Spouse: Living Gardner.

Born: Feb. 24, 1616 (if he were 19 when he came to America in 1635) in Dolphin
Leigh, England.

Parents: Probably Lawrence Copeland & (mother unknown),

Married: 1) name unknown, 2)Sarah Ratliff (Ratcliff) in Isle of Wight ca 1651,
3) 3rd wife (probably the one he married in 1677) may have been named Elizabeth for there were two Elizabeth Copeland's witness to a marriage of James Jordan & Elizabeth Ratliff in 1688,

Children Married-to Born Died
Nicholas Elizabeth Tabored CA 1645 CA 1694
William Christian Tabored CA 1647 CA 1721
Hangar Cornelian Outlaid CA 1654
Joseph* Mary CA 1650

Died: Jan. 9, 1718

Buried: All Saints Church? North Cave, England

INFORMATION ON THE CHILDREN
Nicholas - see separate page,
William had children William, John, James, Charles,, Christian & Sarah.
Hangar married Cornelian Outlaid on 5 March 1675.
Most researchers believe that Nicholas & William are his sons, and it would appear that they would have been born before his marriage in 1667 for he would have been 51 years old-so his sons were by a previous wife.

*Joseph-there may have been a son named Joseph. There is a Joseph Copeland witness to marriage of John Scott & Elizabeth Belong in 1682 (this is too old to be the Joseph, son of Nicholas & Elizabeth Tabored.) In 1688 he was witness to marriage of James Jordan, married at John Copeland's house. Mary wife of Joseph Cop(e)land departed this life ye 27th day of the 3rd month 1678. Witnessed a marriage of William Cop(e)land to Christian Tabored the 15th day of the 9th month of 1678...Witness John Cop(e)land,, Joseph Cop(e)land, This appears to be the Joseph Copeland of the Chuckatuck spoon story-the pewter spoon was excavated at Chuckatuck, Va with a mark 'Joseph Copeland - 1675 (again this would be to old to be Joseph the son of Nicholas & Elizabeth Tabored) . It would appear that Joseph had no children,

OTHER INFORMATION

John Copeland, age 19, is shown as a passenger on the ship Assurance which
departed from the port of London on July 24, 1635, He came from Dolphin Leigh.

He was a Quaker by faith later in life but would not have been a Quaker when he first came to America for the Quaker movement had not started yet, He was though a decender, as seen on his father, for he was what was called a "'Roundhead". He probably became a Quaker in America. One of the earliest records of Quakerism in Virginia was Elizabeth Harris, a native of London, in 1656, The first yearly meetings were first held in Virginia in 1673, If he first went to Boston in 1656, he must have gone soon after his conversion to Quakerism.

From "Early Quaker Records" Cornelius Outland took Hannah Copeland to wife at a
General meeting house (Quaker) at Chuckatuck (upon the 5 day of 3 month 1675).

There are several references to John Copeland in early records, they may not be the same John Copeland it was interesting to discover that when he went to Boston preaching (see story below) that when they deported him they did not put him on a ship going back to Virginia but instead put him on a ship bound for England, Therefore, he probably crossed the ocean several times. Some of the references are listed below:
Came to Virginia in 1635 at age 19,
Went to Mass, in 1656 on the 'Speedwell'.
Was in Boston again in 1657 o
Returned to Boston again in 1658.
Was in London in later part of year 1658, Was in London in 1661.
Was married in 1667(probably had been married before).
His wife died in 1675.
Married again in 1677.
He & Elizabeth Copeland witness marriage 1684 of Edman Belson
& Mary Crew,
was in America again in 1687.
He & Elizabeth Copeland witness marriage 1687 of Robert Jordan & Outland Taberer,
He & Elizabeth were witness to marriage of Nathan Newby & Elizabeth Hollowell on Oct. 10, 1687*
He & Elizabeth were witness to marriage of James Jordon & Elizabeth Ratliff on Mar, 29, 1688o
He & Elizabeth were witness to marriage of Thomas Jordon & Margaret Burgh on Dec. 9, 1688o
Married again in 1691,
In 1.698 Mr. Story lodged at his house, showed his mutilated ear.
1679-96 signature appears many times at Chuckatuck,
John Copeland and a Mary Copeland witnessed the marriage of
Joseph Kenerly and Sara Ratliff on July 20, 1696*
Jan. 9, 1718 date of death and burial in England.

