I am looking for information regarding William Rankin, who (supposedly) died in Chester County in the early-to-mid 1700s. He was born in 1658 (or 1663) in Scotland, and came to PA by way of Ireland (he fought in the siege of Londonderry). His father's name was Alexander (mother's name unknown).
Thanks!

Looking for information on James Rankin of Chester Co., PA, married a daughter of William Gillespie. He is mentioned in father-in-law's will of 1760 in Chester Co., PA.

we seem to have a common ancestor:
William RANKIN, b. abt 1668, Scotland, d. abt 1730, Chester Co. Pa.: married Dorothy BLACK in 1687, No. Ireland, she was also born in 1668 in Londonderry, Ulster (all I have on her).
Williams father was Alexander RANKIN, b. 1635 Ayshire, Scot., d. 2/12/1703, Lancaster, PA. married in 1659, Scot.
I am from William's son Adam RANKIN, b.7/16/1688, Sterlingshire, Scot, d. 5/04/1747, Lancaster, PA, married Elizabeth MAY, in May 1710, she died 1721, Lancaster, PA.
hope this helps,
James

I have a James Rankin In Chester Co Pa in about 1773, but he married a Mary Arbuckle. Is it possible he was married
prior to this marriage?

I know absolutely nothing about James Rankin other than a James Rankin was listed in the will of William Gillespy/Gillespie Dec 14, 1759, proven 13 June 1760 in Chester Co., PA as "to my son-in-law James Rankin, ten shillings, if demanded...". I did find a James Rankin will of West Fallowfield Twp., Chester Co., PA, dated 30 Jan 1823 and proven Dec 2 1828, mentioning wife Susanna, sons: John, James; Daus. Jane, Elisabeth, Susanna and Rebecca. But I have no clue if this could be the James Rankin of William Gillespie's will.
Sharon

Sharon,
Thank you so much for this information, it really helps in my search. The James Rankin is the same one in Gillespy's Will.
Elaine

Elaine,
I have been looking for this James Rankin for a LONG time. Could you please fill me in on his background and how he is the same James Rankin than married my Sharpe dau? Do you know her name? or anything further about her. Would love to fill in my Sharpe info if you can help me. Do you know marriage dates, etc? Death dates and place of burial? Thanks for any info.
Sharon

Sharon,
I am in the process of pulling Deeds, Wills etc, so here is what I have so far.
James Rankin came to the US from N. Ireland in or about 1773. He purchased a plantation in Fallowfield Twp Chester Co in 1773.It remained in the Rankin family for about 108 years. He Married a Mary Arbuckle, but I don't know if that took place before or after they immigrated.
James and Mary had among others a son James, who married Susannah Riddle. To them was born 8 children, their names are not listed, with the exception of a son John.

John married Martha Andrews in 3-9-1820. They had only
1 child Abigail Ann, born 3-15-1821, who married Eli W. Hinkson on 1-20-1842. Abbie and Eli had 8 children:
1. Martha R. who married M.E. Muncill
2. J. Alfred deceased unknown
3. Harriet Newell married Henry B. Burn
4. Edwin E.
5. John Rankin married E. Duncan
6. Annie M. married David Clark
7. Ella A.
8. Horace F. deceased.

Martha Andrews was of the N. Irish Presbyterian faith.
John died 4-4-1851. The majority of the old family is buried in the Faggs manor Presbyterian Churchyard. This family
was buried, originally on the family farm where I was raised.
Then the main group James & Mary, James and Susanna, and John and Abigail were moved from this graveyard to the Faggs Manor Church.
I have photos, somewhere of the original marker, which was not moved.
If I can be of further help with this family let me know and when I go to West Chester Next week I will see if I can find marriage and death records for the original family.
NOTES:
The farm was placed for auction on 9-29-1829. His son James purchased it
James is shown in the auction notice as Major.
James and Mary had been married 61 years in 1888.
More to follow

Sharon,
From James Rankins Jrs., will dated 12-2-1828.
It names: His wife Susanna and children John, James, Elisabeth, Susanna and Rebecca.

Hinkson Family in Faggs Manor Cemetery:
Eli died 6-5-1872 age 58 6 months and 16 days
Abbie Ann, his wife died 4-6-1889
James Alfred, son of Eli & Abbie died 8-25-1877 age 32.
Ella daughter of Eli & Abbie died12-18-1906 age 45.
Martha Rankin, mother of Abbie Ann born 9-26-1798 and died 12-19-1887.
John Rankin father of Abbie Ann died 4-4-1851 age 59
Horace Finney son of Eli & Abbie died 1-15-1862 age 2.
Let me know if I can look for something specific for you.
Elaine

Hi Elaine,
Somehow I missed your responses as I was gone for 2 months and had way too many messages, mostly garbage, but I overlooked yours! Thanks so much for the info on James Rankin. I am still confused though as your message says James Rankin son of James and Mary Arbuckle Rankin married Susannah Riddle. My William Gillespie's will of 1759 leaves "ten shillings to my son-in-law, James Rankin, if demanded...". If James Jr married Susannah Riddle, then is he the wrong James Rankin who married Wm. Gillespie's dau., whose name is unknown to me. In looking at your info you indicated that James Rankin came to US abt 1773, so that would eliminate him from the James Rankin that I am looking for because he is mentioned in the Gillespie will of 1760. Does that make any sense to you? Do you know if there are other James Rankin's in Chester Co.? Sorry to be so confusing, but I am totally confused at this point. Thanks again and any help with my mess is greatly appreciated.