John William Rankin was born on Sept. 22, 1861 in Wharton Township, Fayette County, PA, the eldest son of Robert and Hester Ann (Minerd) Rankin.

John was united in the bonds of matrimony with Phoebe Ann Maust (1861-1934). 

They bore a family of 10 known children – Charles Franklin "Frank" Rankin, Grant Rankin, Arthur J. Rankin, Thomas Henry Rankin, John Oliver Rankin, Harry Richard Rankin, Robert "Dewey" Rankin, Sarah Jane Rankin and Jacob K. Rankin.

Little is known of their lives. John's property of about 56 acres was on Cave Road, also known as Mud Pike, near Laurel Caverns at the peak of Summit Mountain near Uniontown. The tract was located between the fire tower and the radio tower. Their nephew Ray E. Addis later would become fire warden and forest ranger with responsibility for these areas.

Vista at the summit of the mountains near Elliottsville

Afflicted with a severe case of pneumonia, John died on April 6, 1918 at age 67 at their home near Elliottsville. At the time, one of their sons was serving in World War I and stationed in camp at San Antonio, TX. Son Thomas, of Fairchance, was the informant on the official Pennsylvania death certificate.

Phoebe outlived her husband by 16 years. The federal census of 1920 shows her living with her sons John (age 23) and Jacob (18) in Wharton Township. Her nearby neighbors were in-laws -- widow Sarah (Rankin) Addis; Alfred and Fannie (Burkholder) Rankin; and George W. and Pearl Lillie (Fields) Rankin. 

She passed away at home in Elliottsville on Feb. 12, 1934. She is buried with her husband at Brown Cemetery near Elliottsville. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald said the cause of death was "complications."

~ Son Charles Franklin "Frank" Rankin Sr. ~

Son Charles Franklin "Frank" Rankin Sr. (1883-1961) was born in 1883 or on Sept. 9, 1886, at Elliottsville, Fayette County.

Frank was a coal miner in Oliphant, near Uniontown, working for the H.C. Frick Coke Company. He was of medium height and stout build, with light brown eyes and dark hair. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America, Chartiers Local 8330.

On Dec. 2, 1908, at age 25, Frank wed 17-year-old Anna Blanche "Annie" Robinson (June 22, 1891-1964), uniting themselves in marriage. She could not write and signed her name with an "X" on the Fayette County marriage license. She was the daughter of George W. and Emma (Martin) Robinson of Springhill Township, and received her father's consent to the union because she was underage. 

They had six children -- George Rankin, Henry "Earl" Rankin, Charles Rankin, Harold "William" Rankin, Helen Johnson and Edna Krause. Later, they lived in Smithfield, Fayette County. 

When he registered for the military draft during World War I, he stated that he was married and had three children, and that he continued to be employed by the Frick company at Oliphant. The federal census of 1920 shows the Rankin family living in Fairchance, Georges Township, Fayette County, with Charles performing work as a coal miner. In 1925, when his brother Dewey dropped dead at the Revere coal mine near Uniontown, Frank and their brother Harry also lived and worked there at the time.

By 1930, when the census again was enumerated, the family had relocated to a coal mining town in Morgan Township, Greene County, PA. With the nation in the grip of the Great Depression in the 1930s, local coal mines shut down, forcing miners to look for other types of work. Frank was able to secure a paying job as a road laborer with the Works Progress Administration. The WPA was created under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "New Deal" to keep millions of Americans at work to build public works projects such as roads, bridges and buildings.

Sadly, Annie suffered during the 1930s from some sort of malady, apparently emotional or mental in nature. By 1940, she had been admitted to Dixmont Asylum for the Insane north of Pittsburgh in Kilbuck Township, Allegheny County.

The 1940 census shows Frank (marked "married") residing with his "partner," 49-year-old divorcee Jean. J. Gearhart (1891- ? ) and son Harold in another coal mine patch town, this time in Luzerne Township, Fayette County. The census taker wrote: "No street names. No house numbers."

Frank died from the effect of congestive heart disease and hardening of the arteries in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 75 on Nov. 22, 1961. After a viewing in the Wagner-Cooley Funeral Home, and services led by Rev. Earl F. Confer, he was laid to rest in the Mt. Moriah Baptist Cemetery in Smithfield. At his death, said the Uniontown Morning Herald, he was survived by 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Harry in Fairchance.

Annie survived for just three years after Frank's passing. Suffering from chronic heart disease, hypertension and obesity, she succumbed to death in Dixmont at the age of 73 on July 15, 1964. Her remains were transported to Smithfield to sleep for all eternity beside her husband. Dr. Earl P. Confer presided over the funeral service.

Daughter Helen Rankin (1909-1975) was born on Sept. 21, 1909 in Oliphant, Fayette County. She wed Clifford A. Johnson (1907-1968), a Tennessee native. The couple's six children were Clifford F. "Dempsey" Johnson, James H. Johnson, Edith Fagioletti, Bonnie Ilene Rupe, Lois Brooks and Linda Huewart. For 40 years, they made a home in the coal mining patch town of Allison, Fayette County, with an address circa 1975 of 550 Allison 2. Clifford earned a living circa 1940 as an outside laborer at a local coal mine. She was affiliated with the Republic Christian Church. Clifford passed into eternity in 1968. Helen lived on as a widow for seven yeas and endured the death of her grandson Howard William Johnson in 1974. Sadly, Helen became stricken at home and was rushed to Brownsville General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival on Aug. 24, 1975. An obituary in the Uniontown Evening Standard reported that she was survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Interment of the remains was in LaFayette Memorial Park. Debra Johnson of San Antonio, TX was connected to this family in some way.

