John Walker Rankin (June 11, 1823 – July 10, 1869) was an American politician and judge.
In 1848, Rankin moved to Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa, where he continued to practice law.
[2] During the American Civil War, Rankin helped to recruit men for the 17th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and was then commissioned as its colonel.
In 1857, Rankin was appointed Iowa District Court judge for Lee County.
From 1858 to 1862, Rankin served in the Iowa State Senate and was a Republican.