William  Copeland


COPLAIN [sic], WILLIAM, farmer, section thirty, post-office Villisca, was ushered into this life January 20, 1818, in Perry county, Ohio.  While quite young, his father, William Coplain, emigrated to Decatur county, Indiana, resided there about twelve years, then moved to Shelby county, where our subject attained his majority.  His early days were spent on a farm and attending the common schools.  He commenced the carpenter's trade when sixteen and followed that business in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri, for twenty-five years. Was in the hotel business at Waynesville, Illinois, four years, during which time President Lincoln was his guest several days.  In the fall of 1852, he came to Taylor county. His farm was the first one improved in this township.  Clarinda at that time had but one cabin.  Bedford was unknown.  Where now wave the ripening fields of grain there was a wild waste pressed only by the wolf, deer and other animals of this climate, and the smoke of the red man had not ceased to ascend from the valleys.   After Mr. C. had paid for his claim he had just ten cents left and had considerable family to support, but with a stout arm and imperturbable will, he braved the hardships of pioneer life and is now reaping the reward. He was married May 15, 1845, to Miss Rosanna Baker, of Shelby county, Indiana.  They were the parents of nine children.  Five are living:  William M., Sarah Missouri,   Alice,  Charles  and  Arabella.  Mrs. C. died November 20, 1876.  Subject was again married June 21, 1877, to Miss Amanda E. Stonebraker, of Page county, this State.  He is now located on a fine farm of 200 acres and is one of the most substantial farmers of the county.  Is a member of the Christian Advent Church.
From History of Taylor County, Iowa, Des Moines, State Historical Co, 1881, page 764.
Contributed by James R. Baker, Jr.

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