• Grandson Clifford F. "Dempsey" Johnson (1927-1997) was born on Dec. 8, 1927 in Revere, Fayette County. He was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Jacqueline McClain (1928- ? ). The couple bore three sons, Howard Johnson, Lee Johnson and Robert Lee Johnson. The Johnsons made a home in Brownsville, Fayette County, with Clifford active with the First Christian Church and its deacons and men's fellowship groups. During his working career, Clifford spent 17 years as a warehouse supervisor for the Fayette County Grocers Association. He went on to labor for 21 years at the Isabelle Mine and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 6295. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department and belonged to the A. Cramer Axton Post of the American Legion in Brownsville. Sadly, at the age of 69, he succumbed to the Angel of Death on Jan. 12, 1997 as a patient in Brownsville General Hospital. Rev. Thomas Logston led the funeral service, with burial following in LaFayette Memorial POark.

Great-grandson Robert Lee Johnson married Barbara. They dwelled in Brownsville and were the parents of Cheri Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Jonah Johnson and Jesse Johnson.

• Granddaughter Edith Johnson (1930-2003) was born on March 24, 1930. She married Rugie J. Fagioletti (March 10, 1927-2006). Her residence in 1975-1997 was in Allison 2. She was gathered in by the Angel of Death at the age of 73 on Dec. 10, 2003. Burial was in LaFayette Memorial Park. Rugie lived for another three years as a widower. Death swept him away in Mon Valley Hospital on April 26, 2006. Officiating at his funeral service was Rev. Michael D. Peton. The AmVets Post 203 held military rites at graveside.

• Granddaughter Bonnie Ilene Johnson (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935. She was joined in holy wedlock with Robert Rupe ( ? - ? ). Circa 1975-1997, she was in Streetsboro, Portage County, OH.

• Grandson James H. Johnson dwelled in Bedford, OH. He was deceased by 1997.

• Granddaughter Lois Johnson wedded Dale Brooks. She dwelled in the mid-1970s-1990s in Parma, OH.

• Granddaughter Linda Johnson was united in matrimony with (?) Huewart. She resided in Allison 2 in 1975.

Son George Rankin (1914- ? ) was born in about 1914. At the age of 17, he lived at home and worked as a coal miner, presumably with his father in Morgan Township, Greene County, PA. He made his home in Frenchville, Clearfield County, PA in 1961-1975. Research is underway to confirm whether he married Madeline Picard of Frenchville, daughter of Herman C. and nellie Mary (Sarver) Picard.

Son Henry "Earl" Rankin (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917. He resided in 1961-1975 in Seattle.

Son Charles Frank Rankin Jr. (1918- ? ) was born in about 1918. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the 22-year-old Charles was unmarried and made a home with his married sister Helen Johnson in the coal mining patch town of Allison, Redstone Township, Fayette County. Later he lived in Brownsville, Fayette County.

Daughter Edna Rankin (1922- ? ) was born in about 1922. She married (?) Krause. Their home was in Cleveland in the 1960s and '70s..

Son Harold "William" Rankin (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924. He made his home in Cleveland circa 1961.

~ Son Grant Rankin Sr. ~

Son Grant Rankin Sr. (1889-1954) was born on July 20, 1889 in or near Mill Run, Fayette County. He was of medium height and stout build, with brown eyes and dark brown hair.

His first wife was Mary Anne Miller (1895-1916). She may have gone by the name "Anna."

During their brief married lives together, the couple bore one daughter, Kathryn Sutton.

Tragically, Mary Anne died on Feb. 16, 1916, at the untimely age of 21, "from a severe attack of laryngitis," reported a local newspaper. She was buried at Smithfield Cemetery. 

Seven years later, Grant married Hilda Margaret Burkholder (1891-1956), a native of McKeesport, near Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Clare) Burkholder of Fairchance, Fayette County. 

They produced two children of their own -- Grant Rankin Jr. and Dorothy Grace Allen. 

As American involvement in World War I loomed closer, Grant registered for the military draft in June 1917. At the time he was age 27, lived in Uledi near Uniontown, Fayette County, and was employed as a coal miner by the W.J. Rainey Coal and Coke Company. He ultimately served with the U.S. Army's 10th Cavalry, from June 13, 1917 to June 11, 1919 and was honorably discharged from Fort Dix, NJ with the rank of private.

In 1925, tragedy struck when Grant's brother Dewey dropped dead at the Revere coal mine near Uniontown. At the time, Grant lived and worked at the Dearth mine on the Uniontown outskirts. Three years later, in 1928, the Rankins moved to Chartiers, Greene County, PA. They were next-door neighbors to Grant's brother Arthur and family. Grant was a deacon in the Church of God at Brownsville and also in East Millsboro.

The Rankins amid tornado destruction, 1944. Courtesy Edward A. Allen

On June 25, 1944, a tornado struck the Rankin home while they were away in church. The wind had picked up the house, rotated it 90 degrees and set it back down, leaving little but destruction. Grant, Hilda and teenage daughter Dorothy were not hurt and were photographed sitting at the kitchen table among the wreckage, sipping orange soda, which was all they could find to drink. Eight members of brother Arthur's family were rushed to hospitals. Grant told a Uniontown Morning Herald reporter that he had just made an $800 mortgage payment on the house, having lived at Chartiers for the past 16 years.

They moved in 1945 to Royal, Fayette County, also known as "Chestnut Ridge," with Hilda retaining her membership in the Full Gospel Church of Brownsville.