From 'Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy'

One cannot close a sketch of Lower Virginia Quakers without a few words concerning four most interesting personages to impress the pages of theirhistory. Incidentally, they are also four of the most colorful Virginiacolonials. The first of whom we shall speak is John Copeland, We know that hewas living at Chuckatuck in 1698 for the missionary, Thomas Story, tells oflodging at his house. He says, in his Journal, 'Upon some discourse with ourfriend (Copeland) I found he was one of the first of those who had their ears cut off by the Presbyterians (Puritans) , or Independents, in New England for the testimony of truth, in the first publishing thereof to that rebellious generation; and at my request he showed us his right ear yet bearing the badge of their antichristianity. This quotation is most interesting as it throws new light upon the career of one of the earliest martyrs of the Quaker faith. John Copeland first came to American colonies as a missionary to Boston, Mass., in 1656. He was with eight other missionaries, and with them he suffered persecution, imprisonment and eventually the sentence of banishment from the colony. John Copeland was from Yorkshire, England, and in all probability an acquaintance of Robert Fowler who was of the same county and the skipper and owner of that famous vessel, "The Woodhouse". Certain it is that Copeland was one of that renowned band that made the epic voyage across the Atlantic on that tiny vessel in 1657. As can be seen, this was Copeland's second mission to America, Like his friend and traveling companion, Christopher Holder, he was at this time young and unmarried and is referred to as being "well educated". In New England the two friends were banished again, after being cruelly beaten with a three-corded knotted whip. They were thrown into prison, without bedding, food or drink and left for three days and their wounds raw and uncared for. After nine weeks they were released and forbidden to ever show their faces in those parts since they preached a Gospel uncongenial to the local authorities,
Refusing to be intimidated by the unjust and intolerant laws of the New England persecutors John Copeland,, like his associates of the same period, defied the cruel law of exile and returned again and again to the forbidden towns and settlements, though he knew he did so at his own bodily peril. In 1658 he and Christopher Holder again felt a religious call to proceed to Boston-known to Quakers as the "the Lion's Den". For such an act the law specified that their ears should be cut off. This they knew. Yet they went to protest the denial of their religious liberties. As soon as it was known that they were within the bounds of the state of Massachusetts they were arrested and thrown into prison, A week later after the "wicked sentence had been pronounced, it was privately carried into execution by the hangman, within the walls of Boston gaoll".
In the latter part of 1658 John Copeland was in England and in 1661 we hear of his presence in London and in 1667 he married. The record of this marriage describes him as being from Lockington, North Cave, in the county of York. He married again in 1677 (presumably in England) after the death of his first wife in 1675. Ten years later (1687) he is again in America, as a letter to George Fox mentions that he is in Virginia. His signature appears many times in the Chuckatuck record between 1679-96, In 1691 he entered for the third time into the state of matrimony and, as has been seen, Story lodged in his house at Chuckatuck in 1698. His residence seems to have been a frequent meeting place for the Friends of the Chuckatuck area, Bowden gives the date of his death as the ninth of the first month 1718 and says he was buried at North Cave, England. In connection with John Copeland a news item of June 1940 becomes most interesting: Jamestown, Virginia - Possibly the oldest example of American pewter in existence was excavated recently during archaeological work at Jamestown Island... It consists of the fragment of a spoon 'by Joseph Copeland'. It is dated 'Chuckatuck 16751". This Joseph Copeland was probably a relative of John Copeland, according to Boddie the Isle of Wight historian, and inherited the estate of Major Taberer of that County. (Note: incorrect,, too old) It should be possible to show that all the Copelands of Virginia Quaker tradition are descendants or relatives of this most unusual man - John Copeland,

Parents: Lawrence Copeland.

Children were: Nicholas Copeland.

Spouse: Sarah Ratliff (Ratcliff).

Spouse: Elizabeth .

Spouse: Anna Sewell. Children were: Emily Jane Copeland, Martin M. Copeland, Martha E. Copeland, Rebecca Copeland, Isaac Newton Copeland, William Jasper Copeland, Joseph T. Copeland, Francis Marion Copeland, Thomas Jefferson Copeland.

