February 5, 1867 - February 19 1936

James O. Copple was born at Centralia, Ill., February 5th, 1867 and died at his home in Bancroft, Nebr., on February, 19th, 1936, at the age of 69 years and 14 days.

He came to Lyons, Nebraska at the age of 16 years with his parents James A. and Mary E. Copple. In the year 1887 he was united in marriage to Maggie L. Shaw. To this union six children were born, two of whom proceeded him death--Ethel who died in infancy and Harry who died in 1920 at the age of 26 years. The children who survive their father are Mrs. U. S. Ross of Lyons, Nebr., Mr. Charles Copple of Rosalie, Nebr., Mrs. John F. McCarthy of Grand Island, Nebr., and Dr. D. E. Copple of Pleasantville, New York.

In the year 1907 Walter F. Copple and his wife, brother and sister-in-law of the deceased met with violent death leaving seven little orphan children. The deceased, fully realizing the burden he was assuming, accepted the responsibility and was appointed their Legal Guardian. The two younger of the children were then but four months old, and the deceased and his wife took them into their home, were a father and mother to them, and gave them the same tender care and education as their own; said children being Mrs. E. F. Paterson of Encinitas, California and Edwin Copple of Rosalie, Nebraska.

He pioneered in farming in Cedar County, Nebraska, but after five years returned to Bancroft. Nebr., and remained an active farmer and livestock feeder all the remainder of his life, except two years spent in Oklahoma.

In addition to being active in farming he was active in civic affairs and other activities. He was a member of the Masonic and Workman Lodges of Bancroft, Nebraska and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bancroft. Nebraska, for 15 years - 9 of which he was it's Chairman. It was while he was giving these services that the Sewerage System and the Lighting System were constructed. He was a member of the Board of Education for several years. His life was one of whole-hearted genuine service to the public and to his people - always kind and considerate.

Besides his wife and children, and those he has been, a true father also, he leaves two brothers; four sisters, sixteen grandchildren and innumerable friends to mourn his departure.

Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. C. P. Winkle in charge and burial made in the local cemetery. The Masonic lodge had charge of the burial service, Charles Viles of Lyons giving the Masonic burial rites.

Relatives from out of town who attended the funeral are: J. E. and H. N. Shaw, Wessington, South Dakota.; Mrs. M. A. Whaley and son Lloyd, O'Neil, Nebr.; Mrs. George McEachen, Wayne, Nebr.; Mrs. S. A. Keil, Sioux City, IA; Mr. S. U. G. Shaw and daughter, Ruth, Walthill, Nebr.; Mrs. Guy Sailors, Walthill, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Copple and family, Lincoln, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wright, Lyons, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Reed and sons, Dwight and Woodrow, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Copple, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Copple, Mr. And Mrs. Harold Copple, Mrs. Maude Copple, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Copple and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Copple, and Mr. Ernest Shaw of Rosalie.