Copen, Clarence E.
     C. E. Copen, son of William A. and Alice Copen, was born in Wirt County, West Virginia, December 8, 1877, and was educated in the public schools and at the West Virginia University at Morgantown. After leaving the University he became a public school teacher for a few years, in which profession he was a pronounced success. During this period he decided to become a lawyer, and began the systematic reading of legal textbooks, which he kept up until 1904, when he was equipped to pass the rigid examination required by the West Virginia statute, and was, in that year, admitted to practice as a member of the Wirt County Bar, where he carried on a lucrative business in his native and adjoining counties. Being desirous to widen his field of labor, he moved to Huntington in Cabell County, where he became a member of the firm of Doolittle, Copen & Davis, which firm was dissolved by the death of Judge Doolittle. At this time, and for a few years past, he maintains an office at Winfield, Putnam County, where he spends a limited portion of his time each month. His present firm at Huntington is Copen & Darnell.
     For the first few years his practice was mainly on the criminal side of the courts, because he was gifted as a public speaker, and, therefore, was a strong and successful advocate, especially before juries; but in later years he has given the most of his time and energies to civil practice, which he finds much more profitable and far more satisfactory. As a side issue he was connected with the publication of a weekly newspaper, which gave him an experience and knowledge that was very helpful to him as a trial lawyer, and added to his influence both as a lawyer and a citizen. He, however, did not allow this, in any way, to interfere with his business as a lawyer, as his practice steadily grew larger as the years passed by.
     He was two years (1905 and 1906) Prosecuting Attorney of his native county, and, having had an extensive experience in criminal practice, he made an enviable record as a prosecutor of violators of the penal statutes of the State. This experience proved to be bf large value to him in broadening his grasp of the fundamental principles of the law, thus fitting him for a wider field of usefulness in his chosen profession.
     Mr. Copen is a Republican in his political convictions, but he has never been an extremist, nor has he ever allowed politics to interfere with his professional business. His one set purpose has been to make good as a lawyer, which he has succeeded in doing.
     He is a member of the Baptist Church, and always takes the moral side of all questions that come before the people. He is also an active member of the Knights of Pythias, an institution which stands for good morals and good citizenship. September 24, 1898, he was united in marriage with Miss Rosa M. Mason. As a result of this union they have four children, all boys. Their home is at Huntington, the seat of justice of Cabell County, where they have many friends.
     Mr. Copen's practice is of a general character, and extends into all the courts of West Virginia, both State and Federal. He handles his cases well, and is measurably successful. He is agreeable and courteous, and has a large following of friends both in and outside of his profession.
[Bench and bar of West Virginia edited by George Wesley Atkinson, 1919 – Transcribed by AFOFG]