NORMAN K. RANKIN, lumber dealer, Petersburg; was born in Hancock Co., Ill., Dec. 21, 1847, and was taken to McLean Co. by his parents while quite young, and there raised and educated at the Wesleyan University. At the age of 16, he entered the army of the late war, enlisting with the 150th I.V.I., in February, 1865; was discharged at Camp Butler after a service of one year. His parents having died while he was quite young, he was thrown upon his own resources, and by his own efforts obtained an education. He began doing business on his own account in 1871, locating at Saybrook, McLean Co., embarking in the lumber business, and there continuing for a time, then engaging in the stock business; in this he met with good success. Nov. 14, 1877, he married Anna, daughter of Squire D. and Lucinda Masters, who are prominent pioneers of Menard Co.; she was a graduate of the Illinois Female College of Jacksonville, and has given considerable attention to elocution, having given several readings with marked success, and is a lady of refinement and talent; they have one child -- Ralph V. They located in Petersburg in 1878, and Mr. Rankin engaged in the lumber trade, firm of Masters & Rankin.