Information about William Brownlow Copeland is found in the document, "Biographies of Wayne County People," from "Who's Who in Tennessee - A Biographical Reference of Notable Tennesseans of Today," published by Paul Douglas 1911. It states, "William Brownlow Copeland, farmer, born Martin Mills, Tn., May 16, 1867, Scotch-Irish descent; son of James D. and Caroline Williams Copeland: paternal grandparents James and Katie Gillis Copeland, maternal grandparents Jack and Rebecca Williams; received common school education; entered farming early in life; married Janie Lawson, Sept., 15, 1887; member Masons, I.O.O.F., W.O.W., and M.W. of A., Republican; former Trustee for Wayne Co. Tn., two terms; member M.E. church."

William Brownlow Copeland was the son of James Dugal and Joiphine williams Copeland. He married Janie Lawson on 15 Sept., 1887. They were the parents of 13 children:

- infant son 1889-1889
- Homer Polk 1890-1890
- Mary Clura
- Mandy Ada, Myrl, and Myrtly 23, 1894-1894 (triplet daughters)
- Charles Baker "Carl" 1896-1953
- Ollie Belle 1898- 1979 m. Jetty Raymond Darby
- Lizzie Viola 1899
- Lewis Alvis
- infant son 1903-1903
- Opal Brownlow
- infant son 1910-1910
Only five of these children lived to adulthood.

William Brownlow Copeland is found in the following US Federal Census records:
- 1880 for Wayne Co., Tn with his parents and six siblings
- 1900 for Wayne Co., Tn with his spouse, four childre, occupation farmer
- 1910 for Wayne Co., Tn with his spouse, five children, occupation farmer
- 1920 for Wayne Co., Tn with his spouse, four children, occupation farmer
- 1930 for Birmingham, Jefferson Co., Ala with his spouse and two children. occupation deputy

- compiled by Gaynelle Hobt Morton
- revised April, 2019