Grant Sr. spent his final years with his married daughter Dorothy Allen in Inkster, MI. He died there after a short illness on July 2, 1954, at the age of 64. A short obituary was printed in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Hilda survived him by two years and returned to southwestern Pennsylvania. She suffered a heart attack and passed away on June 3, 1956, at the age of 64, in Brownsville General Hospital. She was interred in Lafayette Memorial Park, following a funeral service led by Rev. Earl C. Blystone. At her death, said the Morning Herald, she was survived by 10 grandchildren. Her son Grant, living at P.O. Box 117 in Chest Nut Ridge, Redstone Township, near Brownsville, signed her certificate of death.

Daughter Kathryn Rankin (1914-1962) was born on May 16, 1914. She married Robert Sutton ( ? - ? ). Their home was at 8 Ash Street in Fairchance in the 1950s and '60s. Heartache rocked the family in late March 1962 when Kathryn suffered a cerebral hemorrhage when she was only 47 years of age. She lived for another five days and died in Uniontown Hospital on March 31, 1962. Her remains were placed into the Smithfield Baptist Church Cemetery.

Son Grant "Sonny" Rankin Jr. (1925-2000) was born on Feb. 22, 1925. He lived in Royal (Chestnut Ridge), Fayette County circa 1956. He was married to Betty ( ? - ? ) and had one daughter, Beverly Rankin. Sonny and Betty settled in Clarksville, Greene County, PA in the 1960s where Sonny lived until his passing on May 26, 2000. He was survived by his wife, daughter and two granddaughters. In 2020, Betty was still living in Clarksville.

• Granddaughter Beverly Rankin was married and had two daughters circa 2000.

Daughter Dorothy Grace Rankin (1928-2017) was born in 1928 in the coal mine patch town of Allison, Fayette County, PA. She moved from place to place in her growing-up years as her father followed available work in different coal mines. This includes Morgan, Greene County in the 1930s. When living in Chartiers, Greene County, PA in June 1944, she and her parents survived a tornado which destroyed their and 49 other homes -- when the high winds lifted the structure, rotated it 90 degrees and dropped it back down. She and her parents were pictured in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, with the group sitting at their kitchen table, amid massive ruins, with the mother pouring orange soda pop for the trio to drink. At some point in time she migrated to Inkster, MI. On Aug. 31, 1950, when she was about 22 years of age, she was joined in the bonds of matrimony with 20-year-old Richard Edward Allen (1930-living) of Romulas, Wayne County, MI and the eldest of 11 children born to Edward Franklin and Charlotta Mae (Weir) Allen of River Rouge, MI. The Allens first lived in Belleville, Wayne County, where all eight of their sons were born over a sweep of a dozen years -- Dale Richard Allen (1951), Dwayne "Keith" Allen (1952), Darrel Kent Allen (1953), Curtis Arthur Allen (1955), Paul Thomas Allen (1956), Kennith Lee Allen (1957), Edward Anderson Allen (1961) and Jeffrey Eugene Allen (1963). In 1966, Richard and Dorothy relocated their family to Carlsbad, San Diego County, CA, along the Pacific Coast about three miles from Oceanside. In 1967, they received the shocking news that Richard's kid brother Wayne had been killed in action in Vietnam. The couple both retired about 25 years after their move. Sadly, Dorothy passed away in Oceanside on Dec. 30, 2017, just three weeks shy of her 89th birthday. Richard survived his wife. At 90 years of age, he is still living when this was written in September 2020.

Above: Richard's high school portrait, 1950 -- and the couple at Lake Tahoe, 1990. Below: Richard, Dorothy and sons, L-R: Edward, Kennith, Keith, Jeffrey, Curtis.Courtesy Edward A. Allen

• Richard Allen's brother Wayne, KIA, Vietnam

  Grandson Dale Richard Allen (1951-living) was born in 1951. He resides in O'Brien, OR.

• Grandson Dwayne "Keith" Allen (1952-living) was born in 1952. He lives in Myrtle Creek, OR with his wife Tammy ( ? -living). Keith has three children -- Thor Ezra Allen (born 1985), Lydia Charlotta Allen (1987) and Theodore Allen (1988). The family includes a stepdaughter Leilani and two grandaughters, Tuela and Kaiya.

• Grandson Darrel Kent Allen (1953-living) was born in 1953. Darrel and his wife Corinne "Corrie" were in Alturas, CA and later moved to near Klamath Falls, OR. The couple were the parents of Joshua Isaac Allen and Mechelle Northrup. Circa 2004, they resided in Cave Junction, OR. Tragedy rocked the family in the summer of 2004 when their son was killed in a vehicle accident.

Great-grandson Joshua Isaac Allen (1981-2004) was born on July 28, 1981 in Anaheim, CA. He grew up in Alturas, CA and then moved to Cave Junction, OR. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and riding four-by-four vehicles, especially in the mountains of Northern California and Oregon. He also had a knack for building wood and metal objects. Tragically, at the age of 22, he passed away in a vehicle accident on July 7, 2004. Rev. Lydia Welcome presided over the funeral service, held at Rough and Ready Park in Cave Junction. At the time of his death, he was engaged to Amanda and was the father of Shelby Linden Allen.

• Grandson Curtis Arthur Allen (1955-living) was born in 1955. He has no children and lives in Carlsbad, CA. He is retired and currently is assisting his father.

• Grandson Paul Thomas Allen (1956-living) was born in 1956. He was joined in wedlock with Nancy ( ? - ? ). They live in Cave Junction, OR and are the parents of Britanny Allen (born 1990) who in turn has three children.

• Grandson Kennith Lee Allen (1957-living) was born in 1957. He and his late wife Patricia ( ? - ? ) produced twins Kennith Richard Allen and Elizabeth Allen (born in 1983). Kennith is currently living in San Diego, CA. Daughter Elizabeth married Travis Crawford and has a son, Orion, and they live in Temecula, CA. Son Kennith Richard and his wife Karli live in Grovers Beach, CA.

