who appeared with him in Gibson County in a deed of gift. Descendants of Robert and his wife, probably Jean Denny of Guilford County, still live in Iredell County.

John Rankin of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He died there in 1749, leaving a will naming a wife Margaret, two sons, and eight daughters.[3] His son Richard went to Augusta County, Virginia. Son Thomas also went to Augusta, then moved on to East Tennessee. Thomas was the patriarch of the line of Rankins celebrated in the famous Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church Cemetery tablet in Jefferson County, Tennessee. This family has also been thoroughly documented, especially by a 19th- century descendant named Richard Duffield Rankin. One descendant is Rev. John Rankin, the famous abolitionist whose home in Ripley, Ohio was a waystation on the underground railroad. He deserves an article of his own. Another fairly well-known descendant is John Knox Rankin, who was among those who faced Quantrill’s Raiders in Lawrence, Kansas in 1863. Both Rev. John and John Knox Rankin are high on my to-do list.

Adam and Mary Steele Alexander Rankin of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Adam died there in 1747, leaving a daughter and three sons. This is perhaps the best known of all Rankin families. Adam and Mary’s children, possibly not in birth order, were James, Esther Rankin Dunwoody, William, and Jeremiah. James married Jean/Jane Campbell and lived in a famous location in Montgomery Township, Franklin County called “the Corner.” Tales of “mint julip” (moonshine?), evil groundhogs, and a haunted house in the Corner abound. Story to follow. James and Jean had four sons and two daughters. David, William, and Jeremiah remained in Franklin. The fourth son, James Jr., is elusive.

Adam and Mary’s son William married Mary Huston and had seven sons and a daughter, Betsy Rankin Robison. Four of their sons — William Jr., James, Jeremiah, and John — went to Centre County, Pennsylvania, where they owned land devised by their father. William and Mary’s son Adam, their eldest, became a doctor and moved to Kentucky. Son Archibald married Agnes Long and remained in Franklin County. Son David married Frances Campbell and wound up in Des Moines County, Iowa.

Adam and Mary’s son Jeremiah (wife Rhoda Craig) died in a mill accident in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1760. Jeremiah seems to be totally absent from Pennsylvania records other than his father’s will. His four sons went to Kentucky.

Famous descendants of Adam and Mary include Confederate Brigadier General Adam Rankin “Stovepipe” Johnson, who was the father and grandfather of two major league baseball players. Stovepipe is also buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. He is from the line of William and Mary Huston Rankin through their Kentucky son Dr. Adam. Another famous descendant of Adam and Mary is Rev. Adam Rankin of Lexington, Kentucky, a son of Jeremiah and Rhoda. Rev. Adam was well-known among Presbyterians for his obsession with the so-called “Psalmody controversy.”

Samuel and Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander Rankin of Lincoln/Gaston Co., NC. His nickname was “Old One-Eyed Sam,” according to a descendant who grew up across the Catawba River from Sam’s home in Lincoln. I haven’t found many good stories about this family, other than their grandson Samuel who was indentured as a thirteen-year-old. Indentured servitude was fairly uncommon in a family as prominent and wealthy as the Lincoln County Rankins. Sam’s two brothers escaped that fate, making me suspect that young Sam was a handful. He married Mary Frances Estes in Tishomingo County, Mississippi and wound up in Jefferson County, Arkansas.

Sam and Mary had eight sons and two daughters. Four of their sons were Civil War soldiers. Two joined the Confederate army and two fought for the Union, probably after having been first captured as Confederate soldiers.[4] One of Sam and Mary’s sons, my ancestor John Allen Rankin, deserted the Army of the Confederacy after a terrible loss at the Battle of Champion Hill east of Vicksburg. Private John Allen’s war story intersects with a good love story about meeting his future wife, Amanda Lindsey. One of John Allen and Amanda’s great-grandchildren still flies a Confederate battle flag on his front porch, citing his “proud southern heritage” as justification. He might not know about his ancestor’s desertion. My cousin and I fly different flags.

