History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

SIMPSON COPPLE AND FAMILY                1886

     Simpson Copple began life in Marion County, Illinois, July 12, 1842. His parents were of German descent and natives of North Carolina.
     The Civil War began when Simpson was nineteen years of ago and still studying in the public schools but he enlisted in Company C. Eleventh Illinois Infantry under Capt. George C. McKee, serving through most of the war. He participated in the fight at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Pittsburg Landing where he was wounded and most of his regiment were killed. His regiment was among the first to occupy Vicksburg. On August 15, 1863 he was honorably discharged at Vicksburg and went from there to Indianapolis where he attended school and looked after his brother's family until his brother was discharged from the army. He cast his first vote for President for Abraham Lincoln. After the close of the war he studied and taught school in various places.
     At Centralis, Illinois, on June 15, 1868, he married hiss Alice Williamson who was born in Vermillion County, Illinois.
     After his marriage he engaged in farming until 1886 when he sold his farm and removed to Hood River, arriving there Oct. 10 of that year. He bought a squatter's right and located on the land and improved it and when the land reverted to the government from the railroad, he homesteaded it and continued his improvements, so that by the time he was able to prove up and secure title, he had a fine productive farm that furnished an ample living for his family.
     Mr. and Mrs. Copple have raised a fine family of ten children. They are a credit to any community.

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