Spouse: Susannah Sewell. Children were: Pleasant Copeland, Eliza Copeland, James Copeland, Mary Copeland, John Copeland, Sarah Copeland, Frances Copeland.

Spouse: Adeline Ferrill. Children were: Maywood Copeland, Abe Copeland, Eva Copeland, Laura Copeland.

Spouse: Christine Xxxxx. Children were: Charley Copeland, Mary Copeland, Living Copeland, Living Copeland.

Spouse: Dora Johnson.

Spouse: Martha Russell. Martha Russell and John H. Copeland were married on 31 December 1902 in Maries County, Missouri. Children were: Joseph Dainey Copeland, Richard Dewey Copeland, Alfred Otto Copeland, Arnold Onie Copeland, John Fred Copeland, William Woodrow Copeland, Living Copeland.

Spouse: Mary Ann Copeland.

Spouse: Malvina Swaford. Reference Number:256025Children were: William Copeland, John Copeland, Jeff Copeland, Mary Copeland, Liz Copeland, Priley Copeland, Joseph T Copeland.

Spouse: Nancy A. Castellow. Nancy A. Castellow and John Preston COPELAND were married on 18 May 1880 in Usa. Children were: William A. Copeland, Ada COPELAND, Ida E. COPELAND, James P. COPELAND, Addie COPELAND, Elton J. COPELAND, Otha M. COPELAND, Living COPELAND.

Spouse: Mary America Wiseman. Mary America Wiseman and John R. Copeland were married on 20 December 1838 in Gasconade County, MO. Children were: John Richard Copeland, Mary Copeland, Eliza J Copeland, William M. Copeland, Francis M. Copeland, Calvin C. Copeland, Albert Wiseman Copeland, Myra D. Copeland, Telitha Copeland, Matilda R. Copeland.

Spouse: Virginia Ellen Bishop. Virginia Ellen Bishop and John Richard Copeland were married on 10 August 1879 in Maries County, Missouri. Children were: John H. Copeland, Dora Lee Copeland, Bunyan Monroe Copeland, Oscar Davenport Copeland, Adam Eugene Copeland, Martha Missouri Copeland, Sylvia V. Copeland, Belvia I. Copeland, Lela E. Copeland.

Spouse: Dora Gardenhire. Children were: Thomas Copeland, Quinn Copeland, Andrew Copeland, Richardson Copeland, Shirley Copeland, Gentry Copeland, Cassie Copeland, Eliza Copeland, Callie Copeland.

Born: CA 1670 in Isle of Wight Co., Virginia - probably later if he is a minor in 1694

Parents: Nicholas Copeland & Elizabeth Taberer

Married: Mary Woodley about 1694 in Virginia -daughter of Andrew Woodley
.

Children Married To Born Died
John ? CA 1695 Nov.22, 1736
Nicholas Nancy Lott CA 1697 CA 1742
Thomas Holland Applewaite CA 1699
William ? Lott CA 1701 CA 1789
Elizabeth CA 1703
James ? Lott CA 1704
(?)Martha Johnson

Died: Aug. 22, 1726 at Chuckatuck, VA Was when the appraisal of his estate was made.

Buried: same place

He was evidently connected with the Military, in which lie must have gained some distinction; since he bequeathed his silver mounted sword and silver cup to his eldest son John Copeland.

He is mentioned in the will of Major Thomas Taberer (his grandfather) written on 24th of Jan., 1692. "and a feather bed I lie on usually to gr. son Joseph Copeland' & "to John Numan the enjoyment of my plantation till gr. son Joseph Copeland comes to age to make no waste upon it and to keep Joseph to school at his own charge till he can write and cipher sufficiently;'

INFORMATION ON HIS CHILDREN:

John - His estate was ordered appraised Nov. 22, 1736 and on Oct. 24, 1738 "Paid Thomas his part of his fathers estate." It would appear that he never married.

Nicholas (see separate page)

Thomas Copeland married Holland Applewaite, daughter of Thomas in 1735, they had children: Thomas Ca 1730; Joseph Ca 1738; Mary(Whitefield) Ca 1729; Martha (Summerell) Ca 1727; Sarah (Duck) Ca 1732; I-,-riiiie (Parker) Ca 1723; & Samuel Ca 1746. (It would appear these dates should be earlier than this?)