Robert Rankin of Rutherford County, North Carolina and Caldwell County, Kentucky. Robert married Mary Witherow in North Carolina. The couple apparently divorced, which was evidently rare at that time. Alternatively, Robert may have just walked away. He left North Carolina while Mary W. Rankin was still alive. He eventually remarried. I haven’t found any fun stories about his family, although I haven’t looked very hard. Their descendant Francis Gill is the expert on Rutherford Robert’s line. The Compleat Book contains entries from several family Bibles that Francis kindly shared. If this is your crowd, the Bibles provide good information. The book also has an article about Robert’s son Jesse, who married Cynthia Sellers and went to Gibson County, Tennessee. He has been confused with another Jesse Rankin, a son of Shaker Rev. John Rankin.

William and Abigail Rankin of Washington County, Pennsylvania. William was a son of David and Jeanette McCormick Rankin of Frederick County, Virginia. William and his brother David were easy to track; their brother Hugh, not so much. That translates to the fact that I have unfinished business with this line. William and his wife Abigail left a passel of children, many of whom remained in Washington County. Their son David left Washington County for Kentucky. One son, Zachariah, died of hydrophobia after being bitten by a rabid wolf. The most charming stories about this family concern the detailed list of Zachariah’s clothing in his inventory and the amount of whiskey purchased for his Washington County estate sale. Who says probate records are dry and boring? You can bet that estate sale was neither.

William Jr. and Jane Rankin of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This is an interesting line in early Pennsylvania which also deserves more research. Some of their line remained in Fayette County, where the cemeteries are awash with their descendants. Some went “west,” which often meant “the Ohio Country.” That referred to land roughly west of the Appalachian Mountains and north of the Ohio River.[5] One of their sons who went “west” had accumulated an overwhelming amount of debt from lenders in at least two states, leaving mind-boggling deeds about it. What, I wonder, did he spend all that money on? If I could suss it out, it would surely be a good story.

Jeanette Pickering Rankin and her sister Edna Rankin McKinnon. It isn’t easy finding famous women in family history research. Jeanette is known for her terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was the first female. She is famous (or infamous) for her votes against entering both World Wars. She was a woman of integrity and courage, no matter what one thinks about those votes. She also did considerable work obtaining the vote for women in her home state of Montana. In her eighties, Jeanette led an anti-Vietnam war march in D.C. The marchers dubbed themselves the “Jeanette Rankin Brigade.” Her little sister Edna is famous for her work in Planned Parenthood. If those two Rankin women had been around at the right time, there would undoubtedly have been some rousing good speeches in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Now … I need to see if I have sufficient evidence to formulate a semi-cogent opinion about the parents of Lt. Robert Rankin and his brothers William and John. If not, there are plenty of other genealogical mysteries and interesting Rankins waiting in the wings.

See you on down the road.

Robin

[1] Rev. S. M. Rankin, The Rankin and Wharton Families and Their Genealogy (Greensboro, NC: J. J. Stone & Co., printers and binders, 1931, reprint by Higginson Book Co., Salem, MA).

[2] John Rankin, “Auto-biography of John Rankin, Sen.” (South Union, Ky., 1845), transcribed in Harvey L. Eads, ed., History of the South Union Shaker Colony from 1804 to 1836 (South Union, Ky., 1870). You can obtain a copy of Ead’s transcript from the Special Collections Library, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky (WKU), where it is designated “Shaker Record A.”

[3] More accurately, John Rankins’s 1749 will named six daughters and two sons-in-law.

[4] Captured Confederates were sometimes allowed to play a “get out of jail free” card by renouncing the Confederacy and joining the Union Army. Usually, the ex-prisoner served in the west, where he was unlikely to be shooting at members of his family.

[5] The “Ohio Country” consisted roughly of modern-day Ohio, eastern Indiana, western Pennsylvania, and northwestern West Virginia.

Where are you from? Here’s a great source for Anglo names …

A couple of decades ago, my first cousin Butch Rankin[1] posed this question to me: “where are we from, anyway?” He didn’t specify which of our many shared ancestral lines he meant, but he was clearly asking about Rankins.

Hmmmm… there were some Rankins who came to the colonies from England, often Quakers. For example, there was a James Rankin in York Co., Pennsylvania in the 1770s, a Tory, whose estate was confiscated and who fled back to England.[2] But the vast majority of Rankin immigrants to the colonies during the 18^thcentury came from Ireland. They were overwhelmingly Scots-Irish, Presbyterian, and Patriots.

