OBITUARY OF JOHN LEWIS COPELAND SOURCE: The Southern Democrat, 29 Oct 1911; Submitted by Mary Ann Copeland-Sitton John Copeland Dead Uncle John [Lewis] Copeland died at his home, near McLarty, October 17th, after an illness of two years with paralysis, aged 73 years. The deceased was an old veteran of the civil war, and had lived in this community 47 years. He was never arrested nor had a lawsuit, and had been a Missionary Baptist for many years. He had many friends who were loyal to him until death. Had been a member of the I.O.O.F [Free Masons] lodge for a long period of time. Being aware of his death shortly, he asked his sons to cut and haul a certain tree to the saw mill to be sawed into lumber to be used in making a coffin for him. The deceased is survived by eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, all living. The remains were laid to rest at Nixon's Chapel, funeral services being conducted by Rev. S.R. Burson."