ABNER COPELAND

ABNER COPELAND, a farmer of Cass Township, Shelby County, was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, July 24, 1830. He is a son of William and Sarah (Lucas) Copeland. The father was a native of North Carolina, and when a young man removed to Greene County, Ohio, where he met and married Sarah Lucas. In 1829 they removed to Sangamon County, Illinois, and lived there until death. Abner Copeland was reared on a farm in his native county, and received the usual training in agricultural pursuits bestowed upon a farmer's son. His education was obtained in the pioneer schools of that time. In December, 1853, he was married to Malinda Burks, who was born in Logan County, Illinois. The result of this union was one child -- Mary Malinda Ann, the wife of J. F. Baird, a well-known citizen of Cass Township. Mrs. Sarah Copeland died in 1854. Mr. Copeland was married to his second wife March 7, 1857. She was Mary (Lucas) Buckles, a native of Logan County, Illinois. By this union six children were born, two of whom survive -- Angeline Jane and Elias A. Mr. Copeland came to Cass Township in 1870, and bought wild land, which he improved and made his home for five years; he then sold it and returned to Illinois, and remained there two years. In 1877 he came back to Cass Township and purchased 160 acres of land. He now owns 314 acres, all well improved. He has a comfortable residence, good barns, an orchard, and all the conveniences for carrying on a farm. Mr. Copeland supports the Democratic party. He has served his township as trustee and as a member of the school board. He is a member of the Christian church, and is one of the highly respected citizens of Cass Township.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 631-632. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs