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John M. Rankin

1873 – 1947

American judge, lawyer, and politician

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About John M. Rankin

Lived 1873 – 1947 (aged 74). John M. Rankin was an American judge, lawyer and politician.

John Mercer Rankin (June 9, 1873 – June 20, 1947) was an American judge, lawyer, and politician.

Life

Born in Fulton County, Illinois, Rankin served in the 6th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish–American War. He went to Western Normal School at Bushnell, Illinois. Rankin went Chicago–Kent College of Law and was admitted to the Illinois bar. He practiced law in Chicago, Illinois until 1917 and then moved to Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa in 1917. He continued to practice law in Keokuk.

Political and Judicial Career

From 1921 to 1927, Rankin served in the Iowa House of Representatives and was a Republican. From 1925 to 1938, Rankin served as Iowa District Court judge for Lee County. Rankin served as Iowa Attorney General from 1940 until his death in 1947. Rankin died of lung cancer at a veterans hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Positions held
Member of the Iowa House of Representatives, Attorney General of Iowa
Also known as
John Mercer Rankin

People in John M. Rankin's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John M. Rankin's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John M. Rankin?

American judge, lawyer, and politician (1873-1947)

When was John M. Rankin born?

John M. Rankin was born on 9 June 1873 in Fulton County.

When did John M. Rankin die?

John M. Rankin died on 20 June 1947 in Des Moines.

What was John M. Rankin's occupation?

John M. Rankin was a judge, lawyer and politician.

What nationality was John M. Rankin?

John M. Rankin was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John M. Rankin

· Wikidata: Q27661900

· DBpedia: John M. Rankin

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John M. Rankin. https://biography.guide/john-m-rankin/

MLA: "John M. Rankin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-m-rankin/.

Chicago: "John M. Rankin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-m-rankin/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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