DR. W. A. COPELAND. Fortunate as it is in its older physicians, Reynolds County is no less fortunate in the bright galaxy of younger physicians and surgeons, who, during the past few years, have made a reputation for themselves and added luster to the professional status of the county and State. One of the best known of the latter class is Dr. W. A. Copeland, of Barnesville, who was born on Logan Creek November 24, 1858, son of William Copeland.
The Doctor grew up on the old home farm, attending the early subscription school and the district school, and made good use of his opportunities to obtain an education. When a young man he started a mill on Logan Creek, but this burned down about the year 1882. While following the life of a miller he began his medical studies, and after continuing this for about three years entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he completed his course in 1883. Following this he began practicing in Barnesville, Missouri, and soon built up an excellent practice over that section of the country. He is a man of the most agreeable manners, pleasant and gifted in conversation, sympathetic and generous; in fact he combines qualities that eminently fit him for a practitioner, while his earnest investigations and careful weighing of subjects fit him most admirably for this most important calling. His career has been rapidly upward, but all the distinction he has received is deserved. As a surgeon he excels, and although still a young man he possesses great energy and the most worthy ambition, being recognized by all as not only a physician of extraordinary skill, but as a man of the broadest intelligence. Since beginning the practice of medicine, Dr. Copeland has opened up a drug business and has carried this on in connection with his practice. He has met with equal success as a business man. The Doctor also owns one of the best improved farms in the county, as well as one of the finest residences, which is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Mary E. Moore. She was born in Reynolds County and is the daughter of Dr. John H. Moore, of Centreville, this county. To Dr. Copeland and wife has been born one son, Roy, who is now a bright lad of eight years. On account of the health of his family the Doctor took his wife and child to Oklahoma in 1892 and remained there one year. He was elected coroner of Reynolds County, but did not serve. In politics he is with the Republican party and is well and favorably known all over the county.