Not much is known about son William - in his will made Nov. 11, 1789 in Chatham County, N.C. lie mentions his sons Richard & John and his wife but not by name.

Elizabeth is mentioned in her fathers will. She is also mentioned in the will of John Woodley, that if his children were to die without heirs their estate to go to Elizabeth Copeland. This may indicate that she may have been unmarried and incapacitated in some way.

James - There is a record of a will of Robert Johnson who died Jan. 24, 1761 mentions daughter Martha and son-in-lai-i James Copeland. He is not

mentioned in Joseph's will.

Will of Joseph Copeland

'In the name of God, Amen. February the 25tli, 1725-G": To wife nary Copeland one negro woman, her riding horse, saddle and bridle; to son John Copeland one negro boy Robin, my pistol holsters, and silver-iiilted sword; to son John 3 hhds. tob. shipped on board Capt. Murren to purchase a still of 45 gallons and all necessaries belonging to a still, and if the tobacco sent does not clear the still, son John to pay remainder out of his estate, my wife having half the use of the still during tier life; to dau. Elizabeth Copeland two negroes -a girl and boy,--and one gold ring, the poesie being "As God decreed, we agreed"; to son Thomas two negro girls, my silver headed caine; residue of crops and provisions to be for support of wife and family, and remainder of my estate to be equally divided between wife and children after payment of just debts. Dated 28 Feb, 1726. Witness: Richard Webb, John Lumpo. Proven July 25, 1726. Teste, James Ingil, C.C.

Parents: Nicholas Copeland and Elizabeth Taberer.

Spouse: Mary Woodley. Children were: Nicholas Copeland.

Born: ca 1728 - probably in Chatham County N.C.

Parents: Nicholas Copeland & Nancy Lott

Married: Sarah Seehorn (Seahorn) (Sehorn) I have not been able to find who came up with the information she was a Sehorn. It may not be true. There was a person named Sehorn who was executor of Joseph's will. Their daughter Mary named a son John Seehorn Allen

Children Married Born Died
Stephen Calvin Jane Townsen
Zacheus ca 1762
Nicholas Dorcas Mathas ca 1776 May 1845
Mary William Allen Oct. 1. 1777 June 15, 1851

Ricketts Mary (Polly) - ca 1778 before Sept.30,1844
Isabel
Elizabeth Rev. Wm. Holifield

Solomon Rebecca Davis ca 1772 ca 1822
Susannah George Sewell ca 1788

Died: ca 1816

Buried: Jefferson County, Tenn

There has been no proof found that Joseph is the son of Nicholas, some researchers have thought him to be the son of Charles. He did name a son Nicholas but never named one Charles. He acquired a piece of property granted to Nicholas whether by inheritance or otherwise.

He lived in Chatham N.C. early in life and all his children were born there, moving to Jefferson County, TN in 1783. His will was made Aug. 10, 1799 and was interred in court June Session of 1816.

CHATHAM COUNTY,, NORTH CAROLINA

June 29, 1771 (P. 51) Thomas Blyth sold to Joseph Copeland - 52 pds. 122 a. on the North side of Haw River 'concluding an Island". Wit: William Copeland, John Blyth, Jacob Vaughn. Signed by: Thomas (X) Blyth.

Oct. 1, 1771 (P.5) - Joseph Copeland sold to Thomas Tucker - 55 pds. 122 a. on the North side of Haw River,, concluding and island -it be in the land granted by deed to the said Joseph Copeland by Thomas Blyth bearing date 1771. Wit: William Copeland, Senr., John (x) Bohannon. Signed: Joseph (E) Copeland.

Feb. 18,, 1774 (P. 216) - Joseph Copeland and Sarah his wife to William Clark - 125 pds. - 27 1/2 a. - a tract of land granted to a certain Nicholas Copeland - - being one half of the survey granted to aforesaid Nicholas Plan - - being the land and Plantation whereon Josiah Copeland formerly lived. Wit: John Auld,, George Glasscock, George Herndon.
Signed: Joseph Copeland (X), Sarah (S) Copeland.