• Edward A. Allen

  Grandson Edward Anderson Allen (1961-living) was born two months prematurely on Feb. 16, 1961 in Ypsilanti, MI. At the age of five, the family moved to Carlsbad, CA where he grew up attending the Assembly of God Church. He participated in Royal Rangers (the Assembly of God scouting organization) and became a junior leader at age 14, Lieutenant Commander at 18 and Senior. Commander at 19. He was the youngest Senior Commander in Royal Rangers. He graduated Carlsbad High School in 1979 and signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps in December 1979. Due to his chosen field, he would not report to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego until Aug. 18, 1980. He served  for nine years in the Marines at duty stations in Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri and Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in January 1989. After that time he lived in North Carolina until 1997. He moved to San Bernardino, CA and settled in Lawrenceville, GA in 2018. He first married Sabrina Mann ( ? - ? ). They bore a daughter, Tabitha Antoinette Allen (born in 1987). Edward later was united in matrimony with his second wife Elaine ( ? -living). Daughter Tabitha wedded Coleton Maruca, and they live in Cleveland, TN with their daughter, Freya Naomi Allen.

• Grandson Jeffrey Eugene Allen (1963-living)

~ Son Arthur J. Rankin ~

Son Arthur J. Rankin (1891-1945) was born on June 24, 1891 in Elliottsville, Fayette County.

He married Lottie Miller (1898-1984), a native of West Finley, Washington County, PA, and a distant cousin who was the daughter of Jesse and Flora Belle (Farabee) Miller. See the Miller biography for more.

~ Son Thomas Henry Rankin ~

Son Thomas Henry Rankin (1893-1952) was born on April 8, 1893 in Elliottsville. As a young man, he labored as a coal miner in Uniontown, Fayette County.

On March 3, 1920, at the age of 26, Thomas married a 23-year-old distant cousin and divorcee Gladys (Miller) Daniels (1897-1969), a native of West Finley, Washington County. She was the daughter of Jesse and Flora Belle (Farabee) Miller. See the Miller biography for more.

John O.'s grave marker?

~ Son John Oliver Rankin ~

Son John Oliver Rankin (1896-1951) was born in 1896. 

When the federal census was taken in 1920, John lived with his widowed mother and 18-year-old brother Jacob Rankin in Wharton Township. Age 23 at that time, he had no occupation. 

Circa 1930, he was an "inmate" at the Torrance State Hospital for the Insane in 1930 in rural Derry Township, Westmoreland County, PA. Reasons for his admission here are not yet known. In about 1933, he was again placed in Torrance and stayed for the remaining 18 years of his life.

At his mother's death in 1934, the Uniontown Morning Herald obituary noted that he lived with his mother. This may have been a bit of deception to obscure the fact that he had been institutionalized.

John died from effects of a heart attack at the Torrance facility at the age of 51 on Jan. 30, 1951. His remains were returned to Elliottsville for burial at Brown Cemetery. A shaft of unmarked stone stands at this grave, along with a small metallic plaque bearing his names and years of birth and death. The photograph shown here was taken by the founder of this website during the summer of 1995.

Harry and Henrietta Courtesy Martin Rankin

~ Son Harry Richard Rankin Sr. ~

Son Harry Richard Rankin Sr. (1897-1978) was born in 1897 in Elliotsville, Fayette County.

On Feb. 9, 1922, when he was age 25, Harry married 17-year-old Henrietta Ringer (Jan. 27, 1905-1997). She was a native of Connellsville, Fayette County.

The Rankins together bore a dozen children -- Harry Rankin Jr, Alice Irene Crupe, Thomas Robert Rankin, Anna Virginia Philips, Gladys Mae Bush, Mary Jane Williams, Geraldine Fisher, Freda Pearl Bowland Ritz, Rosella Katherine Campbell, Donald Laverne Rankin, Ronald Lee Rankin and James Richard Rankin. 

Harry was a longtime coal miner and belonged to the United Mine Workers of America District 4. In 1925, when brother Dewey dropped dead at the Revere coal mine near Uniontown, Harry and their brother Frank also lived and worked there at the time.

Harry and Henrietta Courtesy Martin Rankin

The family lived in Prosperity, Washington County. The 1940 and 1950 federal census enumerations show them in East Finley, Washington County, with Harry laboring for the Works Progress Administration in 1940 and farming in 1950. 

The WPA was a program of the federal government during the Great Depression to put to good usemillions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings.

The Rankins moved to Fayette County in about 1956. They resided in Little Brownfield near Uniontown in the 1970s and were members of the United Pentecostal Church of Fairchance.

Some of the children made their home with Harry's aunt Margaret (Rankin) Fike near the Tent Church alone Route 119 in Georges Township. 

Harry, Henrietta and their family enjoyed attending the annual Rankin reunions held at Lick Hollow Park. In July 1965, they went with sons Jim and Ronald, and were mentioned in a related article in the Uniontown Morning Herald. 

On June 15, 1978, when he was 81, Harry left home telling his wife he would tell her all about where he had gone after he returned, but unfortunately he did not come back alive. Having gone missing, search parties found his body two weeks later, on June 29, 1978, in a wooded mountain area near Albright, Preston County, WV, about 1.5 miles from his automobile. Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery in Brownfield, with Rev. Richard Price preaching the service.

Henrietta outlived her husband by almost two decades. She resided with her son James in Brownfield, Fayette County. She became blind in March 1996 and spent the remaining 10.5 months in that condition, until her death at the age of 92 on Feb. 12, 1997.

