My Genealogy Hound

W. H. Rankin, a prominent planter and a member of the firm of Rankin & Rodgers, livery men at Russellville, was born three and a half miles west of Russellville, in 1846, and was the sixth of seven children born to the marriage of W. W. and F. (Davidson) Rankin, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Virginia. The grandparents on both sides were from Ireland, and the paternal grandfather was a pioneer of Tennessee. W. W. Rankin was a successful agriculturist, and was one of the earliest pioneers of Arkansas, having emigrated to that State in 1832. He located in Pope County, entered land near the mouth of Illinois Bayou, and carried on agricultural pursuits until about 1850. Two years later he went to California, followed mining for three years and was quite successful. In 1855 he returned to Arkansas, and the following year returned to the Golden State with a herd of cattle. The same year he came back to Arkansas, and in 1857 made another trip to California, with cattle. Few people realize the hardships of these trips across the plains. Returning to Pope County, Mr. Rankin bought another farm near Russellville and there made his home until his death. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Capt. Scott’s company, and was in the battle of Pea Ridge or Elk Horn, where his horse was shot from under him, and falling, crippled him. He then came home, but after a time joined again, but was soon discharged on account of disability. He died on January 13, 1874, and the mother died on March 17, 1880. During the entire time of this worthy pioneer’s life in Arkansas he was active in all worthy enterprises, and was a worthy Democrat, doing much for that party. He was elected the second sheriff of the county. He and wife were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. On the mother’s side two brothers came to Pope County, Ark.: Sam and Bob Davidson. The latter settled at and bought the Dwight Missionary Station, four miles west of town. There he was postmaster until 1852, and for a time that was the only post-office in the county. He died on the plains in 1852, while on his way to California. W. H. Rankin was reared in Pope County and had but limited educational advantages, growing up during the war, when schools were obliterated in that county. He began for himself when twenty-one years of age as a farmer on rented land, and followed this until 1874, when he bought a farm of 80 acres, bottom land, to which he has added and now owns 240 acres, with 53 acres in the uplands and 220 acres under cultivation. This is one of the best farms in this section and all about the place indicates that the owner is a man of judgment and progressive spirit. In 1884 he moved to Russellville, where he has since erected a comfortable and commodious house. In 1887 he bought out the livery stable of the town, and has since been running the same. He is the owner of twenty-five head of horses, and has suitable vehicles, etc., for the use of the public. He keeps a good barn and is doing an excellent business. By his marriage, which occurred in 1870, to Miss Maggie Oates, daughter of Franklin Oates, an old settler of this region, there were born seven interesting children: Lillie, Nannie, Fannie, Ruth, Elbert Hill, Frank and Thomas. Mr. Rankin and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rankin has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the K. of P., No. 44, and the K. of H.