John Walker Rankin

Judge

John Walker Rankin
Judge; John Walker Rankin
Born	June 11, 1823; Washington County, Pennsylvania
Died	July 10, 1869 (aged 46); Keokuk, Iowa
Rank	Colonel
Unit	17th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Known for	Member, Iowa State Senate, 1858-1862
Battles / wars	American Civil War
Other work	Lawyer 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

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

[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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