JEFFERSON COUNTY TENNESSEE

Joseph Copeland was one of the first settlers to come to Jefferson County, TN coming there in 1783 with eight other settlers. He settled seven miles north of Danridge on the South side of the French Broad (River). He later owned 640 acres of land.

October 12, 1793 - Knoxville Gazette - (newspaper article) On the 3rd, , a party of Indians, consisting of 30, plundered the house of Mr. Copeland on the South bank of French Broad, the family only a few minutes before passed over to the North side and were eye witnesses to their number and depredation.

INFORMATION ON CHILDREN

Stephen settled in Overton County, TN in spring of 1799 and is shown on records as Col. Stephen Copeland. He married Jane Townsen and had children:
Solomon,, married Sarah Tippett in Roan Co Tenn.
Joseph (Big Joe) , m. Hannah Thatcher.
Elizabeth m. Richard Poston. (and several other children) Martha married Thompson Gardenshire & moved to Jasper, Tenn.

Zacheus shows be fought in Rev. War in the N.C. line, must have been near the end of the war for he would have been 14 years old when it started. The only known child of his is Hamilton, although there were probably several others.
Hamilton, probably the Hamilton who married Margaret Irwin on Jan. 13, 1827 in Washington County, Tenn.

Ricketts (Richard) is shown spelled several different ways, not known if the original documents are not deciphered properly or if they are nick names, and many researchers have thought they were the same person. However, it seems quite evident that there was a Richard and a Ricketts; Richard married Margaret Hartsaw and lived in Overton County while Ricketts moved to Madison & Limestone Counties,, Alabama, , and later to Miss. Ricketts wife is shown on census as Polly. He is on census record in Alabama. He probably died in Oktibbeha County, , MS. before Sept. 1844. He had several children, the two known children were:
Charolette b. July 2, 1794, " Sept. 18, 1810 to Thompson Cowan & moved to Leon County, Texas.
Lucinda m. Oct. 6, 1832 to Hugh Mattheson, moved to Lowndes Co., MS.
Nothing additional is known about Isabel.
Susannah Copeland married George Sewell in Jefferson County in 1806.
Elizabeth is reported to have married a Rev. Wm. Holifield. one source says she married John Hill on June 4, 1809,, Holifield may have been her second husband.

Nicholas married Dorcas Mathes on Jan. 31, 1797 in Jefferson County. Lived in Jackson County, Ark. until ca 1834. Died May 1845 in Robertson

Co., Republic of Texas; he had land in Grimes Co. Tx.
John
Joseph
Mark
Martin
Richard
Laurence
Isaac
Sarah m. Martin Bridgeman, 2) Eli Seale.
Tanner m. William Kerr

Mary Copeland (was supposedly born in Surry Co. , No C* ) married William
Allen, 30 Mar. 1793 in Jefferson County,, TN, Both are buried in Overton
County, Tn. - they have no headstones. Children were:
Hiram McGinnis b. 1794;
Lydia (Travis) b. 1796;
Josiah b. 1798;
Elizabeth (Nichols/Masters) b. 1800;
Isaac Campbell b. 1802;
Nancy (Goodpasture) b. 1805;
Rachel (Brown) b. 1807;
Sarah(Sally) (Dale) b. 1812;
Christina (Fancher) b. 1813;
John Seehorn b. 1814; William b. 1816;
Stephen Copeland b. 1818;
James b. 1821.

Solomon - see separate sheet

Will of
JOSEPH COPELAND

In the name of God, amen. The 10th day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, I, Joseph Copeland, of Jefferson County and State of Tennessee, being weakly in body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to almighty God, therefor calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men onst to die, I do make and ordain this my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian burial at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty promise of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to help me with in this life. I desire
first that all my lawfully debts should be paid, the rest I give, devise, and dispose in the following manner and form.

