Maybe you can explain. In 1860 no one named Copeland lived in Washington County. By 1880 a few Copelands had come to Washington County. The earliest Copeland burial at Springbank Cemetery near Chatom is dated 1901.

Moses E. Copeland, son of Moses Copeland, lived in the City of Mobile. In 1860 he appears to be a single man, age 21, working as a laborer. On Aug 20, 1861, he enlisted with Captain Paul Ravesies of the Mobile Humphries Dragoons. Moses Copeland enlisted as 3rd Sergeant and was promoted 1st Sergeant. He was captured Dec 5, 1863, near Knoxville during Longstreet's campaign in that part of Tennessee. Moses Copeland died of typhoid fever at Camp Nelson KY, Jan 5, 1864. Not knowing that Copeland was dead, Col Mauldin of the 3rd Alabama Cavalry issued a promotion to 2nd Lt for Copeland based on valor and skill on Apr 22, 1864.

How is this man related to the Copelands who later lived in Washington County?