George Prangle Copeland was born in Ireland.  His wife's name is not known.  In the late 1740s or early 1750s, he and his family and some other families, including the Blakeleys, immigrated to Pennsylvania.  He may have moved to South Carolina for a while, but in the 1790 federal census, he was living in Pennsylvania.

In 1783 he purchased some land in what is now Laurens County, as shown in the abstract in Brent H. Holcomb's South Carolina Deed Abstracts 1776-1783 (Columbia: SCMAR, 1994), p. 258:

H-5, 318-319: 18 Jan 1783, Thomas Wade Senr. of County of Anson, North Carolina, to John Copeland of Craven County, for £140 specie, plantation in two tracts, one granted to James McKay 19 March 1773 and conveyed from said James McKay to Thomas Wade in the county of Craven State of South Carolina, on both sides McIntires creek & on north side Broad River, 150 acres; the other tract granted to John Sertain 29 April 1768 in Craven county including the mill, 100 acres which was conveyed by John Sertain to Thomas Wade senr. Thos Wade (LS), Wit: Thomas Willson, Jacob Harrland. Proved in Camden District by the oath of Thomas Willson before Jas Willson, a state justice, 8 Jan 1783. Recorded 3 Dec 1783.

He later sold some land he got from his father, as shown in the abstract in Larry Vehorn, Laurens County South Carolina Deed Abstracts Books A-D 1785-1793 (1769-1793) (Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, 2004), p. 106.

Pages 242-245 Lease & Release, 22 Apr 1784, John Copeland & Margaret his wife in consideration of £200 Current Money [Old Money in one ref.] paid by Joshua Arnall, sell all that plantation containing 200 acres in Craven Co. on Beaverdam, a branch of Little River. Bounded all sided by Vacant land at time of original survey. In consideration of £200 Current Money to William Arther paid by George Copeland, sold 200 acres granted unto William Arther (Congaree) 13 Oct 1772 by Lord Charles Montague, then Gov.  John Copeland is son & Heir to sd. George Copeland dec. Witness Robert Spears [Speers in release.]. Elizebeth (E} Spears [Speers in release.]. Signed John Copeland, Margaret (.) Copeland. Rec. 22 Sept 1790.

From 1780 to 1782, John Copeland fought on the colonists' side during the Revolutionary War. The Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution contains the following entry for John Copeland:

Served as a private and lieutenant in the militia under Capts. William Jenkins, John Burton, William Copeland, _____ Wilson, Col. Bratton and Gen. Henderson during 1780, 1781, and 1782.

John Copeland’s wife, Margaret Blakeley, died on February 22, 1844.  Both of them are buried in Duncan’s Creek Presbyterian Church cemetery, where his descendents put up a new gravestone in 1956.  The inscription reads “John Copeland, Sr. 1748-1826 and Margaret Blakeley 1758-1844. (Both born in Ireland) Served in the Revolutionary War in Col. William Bratton's regiment." On the back, "their children" are listed:

• George
• John Jr.
• William
• James
• Samuel
• Rachel
• Nancy

Here is what is known about John Copeland’s children:

• George Copeland.  Born about 1774. Married Elizabeth Jones, perhaps a widow. Moved back and forth between South Carolina and Georgia, according to the birth states for his children in the censuses.
• John Copeland II. Born 1782. Married Nancy Mills. Married second Sarah ? Died 1865. Lived in Laurens Co., SC.
• William Copeland. December 18, 1786 in SC. Married Nancy Bryant on December 30, 1810 in Morgan Co., GA. Died December 22, 1875 in Henry Co., GA.
• James Copeland. Born 1792. Married Elizabeth Little. Died 1869. Lived in Laurens Co., SC.
• Samuel Copeland. Married Asenath Holland, Eleanor Graig, Sarah Barksdale, and Rachel Dalyork. Lived in Laurens Co., SC. May have died between 1840 and 1850.
• Rachel Copeland. Married Jesse Johnson.
• Nancy Copeland. Married Alexander Fairburn.

John Blakeley, Sr., and Rachel Orr were both Irish immigrants.

On Tuesday 5 January 1768, John Blakely petitioned for 200 acres of land on the "Waters Santee & Peedee" as shown in Brent H. Holcomb's Petitions for Land from South Carolina Council Journals Volume VI: 1766-1770, (Columbia: SCMAR, 1999), p. 147.

