RANKIN, Melissa Gray
MELISSA GRAY RANKIN
Source: Greencastle Banner-Times 29 Dec 1893 p 1
Mrs. Melissa Gray, widow of Orville Rankin, died at her home
in Indianapolis Friday. She was descended from the illustrious family of Grays,
who, both in England and America wove a special tracery of fame around their
name and from Cowgills, who, in Kentucky and Indiana, held conspicuous places
in both public and private affairs. She came to Indiana with her grandfather in
1832, riding horseback from Cincinnati over a corduroy trail and settled in
Putnam County. In 1836, she was married to Orville Ranking, a young merchant
who by energy and intelligence, rose to a leading place among the businessmen
of Greencastle. To them were born eight children all of whom came to maturity
of years – Mrs. B. Wilson Smith of Lafayette; the Misses Agnes and Louise, well
known teachers in the Indianapolis schools; James A and Elisha C of
Indianapolis; John R of Washington DC; Orville B of Chicago and Oliver S a
famous scout of Rosecran’s army whose fate is wrapped in mystery. Mrs. Rankin was a remarkable woman of great
force of character, true to friends, loyal to her country. She gave four of her sons to its defense with
more than Spartan patriotism. Mr. Elisha
C. Rankin was here Sunday from Indianapolis making arrangements for the funeral.
The remains arrived here Tuesday at noon on the Vandalia 12:53 train and were
taken immediately to Forest Hill cemetery. Short services by Dr. Town were
conducted at the public vault where the remains will be deposited until the
family select a burial lot in the cemetery. The remains of Mr. Rankin and those
of the department children which are now interred in the old cemetery will be
removed to Forest Hill. Mrs. Rankin will
be remembered by the older citizens of Greencastle. – kbz
P 5 – Mr. Elisha C. Rankin remained over in the city
Wednesday closing up the funeral arrangements of his mother. The rest of the
family returned to Indianapolis Tuesday afternoon. Among them were James Elder, Mrs. Livia
Fletcher, Wm. Collier and daughter Miss Mary of Indianapolis and BW Smith and
daughter of Lafayette. Mr. Rankin made a pleasant call at the Banner Times
office and told many reminiscences of early Greencastle. He recalled his
birthplace, which was in a brick house just east of the present county
jail. He stated that ex-Congressman
Samuel T. Busy, of Champaign, Ill. Was born in the same place. Mr. Rankin
considers Greencastle one of the finest cities in the country. He is now in the postal service on the
IB&W Railway.