Alexander Rankin
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Alexander Rankin (December 31, 1788 – April 3, 1852) was a Scottish-born merchant and political figure in New Brunswick. He represented Northumberland County in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from 1827 to 1852.
He was born and educated in Mearns parish, the son of James Rankin and Helen Ferguson. At the age of 18, he was hired as a clerk by a Glasgow firm that dealt in timber and was sent with James Gilmour to New Brunswick to establish a branch of the firm on the Miramichi River there. They established a small community there called Gretna Green (later Douglastown) as well as stores, wharves and a sawmill. Besides exporting timber, they also sold good supplied from Scotland. In 1825, the operation suffered extensive damage in the Miramichi Fire. However, they were able to rebuild quickly with the help of the parent company. Rankin also became involved in timber operations at Bathurst, Dalhousie and Campbellton. In politics as well as in his timber operations, Rankin frequently found himself competing with Joseph Cunard. In elections in 1837 and 1843, Rankin supported John Ambrose Street against candidates supported by Cunard. Gilmour retired from the business in 1842, selling his interest to Rankin. Rankin was named to the province's Executive Council in 1847. With Cunard, he was a commissioner for lights in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and served on the board of health for the region. For many years, he also served as justice of the peace. Rankin died unexpectedly in Liverpool during a visit to England at the age of 63.