Sometimes, names, locations and religion can reveal a great deal, and this is a good example. Butch’s and my earliest known Rankin ancestor first appeared in colonial records in Rowan County, North Carolina, smack dab in the middle of the Scots-Irish settlements of the Piedmont Plateau. Moreover, our ancestor Samuel Rankin – known as Old One-Eyed Sam – married Eleanor (“Ellen”) Alexander. As nearly as I can tell, “Alexander” is the Scots-Irish equivalent of “Smith.” Samuel and Eleanor are buried in the Old Goshen Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Belmont, NC. There was once a marker on the wall of Goshen Cemetery “in memory of the following Revolutionary soldiers,” including Robert Alexander (Eleanor Alexander Rankin’s brother), William Rankin (eldest son of Samuel and Eleanor), and Samuel Rankin – Old One-Eyed Sam himself, who was too old to fight, but who was deemed a “patriot” by the DAR because he contributed supplies.[3]

OK, Scots-Irish, Presbyterian, and patriot: check, check, check. The correct answer to Butch’s question is that we came to the colonies from the province of Ulster in northernmost Ireland. And before our Rankin ancestors migrated to Ulster, they lived in Scotland.

But where in Scotland? I’ve done no research there because I hadn’t a clue where to start. Many Rankin researchers claim the highlands of northwest Scotland, reciting a frequently reported connection between the Rankins and the Maclean Clan of Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull. It is a popular story, although I’ve never seen a reference to evidence in any records. However, I never found a credible alternative opinion on the issue.

Until this week. There is a book at Clayton Genealogical Library that is new to me: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, published by the Oxford University Press.[4] If you have Anglo ancestors, you might want to check this source, because it has some interesting information. Also, Oxford University has a certain aura of credibility.

This is what the Dictionary says about Rankin, in part (emphasis added):

“Rankin. Variants: Rankine, Ranken, Ranking

Current frequencies: GB 6341, Ireland 1281. GB frequency 1881: 4297

Main GB location 1881: widespread in Scotland and England, chiefly SW Scotland; Lancs; Northumb

Main Irish location 1847-64: Ulster: esp.Derry, Donegal, and Antrim

Scottish, English: relationship name from Middle English Ran(d)kin, a diminutive of Ran(d), a pet form of the personal name Ran(d)ulf. See Rand, Randolph, Randall.

Further information: this name was brought to Northern Ireland (Derry) from Scotland in the 17^thcentury.

Early bearers: given names: Rankin de Fowlartoun, 1429 in Ayr Charters (Ayr, Ayrs).”

I’m a bit foggy about what “Ayr Charters” are, although this article is helpful. But I am quite clear about the counties Derry, Donegal and Antrim in the province of Ulster, Ireland, to which many Scots migrated during the 1610-1690 period. (See a map of Irish provinces and counties comprising them here). Google Maps is also unambiguous about Ayr, a city on the Firth of Clyde in the province of Ayrshire in southwest Scotland. As the crow flies, Ayr to Londonderry (or Derry, depending on your politics) in Northern Ireland is about 120 miles. Just for fun, there is a Rankintown about 12 miles southeast of Ayr.

Based on just the numbers, there is a decent chance that your Scots-Irish Rankin ancestor lived in Ayrshire, Scotland before migrating to Derry, Donegal or Antrim county in the province of Ulster – and then arriving in the Colonies during the “Great Migration” of the 18th century. I like the odds.

To check the Dictionary’s source for identifying “Rankin de Fowlartoun” as a resident of Ayr in 1429, just Google “Ayr Charters.” You will find a mind-boggling text in both Latin and English. The document says it is the full text of “Charters of the royal burgh of Ayr.”

The relevant text in Latin is described in the heading as a “Notarial Instrument concerning the Rendering of Accounts by the Bailies of Ayr,” dated 17 November 1429. It’s been more than half a century since I wrestled with Virgil’s Aeneid, so the only things I recognize are dates and names. The latter includes “Johannes de Bathcate” and “Thomas de Carrie,” who were the “bailies” (Bailiffs? Sheriffs? Tax collectors?) of the Burgh of Ayr.

