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Dave Copenhaver Sr
dlcope(a)sgi.net
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DAVID WALKER CARSON, D. D.
Submitted by Dave Copenhaver Sr.
dlcope(a)sgi.net
The History of Washington County, by Earle L. Forrest,1926
Among those who during the past generation stood as distinguished types of
the world's workers was the Rev. David Walker Carson, for many years an
honored minister of the United Presbyterian church, thirty-three years of
his ministry being spent in Washington county. He was one of the ablest and
most scholarly divines in the history of the churches of this county and
stood for many years in the front rank of the leaders of thought and action
in his denomination, having been repeatedly honored by high official
position. A man of unusual mental ability, of the highest sense of honor,
of keen appreciation of the service which was his to render, he brought to
the discharge of his duties a de-termination to give his very best efforts.
Therefore, because of his earnest and consecrated life, his high
attainments, well rounded character and large influence, he held an exalted
place in the community and in the affectionate esteem of all with whom he
came in contact. David W. Carson was born in Maryville, Blount county,
Tennessee, on the 21st of October, 1830, and his death occurred on the 3d of
September, 1911, in the eighty-first year of his age. He was the son of Rev.
David and Jane (Gillispie) Carson, the former of whom was born in
Greencastle, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1799, and died at Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania, September 25, 1834. He was graduated from Jefferson College in
1819 and from theological seminaries in New York and Philadelphia. He became
professor of Biblical criticism and church history at Canonsburg Seminary,
which is the oldest seminary on the continent and is now known as Xenia
Seminary, at St. Louis, Missouri. He became an Associate Presbyterian
minister and served the church at Maryville, Tennessee, from November, 1824,
until 1834. He was the son of David and (Oliver) Carson, both of whom were
natives of Ireland, settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and there
spent the remaining years of their lives. Jane Gillispie was born at
Maryville, Tennessee, November 3, 1800, and died at Burgettstown,
Pennsylvania, June 21, 1882. She was the daughter of James and Eleanor
(Walker) Gillispie, of Blount county, Tennessee. Her father followed the
vocation of farming and was a man of high standing in the community. He was
a democrat in his political affiliation and served as a member of the
legislature, being also a friend of President James K. Polk. He had gone to
Tennessee from Virginia, where he was born, and his death occurred in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania. His wife was a native of Tennessee and died in
Maryville, that state.
David W. Carson received his elementary education in a private school at
Canonsburg, and then entered Jefferson College, where he was graduated, with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in 1847. He then entered the Canonsburg
Theological Seminary, graduating in 1850. In 1880 Westminster College
conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. His first
pastorate was over the United Presbyterian church at Service, Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, where he remained from October 5, 1852, to September 5, 1877.
He went from there to the First United Presbyterian church of Burgettstown,
Pennsylvania, which he served from October 10, 1878, to January 25, 1898,
and was then pastor of the Second United Presbyterian church of Burgettstown
from 1898 until his death in 1911. His active ministry thus covered a
period of fifty-nine years. He was quickly recognized as a man of more than
ordinary ability and was called by his church to fill positions of great
responsibility, having been elected moderator of the general assembly of the
United Presbyterian church in 1881. Prior to that he had served as
moderator of the Pittsburgh synod in 1872. He was a member of the general
church board of freedmen's missions for twenty-nine years, from 1879 to
1908, and was for many years a member of the board of directors of the
Allegheny Seminary, now the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. During the
Civil war Dr. Carson held the rank of chaplain and was a member of the
historic Christian Commission, one of the most important and efficient
agencies of that period. As a preacher, Dr. Carson was eloquent, forceful
and convincing. He was a man of strong and definite convictions and had the
courage of his opinions. He was always clear and out-spoken in his
opposition to all that was detrimental to the physical, moral or spiritual
welfare of the people and was a tremendous factor in the prosecution of the
reforms of his day, being fearless and courageous in upholding the highest
standards of living. His long and active career was one of close and
fruitful identification with the religious life of each community with which
he was related, his nature, strong and vigorous, finding denotement in
kindly tolerance and human sympathy, generous deeds and worthy service. His
life was one of absolute consecration to his work and in the most
significant sense he was humanity's friend. Well does he merit a place of
honor in every history touching upon the lives and deeds of those who have
given the best of their powers and talents for the aiding and betterment of
their kind.
On October 6, 1870, at Xenia, Ohio, Dr. Carson was married to Miss Mary Anna
Smart, who was born in that city, May 15, 1840, and died at Burgettstown,
Pennsylvania, December 1, 1914. She was the daughter of Rev. James
Patterson and Eliza (McClelland) Smart, the former of whom was born at
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, July 14, 1814, and died at Xenia, Ohio, February
28, 1861. He was ordained and licensed to preach by the Associate
Presbyterian church and became a minister of the United Presbyterian church,
being pastor of the Massie's Creek congregation at the time of his death. He
was graduated from Jefferson College in 1833 and from the Canonsburg
Theological Seminary in 1837. He was a republican in his political views.
His wife was a native of Washington, Pennsylvania, and died in Cincinnati,
Ohio, in 1891. Mrs. Carson was graduated from Mrs. Sarah Foster Hanna's
Seminary in Xenia, and afterward taught school in Ohio, prior to her
marriage. She was an earnest member of the United Presbyterian church. To
Dr. and Mrs. Carson was born a daughter, Eleanor Jane, who was born at
Service, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1871. She attended the Burgettstown
public schools, the McDonald Academy and the Pennsylvania College for Women
in Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Second United Presbyterian church in
Burgettstown and is very active in the Erie Mission. During the World war,
Miss Carson took an active and effective part in the various war movements
in this locality, serving as director of the Women's Red Cross work in
Burgettstown. She is a lady of splendid personal qualities of character, has
long taken a deep interest in the civic life of the community, and occupies
an enviable place in the confidence and esteem of her host of friends.
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ROY I. CARSON.
Submitted by Dave Copenhaver Sr.
dlcope(a)sgi.net
The History of Washington County, by Earle L. Forrest,1926
One of the native sons of Washington county who has attained success and a
reputation in the learned professions is Roy I. Carson, now one of the best
known and most highly respected attorneys in Charleroi and the eastern part
of the county. He was born in Fallowfleld Township, on the 28th of March,
1891, and is the son of Noah T. and Laura E. (Sprowls) Carson. The father
also is a native of Fallowfield Township, where his birth occurred March 26,
1866, and he is still engaged in farming there, being numbered among the
successful and influential citizens of his community. He is a democrat in
his political allegiance and has been active in local public affairs, having
served as a member of the board of school directors and for three terms as a
justice of the peace. He is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Ebenezer. His parents were John S. and Margaret (Jones) Carson,
the former of whom was born on the same farm in Fallowfleld Township, May
31, 1823, and died there September 24, 1882. He had devoted all of his
active years to farming, in which he was very successful, and he was widely
known for his splendid Christian character and personal integrity. His
political support was given to the Democratic Party. His wife was born in
Fallowfleld Township, January 4, 1827, and died there December 16, 1870
John S. Carson was a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Springer) Carson, the
former of whom was born on the homestead in Fallowfield Township, December
21, 1788, followed agricultural pursuits there all his life and died there,
December 13, 1855. He was a member and trustee of the Baptist church at
Speers, Pennsylvania. His wife was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in
1791, and died in Fallowfield Township, February 19, 1872. John C. Carson
was a son of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Carson, the former of whom was born in
Ulster, Ireland, about 1740 and died in 1816 on the farm which he developed
in Fallowfleld Township. He took out the patent for this land in 1789 and
the farm has remained continuously in the possession of the Carson family to
the present time, a period of one hundred and thirty-six years. He was a
veteran of the War of the Revolution, having served in Captain Parkeson's
company, under Colonel Crooks. Three of his brothers had accompanied him to
America, one going to Kentucky, (then Carolina), and another to Virginia
(now West Virginia), while Thomas settled in Washington county. His wife was
a native of Ireland. She died on the farm which she and her husband had
developed and they both lie buried in Horseshoe cemetery in Carroll
Township.
Laura E. (Sprowls) Carson was born in West Pike Run township, Washington
county, November 5, 1871, a daughter of Asher and Eliza (Slusher) Sprowls,
both of whom also were natives of West Pike Run township, where they spent
their entire lives on a farm, and both are now deceased.
Roy I. Carson secured his early education in the public schools and the
Charleroi high school, from which he was graduated in 1909. He then entered
Washington and Jefferson College, from which he was graduated in 1913 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and while there he was affiliated with the
Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He then entered the law school of the University
of Pittsburgh and was graduated therefrom in 1916 with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. He was a member of the Delta Theta Phi fraternity of that
university. He was admitted to the bar of Washington County in September,
1916, and in October of that year was admitted to practice before the
superior and supreme courts of the state and the United States district
court. In September, 1916, Mr. Carson located in Charleroi and subsequently
entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he has continued to
this time. He is a man of marked ability, supplemented by a thorough and
liberal education, and has gained a splendid reputation as a lawyer of
ability and skill, building up a large and representative clientele.
His practice was interrupted when, on September 18, 1917, he enlisted for
service in the World war. He was for awhile in training at Camp Sherman,
Ohio, and was then made an instructor in infantry tactics at Camp Gordon,
Georgia, and Camp MacArthur, Waco, Texas. He was commissioned a second
lieutenant at Camp Sherman and was honorably discharged at Camp MacArthur,
December 5, 1918. He is now the solicitor for the Community Savings & Loan
Association of Charleroi, the First National Bank of Roscoe, and the
Boroughs of Charleroi, North Charleroi, Roscoe, Bentleyville and Twilight,
as well as for a number of townships and school districts. He is a hard
worker, an earnest and constant student of his profession and is closely
devoted to his professional work. He has been very successful and has
attained an enviable reputation among those who have knowledge of his career
since locating in this community.
Politically Mr. Carson is aligned with the democratic party and has served a
term as a member of the borough council. Fraternally he is a member of the
Charleroi Lodge, No. 615, Free and Accepted Masons; Monongahela Chapter, No.
249, Royal Arch Masons; McKean Commandery, No.80, Knights Templar; Valley
Council, No.49, Royal and Select Masters, at Donora; Syria Temple, Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh; Charleroi Lodge, No. 494, Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks; Charleroi Lodge, No. 1030, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows; Fallowfield Grange, No.1382, of which he was master; and
Charleroi Post, No.22, American Legion. He also belongs to the Charleroi
Rotary Club, Monongahela Valley Country Club and Nemacolin Country Club. He
is a member of Charleroi Chamber of Commerce, of which he has been a
director since its organization. His religious membership is with the First
Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleroi, of which he is trustee.
On May 15, 1917, Mr. Carson was married to Miss Violet Lutes, of Fallowfield
Township. She was born March 5, 1894, in East Pike Run Township, a daughter
of Leander and Mary (Carter) Lutes. Her father was born February 22, 1856,
in East Pike Run Township and died in Fallowfield Township, May 9, 1911. For
many years he was engaged in farming and stock raising but in later life was
engaged in the lumber and feed business in Charleroi. He was a democrat in
politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was born
January 1, 1863, in Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is now
living in Charleroi. Mrs. Carson received her educational training in the
public schools of East Pike Run and Fallowfield townships and in the
Charleroi high school and the Southwestern State Normal School at
California, from which she was graduated with the class of 1912. She later
took a course in art at Baylor University at Waco, Texas. She is an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to Chapter No. 122,
Order of the Eastern Star, and to the Athena Literary Club, both of
Charleroi. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are the parents of two children, namely:
Howard Francis, born November 9, 1919; and Roy Irwin, Jr., born November 9,
1921.
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Researching:
James CARSON (b.1824, Edinburgh, Scotland-d.c.1875, Kanawha Co. WV)
Elizabeth BLYTHE or Elizabeth PEACOCK (b.c.1824, Edinburgh Scotland)
..John B. CARSON (b.c.1845, Scotland-d. )m. Henreitta SEAFLER 08 AUG 1867
......Clara E. CARSON (b. 1870, Kanawha Co., WV)
......James C. CARSON (c. AUG 1869, WV)
......Charles CARSON (c. 1871, Kanawha Co., WV)
......Ida M. CARSON (c. 1872, Kanawha CO.,WV)
......John W.C. CARSON(c. 1875, Kanawha Co, WV)
......Herbert CARSON (c. 1878, Kanawha Co, WV)
......Barbara CARSON (c. 1880, Kanawha Co, WV)
..Elizabeth CARSON (b. 1847, Scotland-d.) m. Jabez HALL
..William B. CARSON (b.09 MAR 1853, Scotland-d.05 DEC 1939, Washington
Co.,PA)
..Grace M. CARSON-COPENHAVER (b.01 MAY 1855, Allegany Co.,MD-d.1932,
Washington Co.,PA)
..George B.CARSON (b.1858, Allegany Co., MD)
..Christina CARSON-GIBSON (b, 1860, Allegany Co., MD-d. Kanawha Co., WV)
..James M. CARSON (b.1862, Boone CO.,WV)
..David Blythe CARSON(b.24 FEB 1866, Kanawha Co., WV-d. 27 MAY 1955, Kanawha
Co.,WV)
..Mary CARSON-COPENHAVER (b.24 APR 1864, Kanawha Co.,WV-d.aft 1932,
Washington Co,PA)
Most of the CARSON's were located in the Elk District
They were probably Presbyterian. I have already contacted Maryland state
archives and Vital Statistics with no success. Contacted WV Archives &
History Center in Charleston with some success.
Family relocated to Elk District, Kanawha Co., (W)VA after 1860.
Would also like records access to Ship passenger lists from Scotland to
Baltimore after 1852.
My main objective is the birthplace in Allegany County of Grace M. Carson,
my great-grandmother. This would be accomplished bu contacting existing
CARSON descendants in the Charleston and Kanawha Co., WV area.
Locations of residence in townships or towns would be greatly appreciated.
email: dlcope(a)sgi.net
Access homepage URL to access the James CARSON genealogy data. Please sign
guestbook.
Dave Copenhaver Sr.
Monongahela, Washington Co., PA
Homepage :
http://members.xoom.com/dlcope/index.htm
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DB54-36 Deed
This deed made this 15th day of March 1885, by and between John B. Carson
Henretta Carson Jabe Hall and Elizabeth Hall his wife late Elizabeth Carson
Floyd Copenhaver and Grace, his wife (lat Grace Carson) D.S. Gibson and
Christiana, his wife (late) Christiana Carson George Copenhaver and Mary his
wife (late Mary Carson) and George Carson and Dora Carson his wife.
Children and Heirs at Law of James Carson deed of the first part and James
Carson and David Carson of the second half. All of Kanawha County WVA.
Witnesseth that for an in consideration of the sum of one humdred anforty
dollars cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the
parties of the first part have this day granted and by these presents do
grant bargain and sell and convey unto the partner of the second part, all
that certain piece parcel of tract of land situate lying and being in the
County of Kanawha of West Va on the north side of Elk River in said County
and being the same real estate that partner James Carson Decd died seized
and possessed on which was conveyed to the said James Carson decd by Deed
Jabe Hall and Elizabeth Hall his wife bearing date February 12th 1873 and
recorded in this clerks Office of Kanawha County Wva, in Deed Book No 30
page 473 & 4. To which Deed reference is here made for desribtion and the
said Deed is made part & parcel of this deed and being the same land and
title mentioned in said Deed John Hall & wife of the first includes the
interest in said estate that was conveyed to him or them by Wm Carson & wife
by Deed duly recorded in same office and is understood as conveying in this
Deed two shares to have and hold to them the parties of the second part
their heirs & forever threal estate hereby conveyed Together with all and
singular the appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining
and the parties of the first part covenant to warrant generally the property
hereby conveyed Witness the following Signature Seals.
John B. Carson
Heneretta Carson
Jabe Hall
Elizabeth Hall
W F Copenhaver
Grace Copenhaver
DS Gibson
Christina Gibson
George Copenhaver
Mary Copenhaver
Geo B. Carson
Dora Carson
State of West Virginia Kanawha County, SS:
I J.T. Copenhaver a notary Public of the said County, Do certify John B
Carson, Jabe Hall, George Copenhaver & Geor Carson whose names are signed to
the writing above bearing date on the 15th day of March 1885 have each on
this day acknowledged the same before me in my said County and I further do
certify that Heneretta Carson the wife of John B Carson, Grace Copenhaver
the wife of Wm F Copenhaver Elizabeth Hall the wife of Jabe Hall Mary
Copenhaver the wife of George Copenhaver and Dora Carson the wife of George
B Carson whose names names are sifned to the writing above bearing date on
the 15th day of march 1885 each personally before me in to County afore said
and being examined by me privily and apart from their husband and having the
said writing fully explained to them they the said Heneretta Carson Grace
Carson Elizabeth Heall Mary Copenhaver Dora Carson each acknowledged the
said writing and declared that they had willingly executed the same
State of West Virginia Kanawha County, SS:
I J. T. Copenhaver a notary Public of the said County do certify that
William F Copenhaver whose name is signed to the writing above bearing date
on the 15th day of March 1885, has this day acknowledged the same before me
in my said County Given under my hand this 23rd day of June 1885
J. T. Copenhaver Notary Public
Kanawha County Court Clerk's Office December 1st 1890.
This Deed was this day presented to me in my office and thereupon together
with the certificates thereto annexed is admitted to record.
Test J. W. Oshorn Clerk
Kanawha County Court
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GRACE M. CARSON OBITUARY - 1855-1932
Mrs. Copenhaver Died Saturday At Coal Center
Funeral services for Mrs. Grace Copenhaver, 77, who died Saturday at the
home of her son, Lawrence W. Copenhaver in Coal Center, were conducted
Monday afternoon at two-thirty o'clock at the place of death. Dr. Thomas G.
Hicks, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church was the officiating
clergyman. Interment was made in Howe's Cemetery.
Mrs. Copenhaver has been in failing health for some time. She was
particularly well known here having been a resident of the vicinity for the
past twenty-seven years. She was a member of the California M. E. church
and the Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by two sons, Lawrence W. Copenhaver of Coal Center and
Hubert L. Copenhaver of California; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Copenhaver,
California and Mrs. Christina Gibson, Charleston W. Va.; and two brothers,
William Carson, Charleroi and David Carson of Charleston.
Another son, Eldridge M. Copenhaver, former California burgess, died over a
year ago.
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WILLIAM B. CARSON
1853-1939
One of the community's oldest and best known residents, William B. Carson,
aged 86 years, died at 5:15 o,clock this morning, December 6, 1939 in the
home of a son, J. Elbert Carson, 612 Center avenue, North Charleroi.
Mr. Carson who came to Charleroi from Dunlevy thirty-nine years ago, was
born in Scotland on March 9, 1853, a son of James Carson and Mrs. Elizabeth
Blyth Carson.
He had been failing in health some time and his condition during the past
three months had been serious.
Mr. Carson was a retired grocery proprietor. For many years he conducted a
store where the C.L. Melenyzer building now stands. He was a devout
Christian and until his health failed he regularly attended services of the
Washington Avenue Presbyterian church, serving for a number of years on the
church board of elders. The Carson family is one of the most active in the
church's congregation.
Mrs. Carson, the formar Mary Stoffel, died November 8, 1934. Surviving are
five sons; George W. Carson of Charleroi, J. Elbert Carson of North
Charleroi, S. Edward Carson of Fallowfield township, J. Fred Carson of North
Charleroi, and W. Earl Carson of Belle Vernon; two daughters, Mrs. James
Johns of Clover Hill, and Mrs. Frank Crise of Bentleyville; one brother,
David Carson of Charleston, W. Va.; one sister, Mrs. Christina Gibson, of
Charleston, W. Va.; twenty-six grandchildren and thirteen great
grandchildren.
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CARSON-William B. Carson, aged 86, died at 5:15 o'clock the morning of
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1939, at his home in 612 Center Avenue, North Charleroi.
Death followed an illness of three months. Friends will be received at the
late home until 2 o'clock Friday afternoon when services will be held; the
Reverand F. S. Montgomery officiating. Interment will be made in the
Monongahela Cemetery. Lawrence B. Frye, funeral director in charge.
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ELDRIDGE MANSFIELD COPENHAVER
The man who has made a success of life and won the honor and esteem of his
fellowmen deserved more than passing notice, and in this class stands
Eldridge M. Copenhaver, a well known citizen of California, Washington
County, where for more than twenty years he has held an important and
responsible position. By a life of persistent and well applied energy and
commendable industry along well defined lines he has earned the right to be
classed with the progressive and public-spirited men of his county who have
made their influence felt in their respective communities.
Mr. Copenhaver was born at Charleston, West Virginia, on the 30th of April,
1887, and is a son of Floyd and Grace (Carson) Copenhaver. His father also
was a native of the Mountain state, born June 7, 1852, and there followed
the vocation of farming. He is a republican in his political views. He is
the son of Thomas Copenhaver, who was born in Germany in 1824, and came to
this country, settling in Nicholas county, West Virginia, where he farmed
and also worked at surveying. He was a republican and a member of the
Baptist church. Grace Carson was born near Baltimore, Maryland, May 1,
1855, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Blyth/Peacock) Carson. James
Carson was born at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1824, and died in 1875. After
coming to this country he devoted his attention to mining and became a mine
superintendent. During the Civil war he joined the Union army and served
valiantly in defense of his adopted country. His political allegiance was
given to the republican party, and his religious faith was that of the
Presbyterian church, as was that of his wife. She too was a native of
Scotland and died in December, 1853. James Carson was the son of Alexander
Carson, who died in 1855 on his way to this country.
Eldridge M. Copenhaver attended the public schools and then took a course in
electrical engineering at Scranton, Pennsylvania, followed by two years in
the mining school at California. He did first aid work for five years and
then for a time was employed in the electrical department of mines in this
vicinity. For more than twenty years he has served as electrical foreman for
the Vesta Coal Company, his long retention in this important position
attesting his ability and faithfulness. He is thoroughly qualified
technically and devotes himself indefatigably to the performance of his
duties, the welfare and prosperity of the mines in his care being largely
dependent upon his attention to the electrical service.
Politically, Mr. Copenhaver has always given his support to the Republican
Party and has served as Burgess of California, giving an able and
businesslike administration of the town's affairs. Fraternally he is a
member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is a member of Syria Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh; the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics; and the Chamber of Commerce. Religiously he is an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal church at California, being a
member of its official board, belonging also to the Men's Bible class and
the Epworth League. He has been deeply interested in work among the boys
and is a member of the troop committee of the Boy Scouts. He is a member of
the National Reform Association of Pittsburgh and takes a commendable
interest in every movement of an uplifting character, as well as in all
measures proposed for the betterment of his own community.
Mr. Copenhaver was married May 3, 1911, at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, to
Miss Pearl Kiesling, who was born October 16, 1889, in Lawrence county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wehyman) Kiesling. Her father
was born in Germany, March 17, 1853, came to America in 1866 and settled in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade, that of a
plasterer. He was a republican and a member of the German Lutheran church.
His wife was born in Pennsylvania, June 4, 1856, a daughter of John and
Elizabeth (Shipper) Wehyman, the former of whom was a native of
Pennsylvania, and died in 1885. He was a farmer by vocation, a republican in
his political views and a member of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Copenhaver was
educated in the public schools of Ellwood City, graduating from the high
school, and she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and its
auxiliary societies. To Mr. and Mrs. Copenhaver have been born three
children, namely: Harold Ray, born April 15, 1913; Edna Mae, born August 22,
1918; and Paul Eldridge, born August 15, 1921. Mr. Copenhaver is a man of
courteous and gentlemanly manner, kindly and genial in his social relations
and generous in his support of all worthy benevolent causes, and no one in
the community stands higher in popular esteem and confidence than he.
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IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL RITES IN HONOR OF LATE BURGESS
HUNDREDS PAY RESPECT AT CHURCH AND CEMETERY
F. Lawson Teets, Former California Pastor, Eulogizes Character and
Accomplishments In Sermon
Masonic Rites Held At Cemetery
The entire comminity suffered a shock last Sunday evening at the news that
Burgess Eldridge Mansfield Copenhaver had been overtaken by sudden death.
Telephone wires were busy until far into the night as residence of
California and vicinity made inquiries in the hope that the sad news might
turn out to be an unfounded rumor. It was difficult for people to convince
themselves that their esteemed fellow townsman who had been seen on the
streets in what was apparently his usual state of health could have passed
away.
As Burgess Copenhaver died before a physician could be summoned, it is
impossible to say what the exact cause of his death. He had complained some
during the last two or three weeks about not feeling very well but had been
at work every day and been seen about town in the evenings. On Sunday he
went to Pittsburgh to see his brother, Hubert, who had been a patient in
South Side Hospital for some time. While it was been stated he was not
feeling well, those who made the trip with him said that he seemed to be in
an unusally good humor. He laughed and joked with his brother and the other
members of the party as he seemed to be his usual self. Arriving in
California on Sunday evening he complained ---- have been indigestion and --
down on the couch at his home. According to his mother (Grace M.
CARSON-COPENHAVER)who was the only person with him at the time he gave one
gasp and passed away.
Mr. Copenhaver was born April 30, 1887 and dies Sunday, January 18, 1931.
That made his age at the time of death 43 years, - months, and -- days.
Early in life he was married to Pearl Kiesling ------death, dying three yeas
ago last December.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Copenhaver; Harold Ray, Edna Mae,
and Paul, and these three survive their father. The son Harold is the
eldest and is a student in the California High School. His brother and
sister are both younger than he and are grade school pupils. The sympathy
of the entire town goes out to the children who were bereft of both parents.
Their aged grandmother remains with them.
The deceased was in the midst of his second term as Burgess of the Borough
of California. He had served his community faithfully and well dealing with
intricately difficult problems as he presided with strict justice and
fairness during a hard fought coal strike and coped with the ever present
problem of law enforcement. It can truthfully be said of him that the best
interests of his community were contunually uppermost in his mind.
He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and had been made a Noble of
the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics. Hw was also a devout churchman belonging to the First
Methodist Episcopal Church. of California where he rendered faithful and
efficient service as a member of the Official Board.
Funeral services sere held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church on
Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. The Rev Harry Allan Price was in
charge of the service and the music was furnished by the church choir under
the direction of Prof. E.E. Halstead. The sermon was preached by the
Reverand F. Lawson Teets, a former California Methodist pastor and a close
friend of the Copenhaver family. He delivered an eloquent and masterly
funeral address which will not be forgotten by those who heard it. He
alluded to the distinguished character of the service which the decesed had
always rendered to his church and to his community. The funeral was one of
the largest ever held in California, the church being crowded to
overflowing. There was a Masonic buriel service at the grave following the
ritual of the church.
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