John Harvey Rankin

John Rankin and wife Narcissus Temple Rankin moved from Crawford County to Washington County both in Arkansas about 1906. John attended the University of Arkansas and taught school for twenty years. County records show that he taught at the Howe School for five months and received $159.00.

He spent several years carrying the mail on Rural Routes in Washington County. One day when it was raining he took his son, Clyde along and let him along the swollen creek and deliver the mail. Someone reported this to the Postal Service and he lost his job.

He served as "Justice of the Peace" for forty years, and helped many people settle their minor differences. He also married many local couples. John and Narcissus had five children. John homestead 160 acres of land in the Harmon Community of Washington County and kept the farm going with the help of the family until his death.