John Walker Rankin

John Walker Rankin
Portrait of Rankin in a 1908 publication
Born(1823-06-11)June 11, 1823
DiedJuly 10, 1869(1869-07-10) (aged 46)
Rank
Colonel
Unit17th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Known forMember, Iowa State Senate, 1858-1862
Conflicts
American Civil War
Other workLawyer and state senator

John Walker Rankin (June 11, 1823 – July 10, 1869) was an American politician and judge. Described as "one of the most eminent lawyers of Iowa" by The Toledo Chronicle, he served as a member of the Iowa State Senate from 1858 to 1867.[1]

Biography

Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on June 11, 1823, Rankin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College. He then taught school and studied law.

Rankin was subsequently admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. In 1848, Rankin moved to Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa, where he continued to practice law.[2]

During the American Civil War, Rankin helped to recruit men for the 17th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and was then commissioned as its colonel.

In 1857, Rankin was appointed Iowa District Court judge for Lee County. From 1858 to 1862, Rankin served in the Iowa State Senate and was a Republican.

Death

Rankin died at his home in Keokuk, Iowa, on July 10, 1869.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ Col.John W. Rankin, in "Gen. Supt." Toledo, Ohio: The Toledo Chronicle, July 15, 1869, p. 2 (subscription required).
  2. ↑ "Col. John W. Rankin." Ottumwa, Iowa: The Weekly Courier, July 15, 1869, p. 2 (subscription required.
  3. ↑ Iowa Legislature-John Walker Rankin
  4. ↑ 'Obituary-John M. Rankin,' Keokuk Daily Constitution (Iowa), July 11, 1869, pg.4.
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