James Rankin
James Rankin, farmer, P. O. London, was born three miles west of London May 11, 1829; he is the son of James and Margaret (Truitt) Rankin, natives of Maryland, the former of English and Irish, and the latter of Dutch descent; his father was one of the early settlers of this county; he became a prominent farmer, and was ever characterized by his honesty and fair dealing. Our subject attended the common schools in his younger days, and early adopted the occupation of a farmer, in which he still continues. He owns a farm of 136 acres, part of which lies within the corporation limits of London; he was married in 1852, to Ann Eliza Warner, a daughter of William Warner; they have three children – Flora L., Willie Mc. and James D. Mrs. Rankin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rankin is a prominent farmer and stock dealer of the county, and occupies a handsome residence adjoining the corporation.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]