James M. Coplin, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
James M. Coplin
HEBRON, Ind. -- Died, at the home of his son in Hebron, Nov. 24th, James M. Coplin, aged 47 years, 9 months and 23 days. He was born in Laporte Co., Ind., March 31, 1844, and was married to Olive Ocker August, 1865. To this union were born three children. The wife and one son survive him, the other two being dead. He leaves five brothers and two sisters, who mourn for him. He enlisted in the 87th Indiana Infantry in the spring of 1862, and served 14 months, when he was honorably discharged on account of sickness weighing when enlisted about 190 pounds, and when discharged was so reduced by sickness that his weight barely reached a hundred pounds and the disease which he had contracted remained with him and from its effects death resulted. He was a member of Walter's Post, 229, G. A. R., being one of its charter members, and was one of its most devoted workers. His funeral occurred on Nov. 27th, the services being held in the M. E. church, Rev. J. B. Sites officiating. The services were opened by the beautiful ritual services of the G. A. R. the body was conveyed to the cemetery south of town and was there laid to rest. The last sad rites were held at the grave by the G. A. R. who followed their comrade to his last resting place. Mr. Copli was an affectionate father and a loving husband, highly respected by friends and neighbors, and his presence will be missed in our community, as well as by his comrades in the G. A. R. post. He was a brave soldier, and loved his country dearly, and loved to listen to war songs especially the one that was sung at his funeral with telling effect by Mrs. Carrie Hubbard, of which the following are some of the beautiful words:
"O, I had thought to greet you boys,
On many a well-won field,
When to our starry banner, boys,
The traitorous foe should yield.
But now, alas, I am denied
My dearest earthly prayer.
You'll follow and you'll meet the foe,
But I shall not be there.
But though my body moulders, boys,
My spirit will be free,
And every comrade's honor, boys,
Will still be dear to me.
There in the thick and bloody fight,
Ne'er let your ardor lag,
For I'll be there still hovering near,
Above the dear old flag.
So wrap the flag around me, boys;
To die were far more sweet,
With Freedom's starry emblem, boys,
To be my winding sheet."
(Laporte Herald please copy.)
Newspaper: The Tribune
Date of Publication: December 4, 1891
Volume Number: 8
Issue Number: 34
Page: 1
Column(s): 2
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook