BIRTH OF RODNEY LEROY COPELAND:
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 30 Oct 1905, Mon. Page 1
"WELCOME ADDITION - An addition was made to the city fire department Sunday in the person of a nine-pound boy, who arrived that day at the home of Frank Copeland driver of one of the wagons. It is stated that the lad has a lusty pair of lungs, and that he needs no trumpet to give his parents their orders."

1910 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 3, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 1813 Lafayette Avenue
Household:
Frank Copeland (39)
Fannie Copeland, Wife (27)
RODNEY COPELAND, Son (4)
Effia(e) Copeland, Daughter (2)
Sarah Copeland, Daughter (1)

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 22 Dec 1917, Sat. Page 2
"Dear Santa Claus: I want for Christmas a BB gun and some BB's and a pocketbook and some candy. Your friend, RODNEY COPELAND, 2205 West Broadway."

1920 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon Ward 4, Coles, Illinois
Residence: 2205 West Broadway
Household:
Frank Copeland (43)
Fannie Copeland, Wife (37)
RODNEY L COPELAND, Son (14) - Speaks English: Yes - Attended School: Yes
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Effy L Copeland, Daughter (12)
Sarah E Copeland, Daughter (10)
Richard L Copeland, Son (9)
Frank K Copeland, Son (7)

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 31 Oct 1921, Mon., Page 6
"FOR HER GUESTS -- Miss Cleo Jeffries gave a Halloween party on Saturday evening at her home, 2122 Charleston, in honor of her guest, Miss Nona Leechman of Terre Haute. All went in masque attire, and after a period of guessing as to the identify of each one, the masks were removed and the evening was spent with games and music. Refreshments were served by the hostess. Those present were Misses ... Effie Copeland, Sara Copeland, .. Messrs. .. Rodney Copeland, .."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Mon. Dec 10, 1923, Page 10
"BIRTHDAY PARTY (Grandmother) --Sunday being the birthday anniversary of Mrs. E. D. Thomas, she was given a surprise in the morning by a number of relatives, who gathered at her home, 1105 Richmond Avenue, to spend the day with her. ... Those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William French and children, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, Miss Gladys Maxedon, Miss Minnie Bresee and Arthur Thomas. RODNEY COPELAND of Neoga was an out-of-town guest."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu. Jul 3, 1924, Page 6
"BIRTHDAY PARTY (Grandfather) --A party was given on Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, Mrs. Thomas entertaining quite a company of guests in honor of Mr. Thomas' birthday anniversary. .. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bresee, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Beals, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Beals, Mr. and Mrs. William French, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. COPELAND, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Johnson, Mrs. Margaret Russell, Misses Minnie Bresee, Edna, Betty and Mildred Beals, EFFIE COPELAND, SARA COPELAND, Charlene French and Gladys Maxedon; .. RODNEY COPELAND, RICHARD COPELAND, KENNETH COPELAND, Morton Leonard, Arthur Thomas, Monroe French, Will French. The out-of-town guests were Mrs. Sallie Beals and Miss Lucile Beals of Trilla and Mrs. Ella Hayes of Alton."

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney Copeland - Occupation: Laborer
Residence Year: 1927 - Street Address: 1105 Richmond Avenue - Residence Place: Mattoon, IL, USA
NOTE: Home of his grandmother, Millie Sarah Thomas
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1927

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 12 Dec 1927, Mon., Page 4
"SURPRISE MRS. THOMAS (Grandmother) -- A surprise was tendered Mrs. M. S. Thomas, 1105 Richmond Avenue, on Sunday by her children and a number of friends in honor of her birthday anniversary. Dinner was served at noon. Mrs. Thomas was remembered with a number of gifts from those present and from those children living at a distance and not able to attend.

Those present were KENNETH COPELAND of Neoga, Mr. and Mrs. W. M French and children William, Monroe and Charlene; Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Thomas, Mrs. T. W. Jones and RODNEY COPELAND."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Tue. Aug. 6, 1929, Page 6
"HOSPITAL NOTES -- RODNEY COPELAND, of 513 North Thirty-second Street, underwent today an operation for appendicitis."

1930 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 513 North 32nd Street, Mattoon, Illinois
Household:
Frank M Copeland (60)
Fannie Copeland, Wife (47)
Rodney Copeland, Son (23) - Occupation: Fireman - Industry: City Fire Department
Sarah Copeland, Daughter (21)
Kenneth Copeland, Son (18)

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Fri., Jun 20, 1930, Page 9
"ATTEND FIREMEN'S SCHOOL - Chief Weaver of the fire department went to Urbana again today to attend the state school for firemen. This time he was accompanied by Rodney Copeland and Bert Harvey, two of the younger members of the department."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 2 May 1932, Mon., Page 1
NEW MEMBERS CITY COUNCIL TAKE SEATS - Mayor Announces His List of Appointments - Mayor's Appointees: Chief of Police: Leonard Galey - Fire Chief: J. C. Weaver - City Attorney: Charles W. Fletcher - ... Firemen: Charles Haskell, Fred Joseph, Howard Gwinn, C. E. ..., Richard Taylor, T. B. Harvey, Merle C. Storm and John Storm - Extra Fireman: Rodney Copeland.

MARRIAGE OF RODNEY COPELAND and LEONA HENDERSON:
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Sat. Aug. 12, 1933, Page 4
"COPELAND-HENDERSON

Rodney Copeland and Miss Leona Henderson, both of this city, were married in Effingham on Wednesday at the Methodist Episcopal Church parsonage. Rev. Cullison officiated.

Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have returned to this city to make their home. Mr. Copeland is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, 513 North Thirty-second Street, and his bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Henderson, 217 DeWitt Avenue."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Wed., Aug 30, 1933, Page 6
MISCELLANEOUS SHOWER - A miscellaneous shower was given on Monday evening at the home of Mrs. Charles H. Henderson, 217 DeWitt Avenue, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Copeland, who were recently married. Mrs. Copeland was formerly, Miss Leona Henderson. They were showered with many gifts. .. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Thomas and son, Billy, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Thomas, ..., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henderson, Mrs. Mildred Thomas and son, Wilbur, ..."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 17 May 1939, Wed., Page 8
"MRS. LEONA COPELAND IS GRANTED DIVORCE - Mrs. Leona Copeland was granted a divorce from Rodney Copeland Tuesday by Judge Jacob Berkowitz in the Mattoon City Court. Mrs. Copeland's maiden name, Leona Henderson, was restored. Mr. and Mrs. Copeland were married in Effingham Aug. 9, 1933. They separated in June, 1935."

1940 U.S. Federal Census - Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA
Residence: 513 North 32nd Street, Mattoon, Illinois; Rodney was living in the household of his parents.
Inferred Residence in 1935: Mattoon, Coles, Illinois
Household:
Frank M Copeland (68) - Head
Fannie A Copeland, Wife (58)
Rodney Copeland, Son (35) - DIVORCED - Occupation: Truck Driver - Industry: Wholesale Beer - Highest Grade Complete: Elementary School, 8th Grade.
Ora Hammand [Hammett], Sister of Frank Copeland (73)

U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney L Copeland - Occupation: Salesman for Mid-State Beverage Company
Residence Year: 1940 - Street Address: 513 N 32nd - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1940

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Rodney Copeland - Birth Year: 1905 - Race: White - Nativity State or Country: Illinois
State of Residence: Illinois - County or City: Coles - Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942 - Enlistment State: Illinois - Enlistment City: Chicago
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA - Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA - Grade: Private - Grade Code: Private - Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law. - Component: Selectees (Enlisted Man)
Source: Civil Life - Education: Grammar School - Civil Occupation: Semiskilled chauffeurs and drivers, bus, taxi, truck, and tractor - Marital Status: Divorced, without dependents - Height: 72 - Weight: 178 lbs.

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Fri., Dec 4, 1942, Page 4
"CORP. RODNEY COPELAND - Rodney Copeland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copeland, 513 North Thirty-second Street, has been promoted to corporal in the U.S. Army, according to information received by his parents. Corporal Copeland, who was inducted March 30, has been in Hawaii since mid-May."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu., Jul 20, 1944, Page 2
"SERGT. RODNEY L. COPELAND - Rodney L. Copeland, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland, 513 North Thirty-second Street, has been promoted from corporal to sergeant."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Fri., May 4, 1945, Page 6
"Sergt. Rodney Copeland, who recently returned from 34 months' overseas duty, has returned to Ft. Sheridan after spending a 45-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Copeland and other relatives and friends."