The following entry for Tuesday 7 April 1772 shows a petition to certify a plat, as shown in Brent H. Holcomb's Petitions for Land from South Carolina Council Journals Volume VII: 1771-1774, (Columbia: SCMAR, 1999), p. 100:

William Graham 200 [acres] in Granville County Surveyed for John Blakley

John Blakeley also probably fought in the Revolutionary War as there are several John Blakeleys listed in the Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution. John Blakeley, Sr., died in 1798.  Rachel Orr died after 1814.

The following will can be found in the South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, Vol. 3. Winter 1975, No.1.

(Estate of JOHN BLAKELY, SENR). The petition of Thomas & William Blakely sheweth that John Blakely, Senior, of Laurens District, sometime in the year 1798 departed this life intestate, owning a tract of land containing 100 acres, adjoining lands now belonging to Charles Little, your petitioners Thomas and William Blakely, and the heirs of Jonathan Blakely deceased, leaving at the time of his death a widow Rachel Blakely and the following children and grandchildren, to wit,

i. Thomas Blakely,
ii. William Blakely (your petitioners),
iii. Robert Blakely, who resides in the State of Tennessee,
iv. Catharine, wife of Hugh Wilson, who reside in the State of Georgia,
v. James Blakely,
vi. Margaret, wife of John Copeland,
vii. Benjamin Blakely, who Lives without the limits of this State in parts unknown,
viii. Jonathan Blakely,
ix. Sarah, who died in the lifetime of her father, wife of Days Gill, survived by her son Thomas Gill,
x. John Blakely.

Jonathan Blakely, sometime in September 1809, departed this life intestate, leaving a widow Martha, who hath since intermarried with Henry McKelvey, and five children, to wit,

i. Robert Blakely, a minor between 14 and 21 years of age,
ii. Margaret Blakely,
iii. Elizabeth Blakely,
iv. Martha Blakely,
v. Agness Blakely, all being minors under the age of 14 years.

Rachel Blakely, widow of the said John Blakely, on or about 24 Dec. 1814 conveyed to your petitioners the undivided third part of the said tract to which she was entitled. Petitioners pray that guardians may be appointed for the minor children of said Jonathan Blakely, and that a Writ of Partition may be issued.

William Irby, Deputy Sheriff, swore that he personally served Andrew Spears, Thomas Gill, David Spears, James (sic)McKelvy & Martha his wfie with copies of the petition, and left copies of the same at the houses of James Blakely & John Copeland. 18 May 1815.

Commission to William Falton Esquire, John Howard, John Bailey, Samuel Taylor, & Samuel Vance, ordering them to make the partition.  4 Dec. 1815. Commissioners' Report dated 14 Feb. 1816 recommends sale of the land, appraised as worth $200.
 

George Copeland was born about 1774 in SC.  He married Elizabeth "Betsy" Jones, who was perhaps a widow, before 1800. Because she was probably the E. Copeland living in Henry Co., GA in the 1850 federal census, she was born around 1780.

George Copeland died in 1813, probably in South Carolina, according to an 1813 bond recorded in Laurens Co., SC. 

In the 1800 federal census in Laurens Co., SC, George Copeland had 1 male under 10, 1 male between 16 and 25, and 1 female between 16 and 25.

In the 1810 federal census in Laurens Co., SC, Geo. Copland has 2 males under 10, 1 male between 10 and 15, 1 male between 26 and 44, 2 females under 10, 1 female between 26 and 44, and 1 slave.

Elizabeth Copeland is probably the Elizabeth Copland enumerated in the 1820 census for Laurens Co., SC, with two males under the age of 10, one male between the age of 10 and 16, and one female between the age of 10 and 16.

In 1850, Elizabeth was living in Henry Co., GA, living near her son William's family. Betsy is thought to have died in 1867, probably in Georgia.

George Copeland and his wife Betsy had the following children:

• George P. Copeland, III.
• William Copeland. Born in Laurens Co., SC on May 3, 1802. Married Margaret Blakeley.  In 1850, in Henry Co., GA. Died near Bowdon, Carroll Co., GA on July 31, 1877.
• Elizabeth Copeland.
• John Copeland.
• Rachel Copeland.
• Robert Hatten Copeland. May have been born on February 14, 1803 in South Carolina.  Married first Sara Minerva (unknown surname) in the late 1820s in unknown location. Married second Ann J. Farris on December 16, 1860 in Chambers Co., AL. Died on February 3, 1885 in Coweta Co., GA.
• Samuel Copeland. Born around 1811. Married Elizabeth P. In 1850, in Henry Co., GA. By 1860, moved to Bowdon, Carroll Co, GA.  Died around 1864 in Carroll Co.
• Joseph Copeland. Born around 1813. Married Susan Rebecca Millians on November 7, 1858 in Coweta Co. Died December 4, 1894. Buried at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA.

