James Rankin (lighthouse keeper)

James Rankin (February 20, 1844 – January 5, 1921) was a lighthouse keeper in the United States.

For other people named James Rankin, see James Rankin (disambiguation).

James Rankin
A photo of James Rankin from the US Coast Guard
Born(1844-02-20)February 20, 1844
Killashee, County Longford, Ireland
DiedJanuary 5, 1921(1921-01-05) (aged 76)[1]
Antioch, California
Burial placeSan Francisco National Cemetery
NationalityIrish
Other namesJames Rankin-Nagel
OccupationLighthouse Keeper, Boatswain
Spouse(s)Nellie
ChildrenArthur and Edna Neva

A native of Killashee, County Longford, Ireland, Rankin emigrated to the United States in 1867. He served in the U.S. Lighthouse Service as the keeper of East Brother Island Light in California from 1877 to 1878. He then transferred to Fort Point Light in San Francisco, where he remained for 40 years, until retiring in 1919. During his tenure he was credited with saving the lives of 18 people.[2]

Rankin died in Antioch, California, where he had moved soon after retiring.

In 1997, the United States Coast Guard named a 175 ft buoy tender USCGC James Rankin (WLM-555)[3] in his honor. Its homeport is Curtis Bay, Baltimore.[4]

References
  1. Meldahl, Nicole. "The Rankin-Nagel Family: A Portrait of Fort Point - Golden Gate National Recreation Area". U.S. National Park Service. National Park Service, Dept. of Interior. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  2. Veronico, Betty S. (2008). Lighthouses of the Bay Area. San Francisco, CA: Arcadia Pub. p. 64. ISBN 978-0738559438.
  3. The Naval Institute guide to combat fleets of the world 1998-1999 : their ships, aircraft, and systems. Baker, A. D. (Arthur David), 1941-, United States Naval Institute. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press. 1998. p. 1121. ISBN 1557501114. OCLC 39197386.CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. "Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin to set historic buoy in Patapsco River". Coast Guard News. Bright Mountain Media, Inc. Retrieved December 8, 2017.


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