U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
Name: Rodney L. Copeland - Enlistment Date: 30 Mar 1942 - Discharge Date: 17 Sep 1945

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Wed., Apr 10, 1946, Page 4
".. The Commission approved the appointment of Rodney Copeland as a regular member of the Fire Department. Copeland has been serving as a part time member for several months. .."

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney L Copeland - Occupation: City Firefighter
Residence Year: 1950 - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA - Rodney L. Copeland living at 513 N. 32nd with his parents, Frank M and Fannie A. Copeland.
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1950

MARRIAGE OF RODNEY COPELAND to MRS. BLANCHE SPURGEON:
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 28 Sep 1950, Thu., Page 12
"LICENSED TO WED - Rodney L. Copeland, legal, and Mrs. Blanche Spurgeon, legal, both of Mattoon."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 2 Oct, 1950, Mon., Page 7
"SOCIAL NEWS - SPURGEON-COPELAND - Mrs. Blanche Spurgeon and Rodney L. Copeland were united in marriage at two thirty o'clock Wednesday afternoon in the Christian church in Charleston.

Rev. Paul Hubele officiated at the ceremony and Mrs. Onie Rodgers of this city and R. T. Woods of Charleston were the attendants.

Mr. Copeland is city fireman at station two on South Eighteenth Street. They are residing at 1500 Richmond Avenue."

DEATH OF FATHER: FRANK MEADE COPELAND
Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Wed., Apr 23, 1952, Page 1
"Frank Meade Copeland, 82, of 513 N. 32nd Street, who was the second oldest member of Mattoon's volunteer fire department still living, died in Memorial Hospital at 1 a.m. today. .. Besides his wife, Mr. Copeland is survived by three sons, Rodney, Richard and Kenneth, all of Mattoon; two daughters, Mrs. George Gamble of Des Plaines and Mrs. Kermit C. Reid of Mattoon; .. a sister, Mrs. Ora Hammett, of Mattoon."

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney L Copeland - Occupation: Driver for Wades Korner
Residence Year: 1953 - Street Address: 513 North 32nd - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA (Home of his widowed mother, Fannie A. Copeland.)
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1953
It is noted that Blanche Copeland is living at 420 Illinois Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois. It is unknown when they separated or divorced.

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Thu., Aug 25, 1955, Page 1
".. Stevens (chairman of the board of fire and police commissioners) .. announced that Rodney Copeland has been granted a permanent commission as fireman effective Sept. 1. Copeland has served with the department on a temporary appointment. .."

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney L Copeland - Occupation: City Firefighter
Residence Year: 1957 - Street Address: 513 North 32nd - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA (Home of his widowed mother, Fannie A. Copeland.)
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1957

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) Tue., May 13, 1958, Page 3
"ATTEND STEAK FRY AT FIRE STATION - Twenty-four persons attended a charcoal steak fry Monday night at No. 1 fire station in city hall. Present were Mayor Morgan F. Phipps, Sheriff LeRoy Boggs, Fire Chief L. E. Weaver, Commissioner Gene Alexander, Rodney Copeland, Mark McAndrew, Bryan McCoy, Dean Elder. Urban Raef, CPO Alvin Andrews, ..."

U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 - Name: Rodney L. Copeland - Occupation: City Firefighter
Residence Year: 1959 - Street Address: 513 North 32nd - Residence Place: Mattoon, Illinois, USA - (Home of his widowed mother, Fannie A. Copeland)
Publication Title: Mattoon, Illinois, City Directory, 1959

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 7 Aug 1963, Wed., Page 5
"GRANTED LEAVE - Fireman Rodney Copeland has been granted sick leave for July 16-31 by the City Council. He recently injured his back, according to Fire Chief L. E. Weaver."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 26 Mar 1966, Sat., Page 3
"AUTOS COLLIDE - Autos driven by Howard L. Cordes, 22, of 1013 Champaign, and Rodney L. Copeland, 60, of 513 N. 32nd, collided at 9:59 p.m. Friday at 14th and DeWitt, according to police. No injuries were reported."

