Information taken from Civil War Papers of George M. Copeland Department of the Interior Pension Office Nov. 29, 1879 State of Illinois} S.S. County of Edgar On this 26th day of November, 1879 personally appeared before me Clerk of the County Court the same being a court of record within and for the county of Edgar and State of Illinois George Copeland aged 53 years a respectable citizen of the City of Paris, Illinois who being by rule duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Geo. Copeland who was enrolled on the 7th day of August 1862 in Co. "D" of the 70th Regt. Indiana Volunteers commanded by Col. Ben. Harrison and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Indiana on the 5th day of June 1865; that his personal description is as follows: Age 53 years; height 5 ft. 8 in. complexion light; eyes blue; hair brown; That while a member of the organization aforesaid in the service and in the line of his duty near Rasaca in the State of Georgia on or about the 10th day of May 1864 he was taken with Chronic Diarrhea, Piles, and Varicose Veins of right leg; that he was sent to general hospital at Chattanooga in the S! tate of Tennessee where he was treated for about 2 months when he was furloughed home; upon returning to the army was taken worse at Louisville, KY and was sent to the Brown Hospital in the city of Louisville, KY where he remained until the latter part of November of 1864 when he was sent to Camp Denison, Ohio where he remained for about 2 months when he was sent to City Hospital at Indianapolis, Indiana where he remained until discharged. That he has not been in the military or Naval service otherwise than as stated above. That since leaving the service this applicant has resided in Morton County in the State of Indiana (Dixie note: should be Morgan Co.) for about 8 years; that since that time he has resided in the county of Edgar and State of Illinois; that his occupation when able to work was that of a day laborer. That prior to his entry into the service above named he was a man of good sound physical health being when enlisted a farmer; That he is now partially disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor; by reason of his injuries above described received in the service of the United States and he therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on invalid pension roll of the U.S. ................" -------------------- War Department - Surgeon General's Office - Record and Pension Division No. 61404 Washington D.C. Aug. 30, 1881 Sir: I have the honor to return herewith your request for a report of hospital treatment in claim No. 334.438, with such information as is furnished by the records filed in this office, viz: that Pvt. George M. Copeland, Co. "D", 70 Ind. Vols., entered G. F. Hospl, Chattanooga, Tenn. May 12, 1864 with Acute Dysentery, and was returned to duty July 8, 1864. He entered Brown G. H., Lousiville, KY Nov. 12, 1864 with Chronic Conjuctivitis, and was transferred Nov. 25, 1864. He entered Dennison G. H. Camp Dennison, Ohio Nov. 26, 1864 with Granular Conjuctivitis and was transferred Jan. 30, 1865. He entered City G. H., Indianapolis, Indiana Feb. 1, 1865 Diagnosis Granular lids and was discharged from service June 4, 1865. There are no records of the Regt. on file. Filed Aug. 31, 1881 By the order of the Surgeon General: J. J. Woodward Surgeon, U. S. Army ------------------------ Paris, Illinois April 13, 1892 George M. Copeland, Co. "D", 70, Ind. Vol. being duly sworn on oath states he is unable to perform manual labor and wholly unable to do anything like work, hardly able to get about at all - and that he owns a house and lot which he paid $500.00 for which now has a mortgage on $800.00. He is the owner of household and kitchen furniture of about $25.00. He has no money - His family consists of himself, wife and a ten year old grandchild. He therefore asks that his case be decided without delay. (signature) George M. Copeland ------------------- Death Certificate - George M. Copeland State of Illinois} State Board of Health County of Edgar Return of Death to County Clerk. The Physician who attended any person in a last illness should immediately return this Certificate, accurately filled out, to the County Clerk. Penalty, $10 if not returned within 30 days. 1. Name: George M. Copeland Sex: Male Color: White Age: 68 Years 2 Months 2 days. 2. Occupation: Laborer Date of Death: Sept. 28, 1894 Married 3. Nationality and Place of Birth: American Ind. How long Resident in this State: 28 yrs 4. Place of Death: 3rd Ward, Paris, Ills Cause of Death: Catarah* of Stomach and Bowels 5. Duration of Complication (blank) Duration of Disease (blank) 6. Place of Burial: Edgar Cemetery Date of Burial: Sept. 30, 1894 7. Name of Undertaker: Hodge Bros Residence of Undertaker: Paris, Ills (signature) J. T. Baum M.D., Paris, Ills Sept. 29, 1894 SOURCE: Webster's New International Dictionary, Reference History Edition (Springfield, Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1910). Catarrh (Catarah/ Catarrah/ Catarrh of Brain/ Catarrh of Head/ Catarrh of Stomach/ Catarrh on the Breast/ Catarrk/ Catarrk Pneumonia) - An inflammatory affection of any mucous membrane, in which there are congestion, swelling, and an alteration in the quantity and quality of mucous secreted. In America, especially, a