Harry Rankin Jr. Courtesy Martin Rankin

Son Harry "June" Rankin Jr. (1923-2008) was born in 1923. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war's end, at the age of 23, on Dec. 14, 1946, he wed 24-year-old Irene Alberta Casedy (1922-2010). Their marriage endured for 61 years. The couple produced seven children -- Judith Nichols, Gary Wayne Rankin, Paul Rankin, twins Martin Rankin and Martha L. Moldovan, Delinda McCarrier and Donna Thompson. The family made its home for many years in Hermitage on Cassady Road, followed by a decade at Treasure Lake in DuBois, Clearfield County, PA. Said the Sharon (PA) Herald, Harry was "an Army veteran of World War II" and "retired as a member of Local 268 of the Carpenters Brotherhood of Sharon and was a retired member of Mercer County Fireman's and Police Auxiliary." Irene was employed as a bookkeeper at Barris Company in West Middlesex and at Flowers Lumber Company in Sharon, PA. In retirement, they relocated to San Antonio, TX. Sadly, daughter Martha passed away just a few months before her father, at the age of 59, on Feb. 10, 2008. Having battled Alzheimer's Disease, Harry died on April 20, 2008, in the Edgewater Care Center of Kerrville, TX, at the age of 85. At the time, he was survived by 15 grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren and many step-grandchildren. His remains were returned to Sharon for burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Hermitage. Irene outlived her husband by two-plus years. She suffered a heart attack and died in St. Luke's Hospital in San Antonio, TX on Nov. 15, 2010, at the age of 88.

• Granddaughter Judith Rankin married (?) Nichols.

• Grandson Gary Wayne Rankin (1953-2018) was born on Sept. 29, 1953 in Sharon, Mercer County, PA. On April 2, 1977,, at the age of 23, he wed Felicia Jablonski (1958- ? ). They were the parents of Denielle Felicity Rankin, Stefanie Marie Rankin and Jillian Rose Rankin. The couple divorced in February 1997 after two decades of marriage. Gary made his home in the 2010s in Dubois, Clearfield County, PA. Sadly, stricken with lung cancer, he succumbed on July 22, 2018. His remains were cremated and distributed variously, with a memorial service held in the Lions Sky Lodge in Dubois.

• Grandson Paul Howard Rankin (1956- ? ) was born in 1956 in Sharon, Mercer County.

• Grandson Martin Lee Rankin (1948- ? ) was born in 1948. He was a twin with his sister Martha. He graciously has provided all of the images of the Harry and Henrietta Rankin family for this biography.

• Granddaughter Martha Lou Rankin (1948-2008) was born in 1948, a twin with her brother Martin. She wedded (?) Moldovan ( ? - ? ). She passed away on Feb. 10, 2008 in Sharpsville, Mercer County.

• Granddaughter Delinda Rankin was united in matrimony with (?) McCarrier.

• Granddaughter Donna Rankin was joined in wedlock with (?) Thompson.

Rene Crupe Courtesy Martin Rankin

Daughter Alice Irene "Rene" Rankin (1925-2012) was born on Jan. 11, 1925 in Prosperity, Washington County. At the age of 21, on July 6, 1946, she wed 22-year-old Delmar Crupe (Feb. 4, 1924-1983), a native of Elm Grove, Ohio County, WV. Their wedding ceremony was held in Prosperity. Delmar was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served with Battery D of the 501st Gun Battalion. The Crupes resided for years in Washington County. Together, the couple produced a brood of three children -- William E. Crupe, Diane Lee and Linda Morris. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the family lived in Amwell Township, with Delmar earning a living as a carpenter with a feed company. Alice was employed over the years in the cafeteria of Trinity Middle and High Schools, attended Living Waters Church and enjoyed raising flowers. In 1965 and 1966, the Crupes are known to have attended the annual Alfred Rankin family reunion, held at Lick Hollow Park, with their names mentioned in lists of attendees in the Uniontown Evening Standard (July 22, 1965) and Uniontown Morning Herald (July 29, 1966). Sadly, Delmar died on Aug. 16, 1983, at the age of 59. Irene survived her spouse by almost three decades, making a residence in the county seat of Washington. She died at the age of 87, in Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare in Washington, on Aug. 5, 2012. Her remains were laid to eternal rest beside her husband's in Washington Cemetery, with Rev. Paul Thomas and Rev. Michael Roach officiating at the funeral service. In an obituary, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association or Alzheimer's Association.

• Grandson William E. Crupe  (1950- ? ) was born in 1950. He lived in Washington.

• Granddaughter Diane J. Crupe (1947-- ? ) was born in about 1947. She married E. Edward Lee. They reside in Baltimore, OH.

• Granddaughter Linda I. Crupe (1949- ? ) was born in 1949. She wed Raymond E. Morris. Their home is in Washington.

Thomas "Bob" Rankin Courtesy Martin Rankin

Son Thomas "Bob" Rankin (1927-2000) was born on Jan. 20, 1927 in Republic, Fayette County. He grew up in Prosperity, East Finley Township, Washington County. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He enlisted even though he was underage. After his discharge, he joined the Army and served for about 13 more years in the military. Later, after leaving the Armed Forces, he returned home and was employed as a Washington County, PA law enforcement officer, "serving as deputy constable, deputy sheriff and county detective," said the Washington Observer-Reporter. He also earned income as a security guard for Glosser Brothers and driving trucks for Gacon Construction. In his free time, he liked to fish and hunt and was a member of the Houston American Legion Post 902 and the Carmichaels Veterans of Foreign Wars post 3419. At the age of 43, on Aug. 15, 1970, he married 27-year-old Myra (Merchant) Barnhouse (Dec. 27, 1943-2019), daughter of Leroy and Carrie Merchant. She had been married before and brought three children to the marriage -- Patrick Barnhouse, Teri Worthington and Theresa Cooper. Mary was employed as a secetary with the Washington County Courts for 43 years. When not working, she liked to read and tend her flower gardens. The couple dwelled in South Franklin Township. Thomas' health began to fail in mid-2000. He died five months later at the age of 73, in Washington Hospital, on Nov. 27, 2000. Interment was in Prosperity Cemetery, with Rev. David R. Martin leading the funeral service. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Herald Standard. Myra outlived her spouse by more than 18 years. She contracted cancer and lived with the illness for some time. At the age of 75, on Feb. 6, 2019, she succumbed. An obituary was printed in the Washington Observer-Reporter, and burial was in Prosperity.