The other Latinized names in the text include Henrico Forrestar (Henry Forrest or Forrester, the Chamberlain’s deputy), Rankino de Fowlartoun, Alexandro de Cragy, Thoma[s] Crotteche, David Glassynwricht, Macolmo de Qulchone, Johanne Litster, Johanne Gray, Johanne Bannezour, Gilberto Askirk, and Thomas Hakete, the notary.

Fortunately, there is an abstract of the Latin text at the same link, although it omits all names except for the two bailies and the Chamberlain’s deputy. Here is what it says, in part:[5]

“Notarial Instrument narrating that John of Bathgate and Thomas of Carrick, bailies of Ayr, being charged to render their account for the past year by Henry Forestar, depute of the chamberlain, in the manner and form contained in a certain instrument accepted by the said depute;

They having advised with the best men of the burgh of Ayr declared that they were never before the past year charged or required to make such account … Done in the Tolbooth of Ayr, about eleven o’clock on 17^thNovember 1429.”

Taking into account both the Latin text and the abstract, it appears that “Rankine of Fowlartoun” was among the “best men of the Burgh of Ayr” with whom the bailies consulted about how and when to render accounts in 1429. Nice – perhaps an offsetting balance to my Rankin ancestor who was a Civil War deserter.

Now I will run, because I must call Butch and tell him that our Rankins most likely came originally from somewhere in the Scottish Lowlands, perhaps Ayrshire Province in Southwest Scotland, before they wound up in Ulster. Then I will head back to the library to look up Brodnax, Lindsey, Winn, Estes, Bacon, Lyddal, Harkins, Hubbard, Stubbs, Odom, Rivers, Whittaker, et. al.…

Hope you also find interesting information in the Dictionary.

See you on down the road.

Robin

[1] “Butch” is not his actual given name, of course – it was his nickname as a kid. Now he is stuck with it, so far as the Rankin cousins are concerned. I still wonder briefly who the hell his wife is talking about when I hear her call him by his “real” name. I am quite fond of Butch, with whom I talk on the phone often.

[2] Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans, History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia: Evets & Peck, 1883), 752-53: “Rankin’s Ferry was established a few years prior to the Revolution by James Rankin, who resided in York County. The Rankins were Tories. James Rankin was a Quaker, and was appointed a justice of the peace for York County prior to the Revolution. He was one of the most prominent men in the country. … Being suspected of secret machinations against the patriots he suddenly went over to the British when Howe had possession of Philadelphia, and thence to England … several farms were confiscated … in 1790, James Rankin and Dr. Robert Harris owned the ferry and the land at the eastern end. It became the subject of litigation, which very likely grew out of the confiscation of Rankin’s estate.”

[3] Family History Library Film # 0,882,938, item 2, “Pre-1914 Cemetery Inscription Survey, Gaston Co., prepared by the Historical Records Survey Service Division, Works Progress Administration.”

[4] Patrick Hanks, Richard Coates, and Peter McClure, The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2017), 2214.

[5] For the record, the bailies were arguing about the form of and timing to submit the accounts, and not the need to render them.

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&GRid=69677109&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&GRid=79608448&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, 1^st 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&GRid=47089970&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&GRid=15941441&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 37^th NC Infantry Regiment. See image at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=66750474. William 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, 2^nd 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&GRid=83290875&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&GRid=84273713&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&GRid=83290871&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&GRid=13044757&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&GRid=83290878&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&GRid=96744276&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&GRid=34081310&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&GRid=96744014&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&GRid=13091819&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&GRid=13091819&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&GRid=76928863&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&GRid=24914716&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&GRid=96744131&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&GRid=155873762&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. 5^th, 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. 5^th 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 5^th, 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 5^th, 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. 5^th(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&GRid=96972874&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&GRid=17145813&ref=acom – R.P.’s grave. (4) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=17145830&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&GRid=120900848&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&GRid=19804947&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&GRid=74261337&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. 6^th(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&GRid=140642755&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&GRid=17121034&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, 3^rd 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&GRid=32678368&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 2^nd(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&GRid=17121108&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. 4^th, 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&GRid=83290859&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&GRid=83290862&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