John Rankine (politician) facts for kids
Dr. John Rankine (born October 19, 1801 – died March 15, 1864) was an important person in the early days of the Colony of South Australia. He owned a lot of land and was also a politician. He is famous for starting the town of Strathalbyn.
Contents
About John Rankine
Early Life and Arrival in Australia
John Rankine was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents were James and Jane Rankine. Some people spelled his last name "Rankin."
In April 1839, John Rankine and his wife, Mary Miller Rankine, traveled to South Australia. They sailed on a ship called the Fairfield. John's brother, William Rankine, and his family also came with them. Several other relatives, including his nephew John Paterson, also made the journey.
Founding Strathalbyn
When they arrived, John and Mary Rankine bought a large piece of land, about 50 acres. This land was part of an area called the Hundred of Angas. On this land, they started the town of Strathalbyn. John Rankine's property in Strathalbyn eventually grew to 1,500 acres.
Mary Miller Rankine also owned a lot of land herself. She had properties in areas known as the Hundred of Bremer and the Hundred of Freeling.
Other Businesses and Later Life
John Rankine also rented a large part of Hindmarsh Island. Here, his family raised sheep and cattle. In 1849, they built the first big house on the island. He also ran "Rankine's Ferry," which helped people cross between the island and the mainland.
In 1848, he started mining in Strathalbyn. He created a company with other people to help with this work.
Later in his life, John Rankine's health began to fail. He returned to Scotland sometime after November 1856. He passed away in Helensburgh in 1864.
His Role in Politics
John Rankine was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council. This was a very important group that helped make laws for South Australia. He represented the Electoral district of Hindmarsh and served from July 1854 to April 1857.
Family Connections
John Rankine was the uncle of James Rankine. James Rankine also became a politician in South Australia later on.
