Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Coppage, W 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 10:42 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

W. COPPAGE. It is said that every man has his specialty,—some one subject with 
which he is more familiar than with any other. Some men's specialties are 
difficult to discover, not so with Mr. Coppage, for even those but slightly 
acquainted with him are aware that his "hobby" is the manufacture of ink. The 
term, "ink fiend," meaning an ink salesman, was first used by him, and if this 
expression may also be taken to mean one whose mind is wrapped up in the 
subject, and who is familiar with its every phase, it might appropriately be 
used concerning himself. In the spring of 1893, coming to Joliet, he organized 
the Challenge Printing Company, which manufactures all kinds of printers' 
inks, paints and oils. He is the inventor of a new process ink with a luster, 
for which he has received the highest testimonials from publishers and 
printers. Through his efforts the manufacturers of inks were forced to make an 
ink with a superior luster for a small price. His inventions are proving 
profitable to himself, and his suggestions have made fortunes for other men. 
The Coppage family were among the F. F.V.'s in colonial days, but date back to 
New England, and were represented in the Revolutionary war. Lemuel Payton 
Coppage, a native of Virginia and a large slave-holder, being opposed to the 
institution of slavery, freed his negroes and then removed to Brown County, 
Ill., where he farmed until his death. One of his sons, Joseph, assisted in 
driving the Mormons out of Nauvoo, Ill., and later served in the Mexican and 
Civil wars, retiring as a major; he now resides at Naples, Ill. John Wesley 
Coppage, another son of the Virginia planter, was born in Fauquier County, 
Va., and in 1847 settled in Chicago, where he engaged in fresco painting, and 
also was a canal contractor and boat-owner. He died in Chicago, February 14, 
1871. His wife, Elizabeth Yarnow, was born in Brockville, Canada, of French 
descent, and settled in Chicago in April, 1837. Her father, John Yarnow, a 
native of France, was one of the first shipbuilders in Chicago, and 
superintended the building of the first steam vessel launched in that city. At 
one time he owned property in the heart of Chicago, but sold it before its 
value became known. He and "Long John" Wentworth were cronies, and were called 
the ''two big Johns.'' His last days were spent in Minnesota, where he died. 
His daughter, Mrs. Coppage, is now living in Oakland, Cal. Of her family only 
a son and daughter are living. The subject of this sketch was born in Chicago, 
September 18, 1856. His education was begun in the old Harrison street school. 
He was, of course, too young to participate in the war, but he vividly recalls 
the scenes of those days, when his father had charge of the colors on the 
gunboat "Carondelet," and when all was excitement and expectation. For a few 
years he served at the merchant tailor's trade. In November, 1871, he entered 
the employ of Millard & Decker, printers. He entered the employ of the 
National Printing and Engraving Company as errand boy, earning $3 a week, but 
received various promotions, and was finally made foreman, with the highest 
wages paid any employe. After sixteen years with the company he resigned to 
take the western agency of J. K. Wright & Co., of Philadelphia, manufacturers 
of printing ink. He made Chicago his headquarters and traveled throughout this 
entire section of country, holding the position until the fall of 1892. While 
he was with the National Printing and Engraving Company, they were the first 
to put in a plant for making their own ink, and he probably made the first 
pound of printing ink ever manufactured in the press room. In 1899 Mayor Mount 
appointed Mr. Coppage city oil inspector. He was secretary of the first Young 
Men's Republican Club organized in Chicago. Until 1892 he continued a 
Republican, but he then became a silver adherent, and in 1896 was elected 
secretary of the Silver Republican Club. He was made a Mason in the William P. 
Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M. His marriage in Chicago, united him with Miss 
Margaret O'Brien, who was born at Cold Springs, N. Y., and by whom he has two 
daughters, Grace and Gertrude. Mrs. Coppage is a daughter of M. J. and 
Margaret O'Brien, the former of whom, a contractor, settled in Joliet in 1879, 
but is now living retired in Chicago.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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