Rankin, John, 1779-1848

John Rankin (1779-1848), born in Franklin County, Pa., was an early settler in Penn's Valley, and later lived in Bellefonte, Centre County, Pa. where he was sheriff in 1812, county prothonotary in 1818, and justice of the peace, 1840-1844. James Duncan (b. 1758 in Scotland) was the first storekeeper in 1790 and first postmaster in 1798 in Aaronsburg, Pa. He was the first sheriff of Centre County in 1800, and established the Duncan & Forster merchandise partnership with John Forster.

From the description of John Rankin indenture mortgage of house and lot in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to James Duncan, 1843. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 566109925