DEATH OF MOTHER: FANNIE ADELINE THOMAS COPELAND
"Mrs. Fannie Adeline Copeland, 87, of Mattoon died 7:30 p.m. Friday, Mattoon Memorial Hospital; born Trilla; married Frank M. Copeland June 3, 1903, Mattoon; .. leaves sons Rodney L., Richard T., both of Mattoon; Kenneth F., Huntsville, Mo.; daughters, Mrs. Effie Gamble, Sacramento, Calif.; Mrs. Sara Reid, Mattoon; brother Clark A. Thomas, Stockton, Calif.; sister, Mrs. Claudia McLain, Portland, Ore.; .."

DEATH OF BROTHER: FRANK KENNETH COPELAND
"Frank Kenneth Copeland, 60, of Huntsville, Mo., formerly of Mattoon died 11:30 a.m. Monday, Medical Center, Columbia, Mo.; born in Wadsworth, Tex.; married Bernadine Carlyle, Sept. 26, 1931; leaves wife; son, James Copeland, Moberly, Mo.; brothers, Richard and Rodney, both of Mattoon; sisters, Mrs. Sarah Ellen Reid, Mattoon; Mrs. Effie Gamble, Rancho Cordova, Calif.; .."

U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
Name: Rodney Copeland - Birth Date: 29 Oct 1905 - Death Date: 15 Dec 1978 - Enlistment Date 1: 30 Mar 1942 - Release Date 1: 17 Sep 1945

U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Rodney Copeland - Born: 29 Oct 1905 - Died: Dec 1978
Last Residence: 61938 Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA - Last Benefit: 61938, Mattoon, Coles, Illinois, USA

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 16 Dec 1978, Sat., Page 5
"FUNERAL - COPELAND, Rodney Leroy: Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home with Dr. Floy Ekin officiating. Interment in Dodge Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Sunday - MITCHELL-JERDAN"

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 16 Dec 1978, Sat., Page 5
"LOCAL DEATHS - RODNEY LEROY COPELAND - MATTOON -- Rodney Leroy Copeland, 73, of 513 N. 32nd was found dead at his residence at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec 15, 1978). Death was due to natural causes.

Mr. Copeland retired in 1976 after a 30-year career as a Mattoon fireman. He was a driver for Hayes Freight Lines from 1928 to 1941.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home with Dr. Floy Ekin officiating. Burial will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Sunday.

Mr. Copeland was born Oct. 29, 1905, in Mattoon, a son of Frank Meade and Fannie Adeline Thomas Copeland.

A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Mattoon Firefighters Association and Lawrence Riddle American Legion Post No. 88 of Mattoon.

He is survived by a brother, Richard T. of Route 1, Mattoon; and two sisters, Mrs. Sara E. Reid of Mattoon and Mrs. George (Effie) Gamble of Sacramento, Calif.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister."

Herald and Review (Decatur, Illinois) 17 Dec 1978, Sun., Page 40
"COPELAND - Rodney Leroy Copeland, 73, of Mattoon died 7:30 p.m. Friday (Dec 15, 1978) in his home.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday in Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, Mattoon, with visitation after 6 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery, Mattoon.

Mr. Copeland was born in Mattoon, son of Frank Meade and Fannie Copeland. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mattoon, veteran of World War II, a member of Lawrence Riddle Post 88 of the American Legion, Mattoon. He was a retired Mattoon fire fighter and member of the Mattoon Fire Fighters Association.

Surviving are brother, Richard T. of Mattoon; sisters, Mrs. Sara E. Reid of Mattoon; Mrs. George (Effie) Gamble of Sacramento, Calif.

One brother and one sister preceded him in death."

Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois) 21 Dec 1978, Thu., Page 5
"FUNERAL SERVICES - MATTOON -- The funeral of Rodney Leroy Copeland was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home with Rev. G. Albert Murphy officiating. Burial was in Dodge Grove Cemetery.

Mrs. Virginia Barrow, organist, played "The Old Rugged Cross" "Abide Wit Me" and "Beyond the Sunset."

Pallbearers were Roy Sparks, Joe Finnegan, Bill Dalton, Lloyd Ring, Dale Price and Bob James.

Mr. Copeland, 73, of 513 N. 32nd died Dec. 15, 1978, in his home."