MEMORIES OF MY GRANDFATHER COPELAND

I’ve entitled this blog “At My Grandfather’s Knee” in honor of Jacob Whitaker Copeland, who  lived from 1883 to 1962.  My grandfather...was my hero, and most beloved relative.   We lived in the same town, Salem, Missouri, and it seems like I lived at his and my Grandmother’s house as much as I lived in my own home with my parents. 

A visit to my grandparents' house was never complete without me sitting on my grandfather’s knee and listening raptly to a family story of “the old days” or to a funny song he had made up, which always made me laugh hysterically. Then we would get into his old pick-up where my job was to sit in the floor and push the starter button - and off we would go to town!

At age 59 I’ve forgotten more than I can remember of my childhood days, but these faded memories of times with my grandfather still linger. I  still remember bits and pieces of his stories - tales of found gold, bushwhackers, and a horse coming home after the Civil War. I long to take these stories out from wherever they're hiding in my mind and thrill once again at their telling. To hear his voice as he recalls those stories of long ago days that have now faded from my mind like a pleasant dream the morning after. And most of all, to find myself once again on his knee while he recants a story, with a twinkle in his eyes, that I've asked him to repeat oh so many times before.

Ours was a close family. As an only child I especially enjoyed the visits of my aunts and uncles and cousins when they would come from the city to visit the grandparents. Most of us have remained close to this day - a testament to this humble but beloved pair.

So it is in honor of my grandfather, Whit Copeland - the inspiration for my 40-year search of our family’s history - that I dedicate this blog.  He continues to inspire me from the other side, planting seeds that take root and grow into a quest to discover my family heritage.

A special thanks to Jeff Copeland - a dear cousin and professional writer - for helping me with this first post.