Michael,

I don't have much personal information about Stephen Copeland except he was a Captain during the Revolutionary War and a Colonel in the War of 1812.

The information I have is that he was married to Sarah Jane Townsend ( daughter of John ). She was born 11-10-1756 in North Carolina and died 8-11-1866 in Overton Co., TN

Stephen came to Overton Co. with his son Joseph "Big Joe" Copeland from Jefferson Co,. NC in the spring of 1799. After finding a suitable homesite, they returned to North Carolina to get the rest of his family.

Stephen became friends with a local Indian chief "Nettle Carrier" and was given permision to settle on their lands. They were the first settlers in the area and one of Stephens children, Soloman was the first white child born in that part of the country. Stephen was probably born in
Virginia. There are sources that say Chatham Co., NC.

This is from "The History of Bethlehem Church And Early Settlers 1776-1976" by Orpha Haisell of Livingston, TN 1978.

If I can be any help, don't hesitate to ask.

Billy D. CArr
bcarr@neo.lrun.com