Son of Jean Gillfillen Lowry and John Rankin. Married to Mary Ann Wiley on 02 Feb 1840 in Ripley, Brown Co, OH.

Newspaper Abstracts > United States > District of Columbia
Article Title: The National Era
Article Date: February 3 1848
Article Description: Death of David Rankin
Article Text: Obituary

Died, at his residence, near Ripley, Brown County, Ohio, Mr. David RANKIN, son of the Rev. John RANKIN, aged 28 years, 3 months, and 7 days.

From childhood, Mr. RANKIN maintained a fair character, being free from the vices that often tarnish the conduct of youth; he was pure in his morals. He was an industrious, affectionate, and obedient son, an honor to his parents. He was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and had a heart to feel for the poor and the oppressed, and to give them aid whenever opportunity offered. As a husband, he was faithful and loving; and as a father, he was affectionate. His house was a habitation of love and peace.

At an early age, Mr. RANKIN became a subject of religious impression, and made a hopeful profession of religion, and united with the church, of which his father was pastor, and maintained to the end of life a fair Christian reputation.

During a long-protracted illness, he was a sample of patience; and although anxious to live for the sake of his beloved family, yet he resigned himself to the will of his Heavenly Father, and manifested no fear of death. Being asked by his father respecting his salvation, he replied that he had long since settled that question. At another time he said that, had he deferred his preparation for death until the time of his sickness, he should have found it an unfavorable season for such an important work. In fervent, audible prayer, he committed himself, his wife, and children, to God, and implored his protecting care for the objects of his affection, that he was soon to leave, bereaved of a husband and father's aid. On Christmas night, about twelve o'clock, he yielded up his spirit to God who gave it; and, just as the earthly Sabbath commenced, he, it is believed, entered upon an eternal Sabbath; and while friends wept and deplored his death, he, a purified spirit, united!
with the redeemed around the throne of God in the song

"Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, his Father - to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

His death has been deeply felt by his aged parents, in whose affection he shared most deeply. This is the first, out of fourteen children, one of them adopted, that they have been called to follow to the grave. He left a wife and three helpless children, to deplore the loss of a loving husband and a tender father. He died in peace; and although in the prime of life, yet it is believed has attained the great end of existence - eternal life.

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace!"