Couplin, William L., 1818 - 1889 and Family. Papers, 1860 - 1976

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 0175

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains many items relating to the genealogy of the Couplin family. James R. Couplin gathered all the genealogical information included in the collection, and submitted it in 1978. The information included begins with background information on the life of William L. Couplin. This information is not in chronological order, and is intertwined with information relating to Charles Couplin and James Couplin. Among the items included are: copies of census sheets (1860), a marriage license belonging to William Couplin (1855), biographical sketches of selected family members (1895 - 1934), a family record (1773 - 1902), and various newspaper clippings (1889 - 1974). Also included are photographs and correspondence relating to the Couplin family.

Later additions to the collection in 1981 included two letters written by William L. Couplin, and a photocopy of the obituary of Marie Couplin, wife of James R. Couplin. The letters were written from Elk Point, South Dakota by William Couplin, and addressed to his sister Mary Louisa Couplin Lindsley in Morristown, Minnesota. They give information on the prices of commodities and Mr. Couplin gives philosophical advice on health and death.

Dates

1860-1976

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on use of this collection for research purposes. The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property and libel laws as they apply.

Biographical / Historical

William L. Couplin was born in 1818 in New Jersey. In 1856, he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was involved in the milling business. In 1857, he moved to St. Peter, where he operated a milling business, owned a construction business, and contracted for railroading to the West. He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives 1870 - 1871, from Nicollet County. William L. Couplin died in 1889 in St. Peter.

Charles A. Couplin, son of William L., was born in 1874, in St. Peter, Minnesota. In 1903, his mother moved the family to Colfax, Washington, where he later served as president of the school board, mayor, and senator from the ninth district of Washington. Couplin served in World War I, and was chief dental surgeon of the coast defense personnel in the Hawaiian Islands. Until his death in 1934, he was employed in the government's public health service as chief dental surgeon.

Biographical information was obtained from the collection.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (3 Folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains photocopies and original items pertaining to the genealogy of the Couplin family. Information in the collection begins with the life of William L. Couplin, who, for a portion of his life, lived in St. Peter, Minnesota. The collection also contains information on his son, Charles A. Couplin, and his family. Included in the collection are biographical sketches of selected family members, newspaper clippings, census sheets, correspondence, and photographs.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Major James R. Couplin donated this collection in March 1976 and March 1978.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title: SMHC Collection 0175. Couplin, William L. (1818 - 1889) and Family. Papers, 1860 - 1976
Status: Completed
Date: 1978-07
Description rules: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description: English
Script of description: Latin
Language of description note: English