Union Township near Ripley in Brown County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Rankin Family
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
1. The Rankin Family Marker
While attending Washington College, John Rankin rented a room from the Lowry family where he met Jean Lowry. They were married on January, 2, 1816, a few months before he graduated. He became an ordained Presbyterian minister in 1817.
Jean Rankin was the granddaughter of the president of Washington College, Dr. Samuel Doak. She was an accomplished seamstress and made John's wedding coat while he made his own wedding shoes.
In his autobiography, Rev. Rankin said of his wife of 62 years, "A more affectionate and industrious wife could not be found."
Reverend Rankin's commitments as a minister and conductor often kept him away. On several occasions, Jean Rankin and their thirteen children protected the household from bounty hunters and escorted runaways to neighboring stations.
Erected by The Ohio History Connection.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1816.
Location. 38° 45.053′ N, 83° 50.546′ W. Marker is near Ripley, Ohio, in Brown County. It is in Union Township. It is on Rankin Hill Road (County Route 556) 1½ miles east of North Second Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley OH 45167, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cincinnati and in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Underground Railroad (here, next to this marker); Getting to Ripley, Ohio (here, next to this marker); The Rankin House (here, next to this marker); Ripley Today (a few steps from this marker); Witness Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Reverend John Rankin House (within shouting distance of this marker); A Changing River (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Abolitionists Network (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ripley.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Rankin House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
2. The Rankin Family Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
3. The Rankin Family Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 10, 2025
4. The Rankin House
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