• Step-grandson Patrick Barnhouse resided in Raleigh, NC in 2000-2019.

• Step-granddaughter Teri Barnhouse married (?) Worthington. Her home in 2000 was in Dayton, NC and in 2019 in Washington.

• Step-granddaughter Theresa Barnhouse was united in marriage with Donald Cooper. They lived in Washington, PA in 2000-2019.

Daughter Anna Virginia Rankin (1928-2021) was born on Nov. 29, 1928 in Washington, Washington County, PA. She grew up in Prosperity/East Finley Township, Washington County, PA. On May 24, 1947, when she was 18 years of age, Anna Virginia entered into the bond of marriaige with Wiley Raymond Phillips Sr. (Dec. 28, 1926-2020), a native of Taylorstown, Washington County and the son of Joseph F. and Laura B. (Black) Phillips. Their union endured for an extraordinary 73 years until the eventual separation of death. Together, they bore three offspring -- Wiley Raymond Phillips Jr., Trudy Ann Mazza and Frank B. Phillips. Wiley served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from 1945 to 1947, with deployment to the European Theatre. After the war's end, the Phillips' home for years was in Washington. Wiley worked for Jessop Steel for 32 years as a chemical analyst. He belonged to the Edwin Scott Linton post of the American Legion. Anna was employed at one time by G.C. Murphy Co. She liked to sing and play the organ and was a member of the Glenn Street Free Methodist Church. Sadly, at the age of 93, Wiley passed away on Aug. 6, 2020 in Premier Washington Health Center. Her final residence was in North Strabane Rehabilitation. Anna passed away on May 20, 2021 at the age of 92. Funeral rites were led by Pastor Bob Neel. Interment of the remains was in Washington Cemetery.

• Grandson Wiley Raymond Phillips Jr. wed Nancy. They have lived in Washington.

• Granddaughter Trudy Ann Phillips was joined in wedlock with Lou Mazza. Their dwelling-place has been in McMurray.

• Grandson Frank B. Phillips ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On July 2, 1998, he married Dana Lynn (Tilger) Hollenbach (Nov. 9, 1963-2008), daughter of David and Patricia (Potts) Tilger. She brought three stepsons into the second marriage, Timothy Hollenbech, Jeremy Hollenbech and Eric Hollenbech. They put down roots in Washington. Dana was an alumna of Chartiers-Houston High School. She earned a living in the housekeeping department of the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe. She held memberships in the Keystne Baptist Temple and the Slovak Club, and liked to play horseshoes. Sadly, Dana passed away at the age of 44, in Washington, on May 6, 2008. Her remains were lowered into the sleep of ages in Oak Spring Cemetery in Canonsburg. She was survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

  Step-great-grandson Timothy Hollenbech has lived in Clermont, FL.

  Step-great-grandson Jeremy Hollenbech was in Clermont, FL in 2008.

  Step-great-grandson Eric Hollenbech has resided in Clermont, FL.

Daughter Gladys Mae Rankin (1931-2003) was born on Jan. 17, 1931. She wed Thomas E. Bush Jr. (1933-1998). They produced four daughters -- Deborah J. McClay, Pamela J. Fisher, Rhonda J. Bush and Darlene J. Wood. They were members of New Life Free Methodist Church of Smock. Sadly, Thomas died in his mid-60s in 1998. Gladys survived him by about four years. Her home in 2000 was in Perryopolis, Fayette County. Later, she relocated to Washington, Washington County, PA. She passed into eternity on Jan. 19, 2003, at the age of 72. Burial was with her husband in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Deborah J. Bush married (?) McClay. In 2003, she lived in Washington.

• Granddaughter Pamela J. Bush wedded Joseph "Joe" Fisher. Their home in 2003 was in Perryopolis, Fayette County.

• Granddaughter Rhonda J. Bush resided in Perryopolis.

• Granddaughter Darlene J. Bush was joined in marriage with Michael Wood. They dwelled in 2003 in Woodside, PA.

Jane Williams Courtesy Martin Rankin

Daughter Mary Jane "Hurricane Jane" Rankin (1933-2017) was born on Feb. 25, 1933. She was united in matrimony with David L. Williams Sr. ( ? -living). The couple resided in Washington and Claysville, Washington County. Their six children were Ruth Anne Williams, Barbie Mitchell, David Williams, Richard Williams, Donald Williams and Daniel Williams. Said a newspaper, Mary Jane "was a very strong woman. She loved to bowl, do crossword puzzles, cook and bake. She owned and operated the Williams' Coffee Shop." She acquired the nickname "Hurricane Jane." At the age of 84, on May 29, 2017, as a resident at the Donnell House in Washington, Mary Jane passed away.

• Granddaughter Ruth Anne Williams

• Granddaughter Barbie Williams married John Mitchell. They live in Claysville.

• Grandson David L. Williams Jr. was married twice. His first wife was Lucia "Lynn" Onopiuk, daughter of Matthew and Philomena Onopiuk. Their offspring were Shawn Michael Williams, Davey Williams and Lyndsey Brogley. The couple divorced. Later, David was united in matrimony with Beth. makes his home in Claysville. Their son Shawn, a pipeliner for Local 798, who for nine years suffered with an autoimmune disorder, died at the age of 29 on May 17, 2012, in Washington Hospital.