chronic inflammation of, and hypersecretion from the membranes of nose or air passages. in England, an acute influenza, resulting from a cold and attended with cough, thirst, lassitude and watery eyes; also, the cold itself. Catarrh Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue associated with catarrh and with marked evidences of inflammation of the bronchial membranes - often chronic. ----------------------- AFFIDAVIT OF Nathan E. Hubbard of Morgan Co., Ind. In Claim of George M. Copeland Co. "D", 70, Ind. Vols for Pension 7th day of June 1888 "........The said Geo M. Copeland moved out to my father's premises about the year 1852 or 53 and labored for him for many years and was a good and able hand, enjoyed good health and was always ready for duty until he entered the service, at which time he still lived on my father's land. Since his return from the service as a soldier he has done some work for me and I have had some opportunity to observe him and have noticed that as a laborer he has not had the ability that he had when he and I worked together before he entered the service. As to the cause or as to his afflictions I do not remember definitely when I first noticed it. He moved from our neighborhood to Illinois about 15 years ago, since which time I have not met him until now......" --------------------------- AFFIDAVIT OF James Giles of Morgan Co., Ind. In Claim of George M. Copeland Co. "D", 70, Ind. Vols for Pension 9th day of June 1888 Dixie Note: George Copeland's daughter, Malissa married a John Giles probably in Morgan Co., IN "......I first became acquainted with the said George M. Copeland in the later part of 1868 and I worked with the said George Copeland nearly every year until he removed to Ill. which was in the year 1873 and the said Copeland was suffering from sore eyes and with rheumatism and I heard him complaining of his eyes and rheumatism, and his eyes was so bad that at times he could hardly see and he was very crippling with rheumatism so much so he could hardly walk or get about at times. I have only seen said Copeland twice since the year 1873 and he at both times was suffering from his eyes and rheumatism the above facts were obtained by working with him and seeing him often until he removed as stated and he was not able to do a half days work on account of said diseases......" Dixie Note: Doctors diagnosed George's eye problems as conjunctivitis or granular eyelids. SOURCE: Webster's New International Dictionary, Reference History Edition (Springfield, Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1910). Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, or under covering of the eyelid. In the simple catarrhal kind there is a watery discharge and in the purulent kind there is a pus discharge. --------------------------- AFFIDAVIT OF Charles Layman of Edgar Co., Ill. In Claim of George M. Copeland Co. "D", 70, Ind. Vols for Increase in Pension Sept. 12, 1892 Dixie Note: Charles Layman was George Copeland's son-in-law "........That he is afflicted with chronic diarrhea, piles*, disease of the lungs and disease of eyes; and his heath is so poor that he is unfit for the performance of manual labor. During the past two years he has been confined to the house most of the time; he seems "All totally played out" and cannot work but a few minutes at a time and is not fit to work at all, or even to do chores about the house. He is liable to drop down if he undertakes to work; I have helped to carry him home several times when he gave out...." SOURCE: Webster's New International Dictionary, Reference History Edition (Springfield, Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Company, 1910). *Piles: hemorrhoids --------------------------- AFFIDAVIT OF John H. Meyers of Paris, Ill. In Claim for Increase in Pension of George M. Copeland Co. "D", 70, Ind. Vols for Pension 15th day of May, 1894 "......Have known George M. Copeland of Paris, Ill. about 15 years. He is in bad condition now and has been for two years. He is not able to work. Formerly he used to work and was industrious. He is not able to do any business or labor. He has been confined to his house ____ ____ a great deal of the time. He is in destitute circumstances. He has been assisted by the Township and by friends for the necessities of life - he draws a pension. His property both House and households are mortgaged, they would not sell for more than mortgage ____ ______" ....... ----------------- Delila Copeland wid. of George M. Copeland Co. "D" 70 Ind. Vol. APPLICATION for Accured Pension U.S. Pension Office {seal) Oct. 4, 1894 A. Y. Trogdon, Paris, Ill. Atty. State of Illinois} County of Edgar Delila Copeland, who being sworn, on oath, hereby makes the following Declaration for the Purpose of obtaining the Accured Pension due her husband under Certified No. 344,745 of George M. Copeland, Co. "D", 70 Ind. Vol., who volunteered about August 7, 1862, and Discharged by ?reason? Expiration of the ?Nov.? and at Indianapolis, Indiana, that her said husband died September 28, 1894, at Paris, Illinois and was buried in Edgar Cemetery, at said county, and that her maiden name was Delila Hall, and that her and George M. Copeland were united in marriage at Shelby County, Indiana, on or about November 7, 1847, by she thinks Matthews, a Justice - and that