His death was noted in "The Charlotte Democrat" on November 6, 1876. He
was remembered as a soldier of the War of 1812.
He may have been the John Rankin who served in the 7th Reg't (Pearson's)
North Carolina Militia.
In 1871, he donated the land for Hickory Grove Baptist Church and
cemetery.
Last Will & Testament:
I, John Rankin of Gaston County, North Carolina on this the 27 day of
March 1874 make and publish this my last will and testament.
First, I direct that my Executor shall pay all my just debts and funeral
expenses and put up a headstone to my grave.
Second, I will my clothes to William Rankin my grandson and my bed to
Nancy Rankin my granddaughter.
Third, I will all the balance of my estate to be divided as follows: to
Margaret Moody one fourth, to Eliza Abernathy one fourth, to William and
Nancy Rankin one fourth and to my son Alexander Rankin's children one
fourth.
I direct my Executor to sell my lands and divide the proceeds in four
equal parts.
I appoint my Brother Richard Rankin my Executor to do this my last deed
in witness whereof I set my hand seal.
T. F. Wilson
Hampton Padgett
(signed) John \ his X mark \ Rankin