My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL C. RANKIN, farmer, post office Buena Vista, is a grand-nephew of William Rankin, one of the early settlers of Allegheny county, who emigrated from Ireland in the latter part of the last century, and settled upon what now forms a part of the present home of the subject of this sketch. The father of Samuel C. was Robert Rankin, a native of Ireland, who came to this country in 1839, and engaged in farming with Maj. John Rankin, a soldier of the war of 1812, and a son of William Rankin. The mother of our subject was Margaret Culbert, a daughter of Thomas Culbert, a prominent citizen of Donegal, Ireland. Samuel C. Rankin was born in Ireland, about three miles from Londonderry, Aug. 4, 1829, and was partly educated in his native land, completing his education in the public schools of Allegheny county. He early engaged in farming, which he still follows. He was elected poor-director of his county in 1883, serving two years, and is at present treasurer of his township, a position he has filled for many years. Mr. Rankin married, in 1853, Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Martha Williamson, of Elizabeth township, and by her has had five children: Robert C., an attorney in McKeesport, engaged in the practice of his profession; John W., Mary M., Samuel H. and Maggie J.