James Andrew Harvey and the Copeland Clan

   The most recent donation to the Historical Society Museum is a book on the Harvey Family -- 1600 to 1979, compiled by Winnie Jo (Fornea) Stockstill. In the book Mrs. Stockstill gives family details of the shootout between James Andrew Harvey and the Copeland Clan at Harvey's home near Red Creek. 

   "James Andrew Harvey died of septicemia (blood poisoning), from wounds he had received in a bloody gun-battle with the notorious outlaws known as the 'Copeland Clan.' The Clan had gone to Harvey's home to rob him . . . and the gun-battle that followed was later known as the 'Battle of Harvey.'  Settlers in the Red Creek area had received word that the Clan was 'heading in that direction' . . . many people left home, but James Andrew decided to stay and try to protect his home, stock, etc.  He did send his wife and two children to stay with friends who lived miles away from the Red Creek area."

   "Five members of the Clan . . . including James Copeland, the Clan leader . . . did show up!  When the gun-battle was over . . . James Andrew had been badly wounded in an arm and shoulder.  But at least, now two members of the Clan were dead and Copeland and another man severely wounded. This was the END FOR THE CLAN!"

   "Seriously wound during the gun-battle . . . Harvey was taken to the home of a friend . . . one that lived miles away from Harvey's home . . . but in less than a week, Harvey was dead.  He was buried at night in his friend's family cemetery.  The removal of Harvey from his home to his friend's home and his burial, were all accomplished secretly . . . in fear of retaliation from the few remaining members of the Clan."

   Copeland escaped during the battle, but was later captured, tried, and hung at Old Augusta, Mississippi in 1857, nine years after Harvey's death. (This information is from an unidentified newspaper clipping in the Harvey Family book.)