• Grandson Richard Williams wedded Vanessa. They dwell in Washington.

• Grandson Donald Williams resides in Nashville, TN.

• Grandson Daniel Williams was joined in marriage with Jill. They live in Lawrenceburg, TN.

Daughter Geraldine Rankin (1935-2021) was born on May 25, 1935 in Washington, Washington County. She grew up in East Finley, Washington County, PA. She wedded Gifford Fisher ( ? - ? ). Their marital union endured for an extraordinary 65 years. The Fishers made Uniontown and later Fairchance, Fayette County as their residence. Their two daughters were Joyce McCormick and Tammy Yekel. Geraldine spent her life as a homemaker. Sadly, at the age of 86, Geraldine passed away at home in Fairchance on June 10, 2021. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield.

• Granddaughter Joyce Fisher was joined in wedlock with Keith McCormick. The couple has lived in Fairchance.

• Granddaughter Tammy Fisher was united in matrimony with Ed Yekel. They too have put down roots in Fairchance.

Daughter Freda Pearl Rankin (1938- ? ) was born in 1938. She was married twice, first to Cas Lee Bowland (Jan. 6, 1937-2007), son of Rev. Leeland A. and Lillian A. (Gilbert) Bowland of Marfrance, WV. Together they bore a trio of sons, Robert Lee Bowland, Ricky Allen Bowland and Michael Bowland. Cas had attended high school in Herminie and Connellsville, PA and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, bearing the rank of private. The Bowland marriage fell apart, with Cas moving to Melcroft as of 1958. Freda filed a lawsuit alleging desertion and non-support. Still married to Freda, Cas went on to father a son with Dorothy Bajac in 1964, Mark Clay Bowland. Freda and sons Richard and Robert are known to have attended the annual Alfred Rankin family reunion in July 1966, held at Lick Hollow Park. By 1968, Cas was in Cleveland, working for Standex International, Eveready Division and living at 4125 Bailey Avenue. Freda sued for divorce in September 1968. By 1969, she wed again to (?) Ritz ( ? - ? ). The pair produced a son of their own, J.R. Ritz. Freda was in Fairchance in 2000 and later moved to Hopwood and is known to have been there in 2021. She endured the heartbreaking death of her eldest son in 2023. Ex-husband Cas married again in 1977, attended Case Western University and became a certified private police officer. He served as commander of the Cleveland Auxiliary Police, as president of the Ohio Interstate Patrol, chaired the board of the Aluminum Workers Inc. of Cleveland and, after a move to Frederick, MD circa 1977, was a charter member of the Maryland Sheriffs Institute and worked for Eastalco. He died at the age of 70 on July 7, 2007, with burial in Frederick's Mount Olivet Cemetery and an obituary appearing in the Frederick News-Post.

Hutchinson Sportsmen Club, where a number of the clan were members

• Grandson Robert Lee Bowland (1956-2023) was born on Aug. 10, 1956 in Uniontown. He did not reproduce. For the last decade of his life, he resided with his girlfriend at Hopwood, PA. Said an obituary, he "was a life member of the Hopwood Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of Hutchinson Sportsman’s Club and Amvets Post 103 where he served in the Honor Guard." With his health in decline, Robert was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital at West Virginia University in Morgantown. There, at the age of 66, he died on June 21, 2023. 

• Grandson Ricky Allen Bowland wed Sherry. They make a home in Brownsville.

• Grandson Michael Bowland moved to Maryland.

• Grandson J.R. Ritz entered into marriage with Terra. They dwell in Oliver, PA and are the parents of J.R. Ritz, Austin Ritz and Addie Ritz.

Dottie Campbell Courtesy Martin Rankin

Daughter Rosella Katherine "Dottie" Rankin (1940-2022) was born on July 7, 1940 in Washington, Washington County, PA. She grew up in East Finley, Washington County, where she was in 1950, and then in about 1956 relocated to Fairchance, Georges Township, Fayette County She is known to have been a graduate of Georges Township High School. On April 24, 1959, in nuptials held in Oakland, Garrett County, MD, the 18-year-old Dottie entered into marriage with Raymond "Larry" Campbell ( ? -living), son of Azie Cambell of Fairchance. In announcing the union, the Uniontown Evening Standard reported that "the bride wore a beige dress with matching accessories and a white rosebud corsage." Their marriage endured the ups and downs of an extraordinary 62 years. Two children born to the pair were Cheryl Wilson and Larry Campbell. Larry was a 1958 graduate of Georges High and spent six months with the U.S. Army Reserves, training at Fort Knox in Kentucky and then at an engineers school at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Circa 1959, Larry underwent additional training at Indiantown Gap. They made their home over the years in Uniontown and at the end in Fairchance. Dottie enjoyed sewing and crossword puzzles as well as flowers, chocolate and playing bingo. Larry is believed to have been elected as an auditor of Georges, with a term beginning in 2018. Sadness cascaded over the family when, at the age of 82, Dottie passed away in Uniontown Hospital on July 12, 2022. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield near Uniontown. Her obituary was published in the Uniontown Herald-Standard. Among the headcount of her survivors were four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Inscribed on her flat bronze grave marker are the words "Forever in our hearts."

• Granddaughter Cheryl Campbell was joined in wedlock with Alan Wilson. They have made a home in Smithfield, PA. 

• Grandson Larry Campbell entered into marriage with Melissa. They migrated to Colorado.

