Person:Robert Rankin (17)

Robert RANKIN married Janet HUNTER (before 1803 when their 1st son was born). Scottish Archives have the will of Robert Rankin, writer in Irvine, spouse of Janet Hunter, reg. 28jul1853, Ayr. Robert Rankin, writer Irvine, d. 22 (?) sep1853, aged 77, and of Janet Hunter his spouse who d. 4nov1855 (?) aged 51 (?), erected in affectionate remembrance by their son John Allan Rankin, banker Irvine (Keith Sillars, death date wrong). This is more credible: In Irvine Old Parish Churchyard there is a gravestone of Robert Rankin, writer Irvine, d. 22feb1853, aged 77, and of Janet Hunter his spouse who d. 4nov1833 aged 51, erected in affectionate remembrance by their son John Allan Rankin, banker Irvine (W. Kerr). Robert Rankin, esq., aged 78, d. at Irvine 22feb1853 (Morning Chronicle, 1mar1853).

From “The Muir Book, for the descendants of Sir William Muir, KCSI, and Elizabeth Huntly Wemyss” by Maj Gen G.F.L. Marshall (1930, Dwelly, England), Rankin information from Robert Reid, Hill Cottage, Irvine. Book sent by K. Sillars. Robert Rankin (1776-1853) married Janet Hunter (1782-1823), daughter of Patrick Hunter (1736-1800), Irvine writer. Janet d. aged 41. Scottish archives have the will of Elizabeth Hunter, widow of Patrick Hunter, writer in Irvine, reg 1813 Glasgow (scotlandspeople). There is a headstone of Patrick Hunter (1732-1802), who was involved with the Buchanites, in Irvine churchyard (web). This Robert was known as Robert (sen); Robert (jun) was b. 1792 at Sorn.

In 1792 Robert Rankin, son of John Rankin, late farmer in Towerlands, was mentioned in list of burgesses, maybe as a burgess (ayrshirearchives). In 1824 a bill concerned Robert Rankin and John Smith, writers, Irvine (National Archive Scotland). In 1841 Robert Rankine (1776 Ayrshire, writer) and 1 servant were at Kirkgate Head, Irvine (census). In 1844 Robert Rankin, esq., of Muirhouse, JP for Ayrshire, was commissioned by Ayrshire Commissariot to deal with the Inventory of Mrs. Margaret Shaw or Macfie (K. Sillars); Margaret was mother in law of the son of Robert. In 1851 Robert Rankine (1776 Towerlands, Ayrshire, JP, writer) and 1 servant were at Kirkgatehead, Irvine (census). In 1851 the following Rankines were at Irvine: Robert, sen., c, writer, Kirkgate; Robert, jun, (b), Bridgegate; John A. (c and b), banker, possibly Bridgegate; meaning of b and c unclear (Ayrshire Directory). Family letters claim that Robert and Janet had a number of children; it seems possible that this Robert was confused with Robert Rankin (jnr) (b. 1792 Sorn), who had several children.

1. ↑ Old Parish Registers.
2. ↑ Will or testament of Robert Rankin spouse of Janet Hunter, reg. 28 jul 1853, Ayr, Ayrshire..
3.   Family letters.