He funded mechanics ' institutes , temperance societies , and orphans ' homes , and he contributed several large sums for the laying of the first Transatlantic telegraph cable in the 1850s and 1860s .
In his later years Rankin 's public benefactions were numerous .
Rankin funded mechanics ' institutes , temperance societies , and orphans ' homes , and Rankin contributed several large sums for the laying of the first Transatlantic telegraph cable in the 1850s and 1860s .
In his later years Rankin 's public benefactions were numerous .