Clark County OhArchives Biographies.....Rankin, Jr., Warren H. January 6, 1821 - September 28, 1902 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/ohfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Julia Peters jpeters_gen@yahoo.com June 21, 2005, 2:26 pm Author: A Biographical Record of Clark County, Ohio "A Biographical Record of Clark County, Ohio" Published by S. J. Clarke in 1902, pages 436, 441, and 442: "Warren H. Rankin, Sr., was born in Springfield, January 06, 1821, and was a son of George Rankin, who was a prominent character in the early history of Springfield." (Editor: For these paragraphs, see George Rankin's Notes.) "Warren H. Rankin of this review pursued his education in what was known as Reed's school, three miles east of the city, having good advantages for that period. At the age of twelve he drove carts while the national pike was being built and he also had experience as a rider of race horses when a lad. For two years in early life, he engaged in truck gardening and subsequently was a clerk in a hotel in Columbus Ohio, for a time. Later he engaged in training horses for track work and was in the employ of the United States mail service as a mail Carrier before railroads were built into Springfield. At the time of railroad construction, he became a brakeman and after a few years began firing on the Little Miami Railroad between Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. Later he was promoted to the position of engineer in recognition of his trustworthiness and ability. He had charge of a stationary engine at South Charleston and also one at West Jefferson, Ohio during the days when wood was burned for fuel; but eventually he abandoned railroad work and turned his attention to the conduct of a hotel and restaurant in West Jefferson, also carrying on a livery business there. For a time he ran a train from Dayton to Toledo, Ohio and was always actively engaged in one or another line of work. At various times he resided in West Jefferson, South Charleston, and Yellow Springs and in 1864, he came to Springfield, establishing a grocery store near the corner of East Main Street and Spring Street. He had previously moved his family to this city and after locating here he not only was connected with, commercial affairs but followed the business of a stationary engineer in and near the city for a number of years. He was always an active and industrious man, well liked by all who knew him and trusted by all who had business relations with him. In 1896, however, he retired from active business life to enjoy a rest, which he had truly earned and richly deserved. He died September 27, 1902, at the age of eighty-one years and nine months. Mr. Rankin was twice married. In Springfield, Ohio, he wedded Miss Hannah Heckman, who was born in Clark County in 1824, and they became the parents of four children but all died in early life. His wife also passed away and later he left Springfield and engaged in railroad work and as a stationary engineer for railroads and other concerns for some time. In 1854, he was again married in West Jefferson, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda McNeal, who was born in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1832, and was a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Fought) McNeal. Nine children were born unto her parents. (Editor: For this paragraph, see Jacob McNeal's Notes.) Mr. Rankin of this review had many and varied experiences during his long life. He met with reverses and successes in business and watched the growth and development of Springfield, always taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and progress. He ever endeavored to do what was right, to maintain straightforward relations between himself and his fellow men and his career was noted for his integrity and fidelity to duty. From an early period in the history of Clark County, the name of Rankin has been closely interwoven with the same. The representatives of the family have ever been people of worth, active in support of all measures for the general good. Warren H. Rankin sustained the enviable family reputation by an upright life characterized by industry, integrity and diligence, and well deserves honorable mention in the history of his native county." Additional Comments: Warren.H. Rankin, Sr. is my great-great grandfather. Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/clark/photos/bios/rankinjr83bs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/oh/clark/bios/rankinjr83bs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/ohfiles/ File size: 4.8 Kb