(1)  James Rankins, born probably around 1735 in Scotland; married Elizabeth Miller born about 1730.  They spent some time in time in Canada before moving south to Herkimer Co., New York.  It is thought that James was killed during the Revolutionary War, perhaps at Oriskany.

Children:

1. James, born 1758 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a Revolutionary War soldier; married 22 January 1787 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York, Delia Petrie.
2. Elizabeth, born 4 December 1765 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York; married 14 June 1785 in Albany, New York, Barney Young.
3. Catharine, born 29 March 1868 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York; married 15 January 1788 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York, John Dietrich Joe Kessler.
4. Margreth, born 1770 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York; married 30 September 1788 Joshua Woodart.
5. Thomas, born 22 November 1771 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York, a Revolutionary War soldier; married 22 November 1791 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York, Catharine Kesslar.
6. Janney, born 31 May 1776 in German Flatts, Herkimer Co., New York; married 2 October 1798 Peter J. Kessler.