. "He was awarded Driver of the Year and was a member of the Million Miles Club." He also belonged to the Hutchinson Sportsmean's Club. Sadly, they endured the untimely death of son Paul the day after Christmas 1993. As a patient in Uniontown Hospital, Donald died on July 31, 2003 at the age of 60. Rev. Kenneth Walls officiated the funeral service, with interment in Mountain View Memorial Park in nearby Brownfield. Bonnie survived her husband by a number of years.

Donald L. Rankin Courtesy Martin Rankin

Son Donald Laverne Rankin Sr. (1943-2003) was born on Jan. 23, 1943 in Prosperity, East Finley Township, Washington County. In about 1967, when he would have been 23 or 24 years of age, Donald was united in wedlock with 20-or-21-year-old Bonnie Shaffer (1946- ? ). Their marriage lasted for 36 years until the separation of death. The couple together produced a family of three sons -- Donald Laverne Rankin Jr., Christopher Rankin and Paul Frank Rankin. Donald Sr. served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. Residing in Hopwood, Fayette County, he "was a truck driver for D.M. Bowman of Williamsport, Md.," said the Observer-Reporter. "He was awarded Driver of the Year and was a member of the Million Miles Club." He also belonged to the Hutchinson Sportsman's Club. Sadly, they endured the untimely death of son Paul the day after Christmas 1993. As a patient in Uniontown Hospital, Donald died on July 31, 2003 at the age of 60. Rev. Kenneth Walls officiated the funeral service, with interment in Mountain View Memorial Park in nearby Brownfield. Bonnie survived her husband by a number of years.

• Grandson Donald Laverne Rankin Jr.

• Grandson Christopher Rankin married Billie Jo.

• Grandson Paul Frank Rankin (1966-1993) was born on Jan. 8, 1966 in Uniontown. Sadly, on Dec. 26, 1993, he died at the age of 27. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park in Brownfield, Fayette County. His grave marker is inscribed "Beloved Son."

Ronald Lee Rankin Courtesy Martin Rankin

Son Ronald Lee Rankin (1946-2023) was born on Dec. 11, 1946. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and completed his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Ronald was deployed overseas on the destroyer USS Leonard F. Mason and spent four tours of duty in Vietnam until his discharge in 1970. He joined the Army Reserves and went to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm as a member of the famed 14th Quarter Master Detachment, a water purification unit based in Greensburg, PA. The night that he and nephew Robert "Bobby" Rankin arrived in Dhahran, Saudia Arabia, on Feb. 25, 1991, their barracks were struck by an Iraqi Scud missile, killing 13, but fortunately the two men survived. Ronald received the Purple Heart and was the recipient of Bronze Star medal. Ronald was the father of Rhonda Rankin and Ranee Kolosky Hanan. At some point he entered into marriage with a distant step-cousin, Ruth "Tully" (Lawver) Walters (Dec. 31, 1948-2003), a Connellsville native and the daughter of Amnie and Ruth (DeWitt) Lawver of the family of Marcellus and Cleveland Etta (Adams Stillwagon) Murray. She brought a stepson and three sons of her own into the union -- Donnie Walters, Jerry Walters, Billy Walters and Jeff Walters. The couple made their home in Uniontown, Fayette County. Said the Uniontown Herald-Standard, "Ronald carried his love of country and his devotion to our nation through his membership in the Eagles Aerie, AMVETS, and American Legion." Sadly, Ruth passed away at the age of 54, in Pittsburgh's Montefior Hospital, on Nov. 18, 2003. Rev. Leslie Fuller led the funeral service, with burial in Lafayette Memorial Park. The Connellsville Daily Courier printed an obituary. Ronald outlived his bride by almost two decades. At the age of 76, Ronald died on Sept. 24, 2023. Burial was in LaFayette Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Rhonda Rankin is a companion of Mitchell.

• Granddaughter  Ranee Rankin married (?) Kolosky and Woody Hanan. 

• Step-step-grandson Donnie Walters lived at Royal, Fayette County in 2003.

• Step-grandson Jerry "Nooner" Walters married Rita and settled in Brownsville, PA. Later he was joined in wedlock with Miranda.

• Step-grandson Billy Walters ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Brownsville, PA.

• Step-grandson Jeff Walters entered into marriage with Lori. They have made a residence in Brownsville.

Son James Richard Rankin ( ? - ? ) is a Vietnam War veteran. He has resided in Hopwood, near Uniontown.

~ Son Robert "Dewey" Rankin ~

Uniontown Daily News Standard

Son Robert "Dewey" Rankin (1899-1925) was born in 1899. He is one of many cousins to lose his life at work in the coal, coke and steel industries.

He married Anna ( ? - ? ). They did not reproduce.

At the age of 26, despite having heart disease, Dewey was employed as a coal digger at the Revere Mine near Uniontown. Tragedy struck on April 2, 1925, when he suffered a heart attack and died suddenly "while awaiting the cage to go to work in the mine," reported the Uniontown Daily News Standard. "He is survived by his wife, his mother and seven brothers." 

The funeral was conducted at the Rankin home in Revere at 10 a.m. on a Sunday, followed by a procession to Brown Cemetery at Elliottsville for burial. His grave is not believed to be marked.

Anna's fate is lost to history for now.

~ Son Jacob K. Rankin ~

Son Jacob K. Rankin (1903-1958) was born on March 25, 1903. He lived at home with his parents for many years and never married.

In 1925, Jacob lived and worked in Washington County, PA.

After his mother died in 1934, Jacob was ill and unable to care for himself. He roomed on Church Street in Fairchance, Fayette County, working as a local saw mill operator. 

Suffering from congenital heart disease, he passed away on Christmas Eve 1958. Interment was in Brown Cemetery in Elliottsville. His married niece Kathryn (Rankin) Sutton was the informant for his Pennsylvania death certificate.