Mary Rankin
Mrs. Mary Rankin, farmer, West Lancaster, is a daughter of John Coons, mentioned elsewhere, and was born on the farm now owned by Jones Coons' heirs. She has resided in this township since, except four years that she resided in Jefierson Township.
In 1851 she married James, son of Thomas Rankin, the union resulting in six children: John, Charlotte, Leroy (deceased), Ulysses Grant, Albertus Jones, Almeda Blanche (deceased). Leroy died at the age of four years; Almeda at thirteen months of age.
John is married to Rebecca J. Sanderson, and lives at Allentown.
In 1864 Mr. Rankin went out in the one hundred days' service, in Company G, (of wliich his brother Thomas was captain) 168th O. N. G., and engaged with the regiment in the battle of Cynthiana, etc., and was a brave and noble soldier, He and his parents were members of the Baptist Church, in which faith he died, June 12, 1880. His widow lives on his land, which embraces four hundred and seventy acres, in a good state of cultivation, farmed to grain and stock. She has charge of the farm, and endeavors to educate her children in agriculture as well as the classics. She is an estimable lady, beloved and esteemed by all who know her. The sons, though small, display an unusual interest in all matters pertaining to the farm
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County