Imprimis, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Sarah Copeland the third of three hundred acres of land, the lower end of my plantation, with all my moveable property estate as long as she continues my widow. Item: I give unto my beloved Stephen Copeland, the sum of five shilling
sterling.
Item: I give unto my beloved son, Zacheus Copeland, five shilling sterling.
Item; I give unto my beloved son Rickety Copeland, three hundred and forty acres of land, the upper end of the above said plantation.
Item: I give unto my beloved daughter, Isabel, the sum of five shilling sterling.
Item: I give unto my beloved daughter, Susannah, five shilling
sterling.
Item: I give unto my beloved son, Nicholas Copeland, five shilling sterling.
Item: I give unto my beloved daughter, Mary, the sum of five shilling sterling.
Item: I give unto my beloved son Solomon Copeland, three hundred acres of
land, the lower end of the above mentioned plantation, to be enjoyed by him. and his heirs forever with all my movable estate, after my wife decease or marriage.

I likewise constitute, make, and ordain my dearly beloved wife and my beloved friend, John Seahorn, my joint executors of this my last will and testament, and I do hereby alterly disallow, revoke, and disannual all and every former testaments, wills, legacies, bequeaths, and executors by me if any was before named, willed, and bequeathed, ratifying, and confirming by this and no other to be my last will and testament.

It witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed, published, pronounced, and declared by the said Joseph
Copeland as his last will and testament.
His

Joseph IC Copeland

Wit: George Graham mark
George Lewis
Reuben Dobkins

State of Tennessee
Jefferson County June Sessions, 1816

Then was the last will and testament of Joseph Copeland, deceased duly proven in Open Court by the oaths of George Graham and Reuben Dobkins, two of the subscribing witnesses to the same and ordered to be recorded.
Joseph Hamiltont Clerk
by his Dep., Joseph Hamilton, Jr.

[copeland.FTW]

One of the first settlers in Jefferson County, Tennessee, Joseph Copeland settled 7 miles above Dandridge on the south side of the French Broad River where he had a land grant of 640 acres in 1782. Ramsey, The Annals of Tennessee.

1798 - party of 30 Cherokees plundered the home of Joseph COPELAND on the south bank of the French Broad River. The Copeland family escaped by crossing the river and watching the plunder of their home. Carter, The Territorial Papers of the U.S., v. IV, 1790-1796. Parents: Nicholas Copeland and Nancy Lott.

Spouse: Sarah Seahorn. Sarah Seahorn and Joseph Copeland were married about 1755.⁸⁶ Children were: W. F. T. Copeland, Joseph Stephen Calvin Copeland Col., Zacheus Copeland, Richard Copeland, Isabel Copeland, Solomon Copeland, Susannah Copeland, Elizabeth Copeland, Nicholas Copeland Col., Mary Copeland.

Spouse: Lydia Ann Carnes.

Spouse: Annie Catherine Horton. Annie Catherine Horton and Joseph "Josiah" Franklin Copeland were married on 8 June 1899 in Greene County, Missouri. They were married on 8 June 1899 in Christian County, Misssouri.²⁵⁷ Children were: Ellis Shird Copeland, George Jefferson Copeland, Phillip Benjamin Copeland.

Served in the 25th TN. Co. H. in the Confederacy during the Civil War. He was wounded at Wainsboro, GA and died in a hospital there. Parents: Joseph Jefferson Copeland and Hannah Thatcher Ward.

Spouse: Sarah Gore. Children were: Sarah Copeland, Mary Copeland, Sarafine Copeland, Franklin P. Copeland.

Spouse: Effie Myrtle Stowe. Effie Myrtle Stowe and Joseph Dainey Copeland were married about 1928 in Missouri. Children were: Herbert Dainey Copeland, Living Copeland, William Lewis Copeland.

Spouse: Viola Breeden. Viola Breeden and Joseph Dainey Copeland were married about 1955 in Union , MO.

Strongest man in Tennessee. Legendary.

1850 Overton County Census TN

8 687 688 Copeland Joseph 67 M Farmer 3,000 Tenn.
9 687 688 Copeland Hannah 60 F Tenn. X
10 687 688 Copeland William 27 M Farmer Tenn.
11 687 688 Copeland Solimon 25 M Farmer Tenn.
Parents: Joseph Stephen Calvin Copeland Col. and Sarah Jane Townsend.

Spouse: Hannah Thatcher Ward. Children were: Louisa Copeland, Unknown Copeland, James Richardson Copeland, Jefferson Madison Copeland, Moses Wilkerson Copeland, Stephen Harrison Copeland, Joseph Anderson Copeland, William Allison\Ellison Copeland, Solomon Addison Copeland, Sally Copeland.

