RANKIN, Melissa Gray - Putnam

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