Enlisted as a private in Co. C, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 15 August 1862 at the age of 19. While the regiment was on garrison duty at Decatur, AL, on 24 September 1864, Private Rankins was assigned to a detachment whose mission was to relieve Ft. Henderson at nearby Athens, AL, which was under siege by rebel cavalry under the command of CSA Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. After detraining, the detachment began fighting to gain the fort, and had made good progress, when the commander of the fort suddenly surrendered. Forrest then forced the detachment, including Private Rankins, to surrender as well. Rankins died on 31 October 1864 at the CSA Prison Camp at Cahaba, AL. It is believed his remains were re-interred here.
Memorial Cenotaph
Memorial Cenotaph
Enlisted as a private in Co. C, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 15 August 1862 at the age of 19. While the regiment was on garrison duty at Decatur, AL, on 24 September 1864, Private Rankins was assigned to a detachment whose mission was to relieve Ft. Henderson at nearby Athens, AL, which was under siege by rebel cavalry under the command of CSA Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. After detraining, the detachment began fighting to gain the fort, and had made good progress, when the commander of the fort suddenly surrendered. Forrest then forced the detachment, including Private Rankins, to surrender as well. Rankins died on 31 October 1864 at the CSA Prison Camp at Cahaba, AL. It is believed his remains were re-interred here.
Memorial Cenotaph
Memorial Cenotaph
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