Coppock, Sr., John

COPPOCK, NEAL

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 9/9/2020 at 14:46:56

John Coppock, Sr., deceased, was both an early settler of Henry and Washington Counties, Iowa. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, Jan. 13, 1819, where he grew to manhood, was educated in the common school, and on the 12th day of December, 1839, married Miss Hannah Neal, also a native of Miami County, born Oct. 19, 1823, and the daughter of Benjamin and Susanna Neal, who were among the earliest pioneers of Ohio. In the fall of 1842 Mr. and Mrs. Coppock left Ohio and came to Iowa, coming through with teams, and being about three weeks in making the journey. They settled in the northwest corner of Henry County, where Mr. Coppock purchased a tract of land, improved a farm and remained eight years. They then came to Washington County and located on section 36, of Brighton Township, where he again opened up a farm. Soon after coming to this place he built a small sawmill on Skunk River, which was torn down in 1862; he also erected a gristmill.

In early life Mr. Coppock was an old-line Whig, and a great admirer of Henry Clay. Holding strong anti-slavery views, when the Republican party was organized he became an advocate of its principles, and continued to vote with that party until his death. Religiously, in later life he was a member of the Church of God. He was a kind husband and an indulgent father, one who stood high in the esteem of the people, being honest and upright in all his dealings.

The family of John Coppock included fourteen children, but eight of whom are now living: William, now residing in this county; Thomas residing in Grove County, Kan.; Nancy, at home; Hannah, the wife of N. C. Essley, of Washington County; Alza, at home; Maggie, the wife of C. E. McKinsey, of Henry County, Iowa. John, now residing on the old place; Luella, the wife of F. S. Kiner, of Henry County, Iowa; Mrs. Coppock is still living with her son on the old homestead, and is a well-preserved woman of sixty-four years.

John Coppock, the son of our subject, and owner and proprietor of the Coppock Mills, was born in Washington County, Iowa, July 2, 1862. Here he grew to manhood and was educated in the district schools at Washington, where his parents lived for seven years. When twenty-one years old he purchased the mill, and has continued to operate it ever since. The mill is one of the best in Washington County, 40x50 feet, six and a half stories high, and together with the dam, cost $10,000. Mr. Coppock is a young man, full of energy, a good business man in every respect, and one who doubtless has a bright future before him.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of John Coppock, Sr., page 208.