John Rankin's parents were William Rankin of Frederick Co, VA (died 1793 in Washington Co, PA) and Abigail Tassia. John's paternal grandparents were David Rankin and Mildred Jennet McCormick. John married about 1782 to Rebecca Frazier (b. 1762 in Maryland). John and his brothers Thomas, Jesse and Zachariah served in the 4th Company, 4th Battalion of the Washington County Militia. John was a Lieutenant. (from: Pennsylvania Archives Series, Series 6, Volume II, pp. 133, 144.) John's death was due to illness from wounds received during the Revolutionary War. John willed his place to his wife, and she was to educate his children. John and Rebecca had at least 3 known children: John, James (b. 1783, d. 1844), and Mary 'Polly' (b. between 1784 and 1789). (from: Family History Library DGS Film No. 5,537,968, Washington Co., PA Will Book 1: 81), will of John Rankin of Smith Township [Washington Co, PA] dated 16 Feb 1788 and proved 22 Apr 1788 naming wife Rebecca, father William, and children James and Mary. John's widow Rebekah migrated to Kentucky with her three children and John's brother James (killed by Indians in 1790 on a return trip), along with her brother George Frazier, his family, and probably several other families including the Fergusons and Jaquess, families, all settling in Bourbon Co, KY which that part of Bourbon became Harrison County on 12/21/1793 .