neither her husband or herself had been previously married. It was the first marriage of Each of them, - and that all their children are over 16 years of age, - she has raised her granddaughter Malissa Giles ever since she was 8 Eight days old, Malissa Giles mother died Feby 20, 1882, and Malissa Giles was born Feby 12, 1882, ! in Edgar Co., Illinois. She hereby presents his Pension Certified No. 344.745. She therefore requests that said Accured Pension be paid to her - that the ost ofice address is Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. Witness} her A. N. Link Delila X Copeland C. Link mark Personally appeared A. N. Link residing at Paris, Ill. and C. Link residing at Paris, Ill. before me, Lula Trogdon, Notary Public to me well known as credible persons, who being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw the claimant sign her name to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. A. N. Link C. Link Sworn and subscribed before me this 1 day of October, 1984, and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. And that the contents of the above were made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before signing. Witness in my hand & Notarial Seal at Paris, Edgar Co., Ill. Lula Trogdon Notary Public *** *** *** *** *** *** AFFIDAVIT of Claimant in Claim of Delila Copeland widow of George M. Copeland Co. "D" 70 Reg't Ind Vols. For Pension A. Y. Trogdon For Applicant Paris, Illinois In Claim No. of Delila Copeland, wid. of Geo. M. Copeland "D" Co., 70th Regiment, Ind. Volunteers. State of Illinois} S.S. County of Edgar On this 22 day of October, 1894 personally appeared before me a notary public within and for the County and State aforesaid Deliah* Copeland who being duly sworn, according to law, on oath, states: That affiant is aged 55 years, a resident of Paris, Ill. occupation: Home, is well acquainted with George M. Copeland Co. "D" 70 Regiment, Illinois** Volunteers, and has personal knowledge about the facts herein stated: I am his widow and an applicant for accured Pension, and other Pensions, a widow of George M. Copeland, I always went by the name of Delila Hull*** until I was married and then by the name of Delila Copeland. My folks said I had a middle name of Underwood - I never liked the name of Underwood, and never used it - I do not now remember why or how "M" was used in the ?bycourse? unless the man who raised me, gave it - whether he did or not, the "M" in was a mistake - how it happened I do not know or remember. This statement was written in my presence by A. N. Trogdon of Paris, Ill., on Oct. 22 1894, from oral statements made to him, and I was not aided by any printed or written memorandum, or recital of any other person. That afiant has interest, direct in the prosecution of this claim for pension. Affiant's Post Office Address Paris, Edgar Co., Illinois Witnesses: A. Y. Trogdon } her Delila X Copeland mark Sworn to and subscribed before me a notary public, this 22 day of October A.D. 1894 by Delila Copeland, and I hereby certify that the contents of the within affidavit were fully made known and explained to affiant before swearing to the same, that he is respectable and entitled to credit, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this inserted, and the words "no or indirect" erased. Witness my hand and official seal, at Paris, Illinois Lula Trogdon Notary Public Dixie Notes: *should be Delila /**should be Indiana/ ***should be Hall Marriage Notes for GEORGE COPELAND and DELILA HALL: Marriage License and Clerk's Report Used in Procuring Pensions. Wm. B. Burford, Printer, Indianapolis ____________________________________________________________________ George M. Copeland } Be It Remembered, That heretofore, to-wit: To on the 5th day of November A.D., 1847, the following Delilah M. Hall Marriage License was issued, to-wit: INDIANA, TO-WIT: Shelby County, SS: To All Who Shall See These Presents, Greeting: Know Ye, That any person empowered by law to solemnize marriages is hereby authorized to join together as Husband and Wife, George M. Copeland and Delilah M. Hall and so doing this shall be his sufficient authority. In Testimony Whereof, I Jacob Vernon, Clerk of the Shelby Circuit Court, hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Shelbyville this 5th day of November, 1847 (signature) Jacob Vernon, Clerk. Be It Further Remembered, That afterwards, to-wit: on the 5th day of February, 1848, the following Certificate of Marriage was filed in my office, to-wit: Indiana, To-Wit: Shelby County, SS: This Certifies, that I joined in Marriage as Husband and Wife, George M. Copeland and Delilah M. Hall on the 7th day of November, 1847. (signature) ?. Q. Matthews Minister of the Gospel State of Indiana, Shelby County, SS: I, J. R. Sedgwick, Clerk of the Circuit Court within and for the County of Shelby, and State of Indiana, do hereby certify the foregoing to be true and correct copies of the Marriage License and Certificate of Marriage of George M. Copeland to Delilah M. Hall, as the same now appears upon the Marriage Record now on file in my office. In Witness Whereof, I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court, at Shelbyville, Indiana, on this 9th day of October, 1894 (signature) J. R. Sedgwick, Clerk ----------------------------- Dixie A. Laire Red Oak, Iowa