Photograph of oil painting of Robert H. Copeland. Photograph of oil painting of Sara Minerva Copeland.
Tomb of Sarah M. Copeland.  Tombstone of Sarah M. Copeland.

Robert H. Copeland married twice, first to Sara Minerva (unknown surname) and second to Ann Jane Farris.

Ann Jane Farris, the daughter of John Farris/Ferris/Faires and Nancy (Blair?), was born around 1834 in South Carolina and died before 1910. She and Robert married on December 16, 1860 in Chambers Co., AL.  Ann was the mother of Mary F. Copeland, Thomas Copeland, and Charles M. Copeland.
 

As best as can be determined, Robert H. Copeland fathered 13 children:

• Dickson H. Copeland. Born August 20, 1832. Married Nancy Ann Witcher on October 19, 1858. Died December 26, 1905 in Cave Springs, Floyd Co., GA.
• Alfred S. F. Copeland. Born May 22, 1835 in Henry Co., GA.  Served in Company E, 19^th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry (Georgia Heard Grays). Married Jane (unknown surname). Died May 22, 1886. Buried in Concord Methodist Church cemetery in Carrollton, Carroll Co., GA.
• Asberry Copeland. Born 1838. Married to Martha Frances McDonald on November 29, 1859 in Franklin, Heard Co. Served in Company K, 56^th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry. Died on May 27, 1863 in military hospital at Lauderdale Springs, MS. Buried in Lauderdale Springs, MS.
• John Copeland.  Born about 1839.
• N. Copeland. Born about 1842.
• Nancy Anne Copeland. Born 1842. Married Milton Henderson Haynie (March 8, 1840-October 7, 1900) about 1866.  Died March 10, 1928 in Atlanta, Fulton Co. Buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA.
• George P. Copeland. (1845-1863). Served in Company I, 41^st Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry (Heard County Rangers). Died in a train accident during the Civil War.
• William S. Copeland. Born December 28, 1847.  Married first Otella Cordelia (unknown surname) (December 27, 1850-September 16, 1888). Married second Alice Allen (August 6, 1870-May 26, 1904) on June 16, 1891 in Coweta Co. Died April 27, 1914 near Newnan.  Buried at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA.
• Joseph Henderson Copeland. Born November 19, 1850 in Heard Co, GA.  Married Samantha A. Yarbrough on November 19, 1873. Died September 22, 1940 in Bowdon, Carroll Co., GA. Buried in Bowdon Methodist Church Cemetery in Bowdon.
• Andrew Copeland. Born about 1853.
• Mary F. Copeland. Born October 6, 1861. Married Z. B. Treadwell in January 18, 1882 in Whitesburg. Lived in Temple, Carroll Co., GA in 1900. Died October 15, 1918. Buried in Pleasant View Baptist cemetery in Carrolton, Carroll Co., GA.
• Thomas Copeland. Born 1867. Died January 28, 1884 in Whitesburg, Carroll Co., GA.  Buried in Whitesburg City Cemetery in Whitesburg.
• Charles M. Copeland. Born September 18, 1871. Married to Lula Johnson on September 18, 1900.  Died May 25, 1938 in Whitesburg, Carroll Co., GA. Buried in Whitesburg City Cemetery in Whitesburg.

Obituaries for the family of Robert H. Copeland

Robert Hatten Copeland in Henry Co. - 1830

In the 1830 federal census in Henry Co., Robert Copeland's family had:

• under 5 male 1
• 20-30 male 1
• 15-20 female 1

Robert Hatten Copeland in Henry Co. - 1840

In the 1840 federal census in Henry Co. (district 611), R. H. Copland's family had:

• under 5 male 3
• 5-10 male 2
• 20-30 male 1
• 20-30 female 1

• R. H. Copeland, 43. Real estate valued at $400.
• S. Copeland, 34.
• J. M. Copeland, 21.
• N. Copeland, 18.
• A. Copeland, 15.
• A. Copeland, 12.
• A. Copeland, 10.
• N. A. Copeland, 8.
• G. P. Copeland, 5.
• W. Copeland, 3.

