Biographical Sketch of

William Rankin

Transcribed by Barbara Voss for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 770

William Rankin, one of the pioneers of Green Lake County, now residing in Kingston, was born on the 15th of November 
1815 in Oneida County, N.Y. His father, Aaron Rankin, was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1778. He was a soldier 
of the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of Sackett�s Harbor. In the days of his early manhood he removed 
to Oneida County, where he became acquainted with and married Lydia Dye, a native of Vermont, born in 1780. She also 
removed with her parents to New York in childhood at a time when there were but three buildings to mark the site of 
the present thriving city of Utica. Unto them were born nine children: Jairus, who married Esther Cole and removed 
to Sheboygan County, Wis., where his death occurred; Norman who died in Oneida County at the age of twenty eight 
years; Marcus who left his home for Virginia in 1834, but was never again heard of; Eliza, wife of Andrus Gage, died 
in Chautauqua County, N.Y.; Rhoba died in Sheboygan Wis., at the age of thirty three; Mary died in Oneida County when 
twenty  years of age; William is the next in order of birth; Lydia, a resident of Kingston; Susan became the wife of 
I. H. Comstock, who removed to this county. He died in 1860.

Mr. Rankin, father of our subject, left Oneida County in 1833, and accompanied by his family, went to Chautauqua 
County, from whence he removed to Erie County PA, in 1837. He left the East in 1845 and located in Sheboygan Wis., 
then a small village, where he made his home for two years, when he settled in the town of Kingston, Green Lake 
County. While in Oneida County he was honored with the office of Justice of the Peace and also occupied several 
other positions of trust. His death occurred in 1854, and his wife died in Erie County PA., in the spring of 1854.

The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his native State. He removed with his parents 
to Chautauqua County, N.Y. and in 1845 came to the West, since which time he has made his home in Wisconsin. In 
1849, in company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Comstock, he purchased 240 acres of land on section 2, Kingston 
Township, which they operated for three years, when they sold out. Mr. Rankin then purchased land on Rock Hill, 
section 27, in the same township, the farm comprising 160 acres. He then devoted his energies to farming until 1880, 
when he again disposed of his property and removed to Princeton, which he made his home until 1883, since which time 
he has resided in Kingston. He was very successful in his farming operations and accumulated a competency which 
enables him to pass his declining years in retirement, enjoying the fruits of former toil.

On attaining his majority, Mr. Rankin allied himself with the Democratic Party, which he supported until the cause 
of slavery led him to espouse Republican principles, since which time he has given his support and influence to that 
party. He has held the offices of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer, and has ever been faithful to his duties of 
citizenship. He has labored for the best interests of the community and is widely and favorably known throughout 
the county.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu