MR. AND MRS. THOMAS COPELAND
Their son Thomas Copeland was but two years of age when the family came from Oregon to Washington, so that he was reared and educated in Walla Walla county. He pursued his studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses of that early period. The methods of instruction, too, were somewhat primitive and thus his opportunities in that direction were restricted but his training in farm work was of an extensive character. He remained at home until he attained his majority, after which he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and adding to his possessions at intervals as his financial resources have increased, he has become the owner of over three thousand acres of rich, arable and valuable land. He has made a specialty of raising wheat and also of raising stock. He keeps full bred Hereford cattle and also Clydesdale and Percheron horses upon his place. His stock raising interests have become an important feature of his business and add materially to his annual income. Moreover, his farm is situated in the rich wheat belt of the Inland Empire and his yearly grain crop is a most satisfactory one. In addition to his other interests Mr. Copeland is a stockholder in the Third National Bank of Walla Walla, of which he was one of the organizers.
In March, 1887, Mr. Copeland wedded Miss Minnie Harman, who was born in the state of New York, a daughter of William Harman, who came to Walla Walla at a very early day and continued his residence here until called to the home beyond. To Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been born four children: Ralph and Clara, at home; Martha, who died at the age of nineteen years; and Glenn, who completes the family.
In politics Mr. Copeland is a stalwart republican and while not an office seeker he has served for twenty-seven years on the school board, the cause of education finding in him indeed a stalwart champion. He belongs to Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and in his life exemplifies the spirit of the organization, which is based upon the recognition of man's obligations to his fellowmen. His life has been well spent and has gained for him the goodwill and honor of his fellowmen. In business affairs he has always displayed sound judgment and keen discrimination and has readily discerned the essential elements in the successful conduct of any business transaction. His plans have ever been well defined and carefully executed and he never stops short of the accomplishment of his purpose, for he recognizes the fact that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed he can carve out other paths which will lead to the desired goal. He has become connected with a number of important enterprises in this county aside from his farming interests and his business activity makes him a valued and substantial citizen of his district.
THE WALLA WALLA UNION.
One of the pioneers of Walla Walla, getting younger and more vigorous with the passing of years, is the Walla Walla Union, established in 1869 and published continuously ever since. A little four-page weekly, hand set, and with a small circulation at that time, the Union has developed into a metropolitan daily, carrying full, leased-wire Associated Press service and is equipped with modern linotypes and fast rotary presses. The Union has been a part of the community life of Walla Walla for nearly a half century and while in the struggles of early pioneer life it suffered many hardships in common with many of the citizens that it has served during a lifetime, it has grown in strength with the community until today it is a part of the solid worth of the Inland Empire. The Union is the only morning newspaper published within a radius of nearly one hundred miles of Walla Walla. The Union is published by a corporation of which E. G. Robb is president, D. W. Ifft business manager and B. E. La Due managing editor.