Robert Hatten Copeland in Heard Co. - 1860
The 1860 federal census shows the family living in Franklin, Heard Co., GA.  Robert’s occupation was bridge keeper, and his personal estate was valued at $400.

• Robert H. Copeland, 52, bridge keeper.
• Nancy A. Copeland, 16.
• George Copeland, 14.
• William Copeland, 12.
• Joseph Copeland, 10.
• Andrew Copeland, 7.

Another son, Alfred Copeland, 23, lived nearby and worked as an overseer.

Also in the same area were Asbury Copeland, 22, shoe maker, personal estate $200 and his wife Frances (Martha Frances McDonald), 20.

Robert Hatten Copeland in Polk Co. - 1870
In the 1870 federal census, Robert was living in Cedartown, Polk Co., GA and his personal estate was valued at $150. His occupation was listed as invalid. He had married Ann Jane Farris in 1860.

The household was

• Robert Copeland, 65, invalid.
• Ann J. Copeland, 36, keeping house.
• Mary F. Copeland, 8.
• Thomas Copeland, 3.

Robert Hatten Copeland in Carroll Co. - 1880
In the 1880 federal census, Robert was living around Whitesburg (District 682/ Fourth District), Carroll Co., GA.

• Robert Copeland, 74, laborer.
• Ann J. Copeland, 44.
• Mary F. Copeland, 18.
• Thomas Copeland, 12.
• Charles Copeland, 8

I am called on to chronicle the death of another old landmark, Mr. Robert Copeland, who died at the home of his son, Mr. W. S. Copeland, Esq., in this District [Panther Creek], on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd., aged 79 years.  He was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist church and held an important position in the church.  He was a man of practical piety, and no doubt has gone to reap a Christian’s reward, I tender my sympathies to the mourning and would say, weep not, your loss is his eternal gain.

The following is from the Carroll Free Press on February 13, 1885:

Uncle Robert H. Copeland died at his home near Lodi, Coweta county, last Tuesday aged 79 years, and was buried in the grave yard here [Whitesburg] beside his son Tommie, who preceded him a short time ago to the Heavenly land.  Uncle Bobbie as he was familiarly called was one among the best men we ever knew and died in the faith which he had so long professed and lived, and is now no doubt enjoying that rest which awaits all the faithful.  The bereaved ones have our sympathy in their sad trial.

In the 1900 federal census, his widow, Ann, was living in Temple (District 649), Carroll Co., GA, with her son Charley and a granddaughter, Effie Treadwell, age 12, who was the daughter of Mary F. Copeland.

Possible photograph of Asberry Copeland.

Asberry Copeland was born around 1838 in Georgia, the son of Robert H. Copeland and Sarah Minerva (unknown surname). 

The 1860 Federal census shows him in Franklin, Heard Co., GA, as a shoemaker married to Frances, who was Martha "Fannie" Frances McDonald. Asberry had personal property valued at $200.

On October 18, 1861, their son, Augustus McDonald Copeland, was born.

What little is known about Asberry Copeland is provided in his widow's application for a Civil War pension. He and Fannie were married on November 29, 1859 in Franklin, Heard Co., GA.

On May 12, 1862, Asberry enlisted as a private in Company K, 56th Georgia Regiment, infantry.

On May 27, 1863, he died while in the hospital in Lauderdale Springs, Mississippi, of a "sickness contracted at Vicksburg, Mississippi."  

Photograph of Augustus M. Copeland, Sr.

Photograph of Augustus M. Copeland, Sr.

Augustus McDonald Copeland was born on October 18, 1861 in Coweta Co., GA. He was the son of Asberry Copeland and Fannie McDonald. His father enlisted in Confederate service in May 1862 and died in 1863 at the military hospital at Lauderdale Springs, MS.

In the 1870 federal census, he and his mother were living in Heard Co. with his grandfather McDonald's family.

Marriage to Cora Grimes
On December 18, 1882, Augustus married Cora Grimes in Coweta Co. In 1885, Augustus moved to property he bought in Heard Co., GA (Newnan Herald, November 22, 1885), but moved back to the Handy community in Coweta Co. toward the end of 1886 (Newnan Herald, November 23, 1886).  Sometime in the 1890s he and his family moved to Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA.

The 1900 federal census shows the Copeland family renting a house at 11 Bailey Street in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA:

• Augustus Copeland, 38, carpenter.
• Cora Copeland, 33.
• Alvan F. Copeland, 13. telegraph ?.
• Maggie R. Copeland, 11, at school.
• Freddie A. Copeland, 9, cash boy.
• Ida G. Copeland, 4.

An unnamed Millians female boarder, age 40, was living with them.

Cora Grimes died on October 31, 1902. 

The following were the known children of August Copeland and Cora Grimes:

• Unknown daughter. Born in 1885. Died July 31, 1885 in Coweta Co., GA.
• Alvin Freeman Copeland. Born July 27, 1886. Married Celestia Pressly on March 17, 1907 in Atlanta. Died January 7, 1956 in Lake Worth, FL.
• Maggie R. Copeland. Born 1888.
• Fred Amos Copeland. Born December 19, 1890. Married Ethel Rebecca Grimes on November 30, 1916 in Bessemer, Jefferson Co., AL. Died December 31, 1960 in Tampa, Hillsboro, FL.
• Ida Lee Copeland. Born March 24, 1896. Married Will Victory Lawrence. Died December 6, 1922 in Fulton Co., GA.

• A. M. Copeland, Jr. Born about 1905. Married Florence Cooper. Died June 4, 1963 in Fulton Co., GA.
• Guy Copeland. Born about 1909. Died on December 3, 1933 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA.
• Tomie E. Copeland. Born about 1912.
• Harry R. Copeland. Born about 1917. Died in 1990s.

In the 1910 federal census, Augustus and his family were living at 380 Simpson St., in Atlanta.

• Augustus Copeland, 48, carpenter.
• May H. Copeland, 35.
• Ida L. Copeland, 14.
• A. M. Copeland, 4.
• Guy Copeland, 1.

• Augustus Copeland, 58, farmer.
• May Copeland, 43.
• A. M. Copeland, Jr., 15.
• Guy Copeland, 11.
• Tomie E. Copeland, 8.
• Harry R. Copeland, 3 6/12.

In the 1930 federal census, Harry Copeland, 13, was a farm-laborer prisoner at the Fulton County Industrial Farm in Atlanta.

Another son, A. M. Copeland Jr., was living with wife Florence (Cooper) and son Cecil Eugene Copeland at 1048 McMillan St in Atlanta.

Augustus Copeland, Sr., was married a third time, to Frances (unknown surname), but they divorced.

Augustus McDonald Copeland, Sr. is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta in the same plot as his son Alvin Freeman Copeland and Alvin’s wife Celestia.

The following obituary appeared in the Atlanta paper on June 17, 1943.

Augustus Copeland Dies at Age of 80

*

Mrs. Mahaley Mae Copeland

Photograph of Alvin F. Copeland and Celestia Pressly.

Alvin Freeman Copeland, known as Red, was born in Heard Co. on July 27, 1886, a son of Augustus Copeland and Cora Grimes.  He married Celestia Pressly (nicknamed Lester) on March 17, 1907 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA.

In the 1900 federal census, both Alvin and Celestia lived with their families on Bailey St. in Atlanta, so they must have been living in the same neighborhood when they first met.  In fact, they married in her family's home at 22 Bailey St.

Their children were:

• Cora Willie Copeland. Born January 1, 1908. Married E. B. Strickland, Sr. Died November 1990 in Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA.
• Ruth Copeland. Born July 22, 1910. Married Walter Narzinsky on May 5, 1930. Died September 1, 1969 in El Paso Co., TX
• Alvin F. Copeland, Jr. Born 1911 in Fulton Co, GA. Married Delia Tarver. Died April 1966 in Dade Co., FL.
• Henry Augustus Copeland. Born April 21, 1912 in Georgia. Married Stella Christian. Died December 12, 1980 in Highlands Co., FL.
• Julian Presley Copeland. Died May 12, 1917 in Atlanta, GA at 17 months.
• Lula "Jeannie" Imogene Copeland. Born May 21, 1917. Married first Charles D. Stanley. Married second Buford Bonner. Died August 1, 1996 in Wilmington, New Hanover, NC.
• Spencer B Copeland. Born November 29, 1919. Married Ruth "Peggy" Deal on August 12, 1939 in Gwinnett Co., GA. Died September 12, 1989 in Marietta, Cobb, GA.
• Robert Amos Copeland. Born 1923 in Georgia. Married Dora.
• Martha Lynn Copeland. Born September 2, 1923. Married first Thomas Gormley. Married second Roscoe Murphy. Died December 5, 1990.
• Sarah Copeland. Born March 14, 1927. Married John J. Ingraham on December 15, 1945.
• Pressly D. Copeland. Died August 23, 1931 in Fulton Co., GA.