William Copeland was grandson of Joseph, who moved to Scituate from Bridgewater in 1730. Joseph's children were remarkable for their longevity. In 1830 ten of his children were living, the youngest 72, the oldest 93. There are no male descendants now living. Joseph's son William (Sr.), and his brother Ebenezer were both shipbuilders. William Copeland (Jr.) was joiner on other yards before building as partner with Michael Ford at Fox Hill.     

William Copeland began building ships at Fox Hill Shipyard in 1816 when he completed two schooners: "Friendship," and in partnership with Barker Turner, "Morning Star."   In 1819, he formed a partnership named Copeland, Ford & Pratt, in company with Michael Ford and Elias W. Pratt.  Sometime between 1819 and 1824, there entered into this firm Elisha Tolman, Elisha Merritt, and one other, and the firm name  was changed about 1824 to William Copeland & Co.  William Copeland was master carpenter of the original and the succeeding firm.

William Copeland also built ships in company with Joseph S. Bates and Thos. Waterman.