Faith to Freedom Daily: Rev. John Rankin & Jean Rankin
1793-1886
“From my boyhood to the present time I have opposed the abominable system of American slavery. For the liberation of the slaves I have labored long and suffered much reproach and persecution; but I regret none of the sacrifices I have made for the hapless millions that have been bought and sold as if beasts of the field and deprived of all that makes existence desirable.”
Early and influential abolitionist
This Presbyterian minister was one of the earliest voices in the country against slavery. His “Letters on Slavery” – written to his brother in Virginia – greatly influenced William Lloyd Garrison and many other abolitionists. Rev. Rankin left several congregations due to his vehement antislavery stand.
He, his wife Jean, and their 13 children all helped fight slavery. Rev. Rankin spoke all across the country and helped start local anti-slavery organizations throughout the region. Jean sewed clothes and cooked for runaways visiting their “Liberty Hill” home overlooking the Ohio River and the slaveholding land of Kentucky. Their sons often led runaways on horseback to other Underground members in Red Oak, Sardinia, and Decatur, OH. In all, the Rankins are reported to have sheltered more than 2,000 runaways – as many as 12 on one night.
The Rankin house is a National Historic Landmark in Ripley, OH.
I’m delighted to see the Rankin family featured in the video at the Freedom Center. Not long after you opened, I was blessed to watch Brothers of the Borderland with a direct descendant of the Rankins, Jim Powers, whom I met while doing research for my two children’s books on them. We actually met at Rankin House. What a thrill!
I am a descendant of John Rankin, He was my great great great great great father. My grandmother is a Rankin.
I too am a descendant of John Rankin. I’ve been trying to find out information on him but it’s hard to find things. Do you know where I can find any of his books?
Cheryl and Chris, both of my books are based on the true story of the Rankins and I interviewed several descendants, who shared photos and more with me. All that I gathered, I shared with the Union Township Public Library http://ripleylibrary.com/ in Ripley, Ohio. Librarian Alison Gibson is a wonderful source of info. My books are available on Amazon.com– Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. Good luck to you in your search.
PS you can read the first chapter of each book here: http://www.stephanielreed.com/Books.html
I AM THE GREATGRAND SON OF JOHN RANKIN. MY GRANDMOTHER WAS NELLIE (RANKIN) WHO WAS MARRIED TO JOHN CHARLES RING.I HAVE A WRITE UP FROM THE NEWS PAPER WHEN THEY GOT MARRIED.
I live in the house that John Jr. and Sarah Rankin lived in, in Indiana, there was a photo of them with family left in the house. If anyone would like me to email a copy of this photo, let me know.
Hello, cousins and admirers of Reverend John Rankin! I am another great-great-great-great granddaughter. I also thought the video at NURFC was awesome! I enjoyed reading Stephanie Reed’s “Across the Wide River”, too. I will be checking out her sequel, “The Light Across the River”… Is there a way Rick can post the photo? Thanks!
Rick, I would love to see the photo. Also, any and all Rankin descendents – I am finishing a book about the UGRR. I would love to speak with you about the Rankins.
my name is clanci, daughter of lyn rankin. i am very fascinated by the family history and trying hard to locate a family tree with john rankin’s descendants to link my grandfather. do you know how i can find one?
I have of course been able to find his “Letters on Slavery” as well as his autobiography. Can anyone help me find any of his sermons – published or manuscripts?
Thanks for your help,
Mark