"Most American families were founded by an immigrant ancestor in the New World. However, the Copley family is distinguished by having an immigrant ancestress. She is first mentioned in American on Sept. 17, 1650 when "Widow Elizabeth Copely, an English woman," married Nathaniel Phelps in Windsor, Conn. The Phelps moved to Northampton, Mass., about 1656, where they spent the rest of their lives."