Chambers Rankin

Aged 30 years.

If JC Rankin was his twin, Chambers was born in January 1805. If they were not twins, Chambers was likely born in December of 1805.

The original stone was replaced by his brother John C. Rankin of Harrison City back in the 1890s. John purchased new stones for two other siblings as well (brother Culbertson in Somerset County and sister Martha, also in Harrison City).

When Chambers died, his son, Franklin, was only 9 months old. When Franklin was age 16 he was living in the Statler household in Somerset County (Buckstown/Reels Corner area).

Chambers was from the Westmoreland County Rankin family of Unity and Derry townships. In the 1830s, when the family farms were sold, he moved to Quemahoning Township, Somerset County where he was on the single freeman tax list in 1833 and 1834. He was likely living in Stoystown. Evidence so far points to Chambers having a relationship with the Statler family of Somerset County, either friends, or a working/employee relationship. He was possibly visiting the Statlers of Schellsburg Bedford County when he passed away.

(Researched by Jessica Guyer. Chambers was my 5th great grandfather)