William Walter Rankin

Ottumwa Courier, Oct. 9, 1943:

W. RANKIN ATTORNEY 55 YEARS DIES

Born near Belknap, Iowa the son of Alfred W. and Mary Jennings Rankin. His grandfather William Walter Rankin "Old Billy" was known as an early Iowa pioneer near Floris, Iowa.

The attorney married Anna J. Younkin Oct. 23, 1890. She preceded him in death. He was later married to Ruth Erwin.

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Ottumwa Courier, October 11, 1943:

WALTER RANKIN DIES SUDDENLY

- Widely Known Attorney Of Ottumwa Was Native Of This County -

William Walter Rankin, 78, a native of Davis county and a well known Ottumwa attorney for the past 55 years, died in his sleep about midnight last Saturday at his hme in Ottumwa.

A familiar figure in the courts of southern Iowa since he was graduated from the University of Iowa law school in 1888, Mr. Rankin was well known throughout Davis county and in local legal circles. He had been active in the practice of law until the day of his death.

He was born September 13, 1865, near Belknap, the son of Alfred W. Rankin and Mary Jennings Rankin. His gradfather [sic], William Walter Rankin, known by many as "Old Billy" Rankin, was an early pioneer in the vicinity of Floris. That town originally was named Rankinville.

The attorney was married to Anna J. Younkin October 23, 1890. She preceded him in death in 1914. To this union were born Fred E. Rankin of Omaha, now a lieutenant colonel serving in the army in Australia; Mrs. Careta Younglove of Sioux City, and Floyd H. Rankin of Ottumwa, all surviving.

He was later married to Ruth Erwin, and to this union were born two daughters, Wilma Rankin and Mrs. Valeeta [sp]Patterson, both of Ottumwa, who also survive.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Carroll Reece funeral home, in Ottumwa, in charge of the Rev. C. R. Reed of the Willard street church. Burial was in Ottumwa cemetery.