My Genealogy Hound

JAMES E. RANKIN was one of the best known men of Johnson County, and at the time of his death its oldest pioneer. He came here when there were but seven families in the county, and ere he was called to the home beyond all of these had moved away or had passed “to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.” He was born in Lafayette County, Mo., January 28, 1827, and was one of the eight children, three yet living, of Robert and Margaret (Whitsett) Rankin. The father was a native of Logan County, Ky., and his father was the founder of Shakertown, in that county, and at one time owned the entire property of that now wealthy section. Robert Rankin was the only one of the family that did not join the sect. Deciding to enter the medical profession, he took a course of study in Ohio, and after his graduation moved to Missouri, in 1819. After a year spent in Franklin County, he went to Lafayette County, and entered upon a successful career as a physician at Lexington. He did a successful business until ten years prior to his death, when he retired to private life.

James E. Rankin attended the common schools, and after arriving at years of maturity engaged in operating a small farm which he owned, a short distance from his father’s home, operating it for five years. He was married, July 28, 1854, to Miss Mary J. Reavis, and with a happy home and loving wife, who proved to him a capable help-mate, he began to see brighter days, his efforts being crowned with a well merited success. Shortly after his marriage he purchased ninety-eight acres of what is now known as the old Rankin Place, and in addition to general farming began to raise cattle, which business he profitably conducted for some time. As his financial resources increased he added to his farm at various intervals, until within its boundaries were comprised six hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, and he was also enabled to give his children a good start in life. When he no longer engaged in feeding cattle, he began the breeding of mules, and for some years placed upon the market the best grade of those animals which this section of the state afforded. He was a wide-awake and enterprising business man, and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.

After the breaking out of the late war, Mr. Rankin enlisted, June 27, 1862, in Company I, Colonel Shank’s regiment. General Gordon commanding the division, and took part in the engagements at Lexington, Independence, Wilson Creek, Helena, Ark., and others, seeing some hard service. In the encounter with General Steele’s troops they fought for twenty-eight out of thirty-two days, during which time Mr. Rankin had three horses shot from under him and was wounded in the hand. During his service he was appointed cattle-buyer for the division, and thus served for fourteen months, when he became dissatisfied, resigned, and took his place in the ranks, serving until the surrender at Shreveport, La.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rankin were born seven children, four of whom are yet living. William Sanford, born May 11, 1855, was reared under the parental roof, obtained his education in the common schools, and during his father’s service carried on the home farm, although he was then but a boy. He afterward began cultivating a part of the farm in his own interest, and has had gratifying success as a cattle-feeder, being one of the most extensive and successful men in this line of business in the county. He votes with the Democracy, and is a prominent and representative citizen. Sterling P. is the second son, and further mention of him is made later on. Joe Shelby married Miss Anna Greer, and after her death wedded Miss Mary Davidson. He is one of the prosperous farmers of this county, and resides four miles north of Holden. James Lee, a progressive young man, is still on the old home farm.

The father of this family was recognized as one of the most successful business men of the community, being industrious, energetic and persevering — qualities which cannot fail to bring prosperity. In manner he was courteous and affable, and his hospitality and kindly nature greatly endeared him to his many friends. He passed away June 24, 1893, respected by all who knew him.

Sterling P. Rankin, the second son of the family, was born August 4, 1861, spent his youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, and acquired his education in the common schools. He started out to make his own way in the world on reaching years of maturity. In the fall of 18S2 he went to California with the hope of recuperating his health, and after a year’s sojourn with an uncle there returned to Missouri. In 1884 he made his second trip to the Pacific Slope, where he again spent a year, and upon his return to his native state began farming on a one-hundred-acre tract of land given him by his father. One the 25th of February, 1891, he married Miss Carrie B. Murray, daughter of Thomas A. and Martha A. (Ramsey) Murray, and an intelligent and cultured lady, who has been to him a faithful companion and helpmate. They have two interesting children: Eltah M., three years old; and Earl Murray, in his first year.

Mr. Rankin is a progressive farmer, and his place is one of the best improved in the county. He seems to have inherited his father’s capacity for business, and in the management of his affairs has been very successful. In his political views he is a stalwart advocate of Democracy, and in religious belief is a Baptist.