One of the first settlers in Overton County, Tennessee.

Fought in the War of 1812 and the American Revolution.

Laid out the plans for the Roaring River Baptist Church.

Jefferson County, Tennessee received its first contingent families as early as 1783. Among these settlers were Joseph Copeland. Joseph was married to Sarah Seehorn and one of their nine children was Stephen Copeland, later to become Colonel Stephen Copeland.

Stephen was born in 1756 probably in North Carolina and was married to Jane Townsend. He and his son Joseph, left Jefferson county and came to the wilderness now known as Overton County. It has been reported they planted the first corn crop in the area . After their crop was harvested they went back to Jefferson County only to return with the rest of the family. Shortly, after returning to Overton County, Stephen and Jane had a son, Solomon. He was to be the first white child born in this new wilderness.

In 1808, Stephen Copeland was issued a land grant for 5,000 acres. From the Windle Community, he and his family settled in the Okalona Community near the Roaring River. He did not know that he had settled over the Indian line. In time, however, he made friends with Nettle Carrier, chief of a band of Cherokees in the area. It is reported that Nettle Carrier and Colonel Copeland became very good friends and often went hunting togerher.

Before 1805, Colonel Copeland laid out and helped to build the long-gone Roaring River Baptist Church. The poplar log structure was said to have had twelve comers; each representing the twelve disciples. It was built in the form of a cross with a square in the middle.

On April 19, 1823 Colonel Stephen Copeland for the consideration of sixteen dollars and twenty-five cents sold three acres, including the Roaring River Church to the Roaring River Baptist Association. It is believed this land was in the borders of the land grant received from the state. At the present day, the church has been torn down and the only part left is some of the corner stones at the edges of the tree-grown cemetery.

In 1813 Colonel Copeland presented a petition to the Tennessee General Assembly, seeking permission to form a company of 500 mounted men to fight the British and Indians in the War of 1812. It was so granted and he commanded the Third Tennessee Regiment. He served both in the American Revolution and War of 1812 and was very influential in the early history of Overton County.

The exact death of Colonel Stephen is not known; however, he died sometime after 1833 and before 1840 and it is said his grave is in the Roaring River Cemetery. However, his grave is unmarked and may not be located as the cemetery has not been kept and a road has made through it.

The early Copelands had large families ranging from 9-17 children; and thus, the Copeland descendents of many names are populated throughout Overton, Pickett, and surrounding counties. I am one of the descendents living in Pickett County.

Written and Submitted by Joyce Copeland South. Parents: Joseph Copeland and Sarah Seahorn.

Spouse: Sarah Jane Townsend. Children were: Octavia Copeland, Stephen Washington Jr. Copeland, Mary Ann Copeland, Townsend Copeland, Joseph Jefferson Copeland, Sarah Copeland, Agnes Copeland, Amelia Elizabeth Copeland, Solomon Copeland, Richard Copeland, James Copeland, William B. Copeland.

Spouse: Mary (Marian) Mayfield. Mary (Marian) Mayfield and Josiah Copeland were married WFT Est. 1818-1846.⁶⁶ Children were: Mahala Copeland.

Spouse: Hannah Sutton. Children were: Richard Copeland.

Spouse: Margaret Ann Esther Deadwyler. Children were: Lasthenia Hasseltine Copeland, James Alexander Copeland, Martha Josephine Copeland.

Spouse: Nancy Pierce Brown. Children were: Christopher Brown Copeland, Mollie Copeland, William Thomsa Copeland, Ruth Eliza Copeland, Sallie Fannie Copeland.

Spouse: Elizabeth (Betty) Fisher Glenn. Children were: Joseph Copeland, Walter Wisdon "Pete" Copeland, Elizabeth Copeland.

Spouse: Sarah Ann Speck. Children were: Mary Etta Copeland, Joe Martin Copeland.

Spouse: Mary BILBREY.

Parents: Philip Copeland and Obedience "Biddie" Cox.

Spouse: Amanda C. Xxxxx. Children were: George Washington Copeland, James Larkin Copeland, Pauline E. Copeland.

Children were: Eunice Copeland, Living Copeland.