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Virginia Military Institute Archives
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William Couper papers, 1901-1946. MS 0053. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
| 1884 | Born November 16 at "Oakland" in Norfolk, Virginia. | |
| 1901 | Graduated from the Norfolk Academy and entered the 3rd at VMI. | |
| 1904 | Graduated from VMI with distinction (engineering course). | |
| 1906 | Received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering (railroad option) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. | |
| 1906-1917 | Worked with the Pennsylvania Railroad in New York City on construction, operating, and harbor work. He played a major role in the construction of the railroad tunnels and terminals for New York City. | |
| 1912 | Published "History of the Engineering, Construction and Equipment of the Pennsylvania Railroad New York Tunnels and Terminals." | |
| 1917 June | Commissioned as a Major in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps and was assigned as a Construction Officer at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. | |
| 1918 March | Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was in charge of building of the camp that became Fort Jackson, South Carolina. | |
| 1920 | Completed Army service in March, and then prepared a plan of development for the future of VMI, which was adopted by the VMI Board of Visitors in June. | |
| 1920-1921 | Served as the Assistant General Manager of the Associated General Contractors of America | |
| 1921-1924 | Employed jointly by the Texas Company and the Southern Acid and Sulphur Company as an engineer to develop sulfur properties in Brazoria County, Texas. | |
| 1924 | Appointed Business Executive in charge of the business activities at the Veterans' Bureau Station at Perry Point, Maryland. | |
| 1925 | Appointed Business Executive at VMI. | |
| 1931-1933 | Served as Secretary and Treasurer of the VMI Alumni Association. | |
| 1933 | Published the book "The VMI New Market Cadets." | |
| 1934 | Appointed VMI Historiographer. | |
| 1934-1935 | Served as the President of the Association of Military Colleges and Universities in the United States. | |
| 1934-1945 | Served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Southern Conference (Athletics). | |
| 1936 | Published the book "Claudius Crozet." | |
| 1939 | Published the book "One Hundred Years at VMI" and "The Register of Former Cadets." | |
| 1946-1948 | Served as Vice President and President of the Southern Conference. | |
| 1952 | Published the book "A History of the Shenandoah Valley." | |
| 1954 | Retired from positions at VMI. | |
| 1964 | Died February 15 at his home in Lexington, Virginia. He is buried in Norfolk, Virginia. |
William Couper (1884-1964) spent the majority of his professional life devoted to VMI and to the study of VMI, Lexington and Rockbridge County, and Virginia history. His terms as VMI's Business Executive and Historiographer encompassed thirty years, but before, during and subsequent to that period, he served in many other official and unofficial capacities. He was a noted authority on local and regional history, and on the life and times of Stonewall Jackson. In addition to his official duties at VMI, he was responsible for the initial organization and preservation of the Institute's rich historical holdings, including it's unique collection of alumni biographical and genealogical materials.
The William Couper papers document a portion of the life and career of Couper, a man notable for his research and publications about the history of VMI, Lexington, Rockbridge County, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia history and genealogy, Stonewall Jackson, and Claudius Crozet.
A significant portion of the papers consist of publication manuscripts, notes, and other material related to Couper's major historical research projects (many of which were published). These include the following: "One Hundred Years at VMI," a four volume comprehensive history of the Institute from it's founding in 1839 through 1939 "The VMI New Market Cadets," which contains biographical information about the VMI cadets and staff who fought in the Civil War battle on May 15, 1864 "Claudius Crozet," a biography of the notable 19th century Virginia Civil Engineer "A History of the Shenandoah Valley," Virginia "Stonewall Jackson Day by Day," which contains chronological account including events, anecdotes, clippings, transcribed correspondence, notes, and maps Couper's passion for the history of Lexington and Rockbridge County is evident in the substantial amount of local history research material found in his papers. Included are notes on a wide range of local history topics, as well as extensive research material (notes and maps) concerning the history of many local properties and the Lexington cemetery.
The papers also include material concerning the construction of Fort Jackson (South Carolina), Couper's speeches and addresses, maps, scrapbooks, photograph albums, and correspondence.
Researchers should note that, because William Couper served in several different positions at VMI, many of his professional papers are located in various record groups in the VMI Archives. These include records of the Business Office, Alumni Association, and various administrative subject files (e.g., Southern Conference).
The Virginia Historical Society (Richmond, Virginia) holds additional William Couper and Couper family papers.
In 1974, at the request of the Fort Jackson Museum, South Carolina, selected papers relating to the construction of Fort Jackson were placed on indefinite loan to the Museum.
Materials relating to the research and publication of William Couper's four volume history of VMI, published in 1939. Related items are located in oversized.
Notes, correspondence, and financial records related to the publication of William Couper's book about the VMI cadets who fought at the Battle of New Market, Virginia in May 1864. This book was published in 1933.
Notes by Joseph Reid Anderson, Jr., Torbett, and Echols, that regard General John C. Breckinridge and General Franz Sigel.
Paperback copy of the final publication "The VMI New Market Cadets."
An account book, bank books, and balance sheets related to the publication of the "The VMI New Market Cadets."
Typescript draft of the New Market anniversary address delivered by William Couper in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hall.
Correspondence regarding publication of the pamphlet and printed copies with corrections by William Couper.
Regards the reburial of New Market cadets and their grave markers.
Galley proofs, manuscript, and notes.
Materials related to the manuscript and publication, including notes, correspondence, and newspaper clippings.
Unpublished research material concerning the life of Thomas J. Jackson (General Stonewall Jackson).
Detailed notes regarding Stonwall Jackson's life, proceeding chronologically from birth to death.
Map by William Couper titled "Movements of Gen. T. J. Stonewall Jackson, 1861-1863."
This series, including notes, clippings, and other material, covers a wide range of local history topics. Related material is located separately in oversized (map cases).
Research material concerning local properties, including notes on plats, deeds, lots, and property owners.
Notes on large plats in Rockbridge, Augusta, and Botetourt Counties, Virginia.
Notes concerning lots, deeds, grants, early lots and annexations, and maps.
Notes concerning property owners.
General William Harvie Richardson (1795-1876) had a long and close association with VMI. He served as the Adjutant General of Virginia and on the VMI Board of Visitors from 1841 to 1876.
The transcriptions of correspondence in this series are of letters found in the official correspondence of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. The original letters are located in the VMI Archives, Records of the Superintendent.
Couper graduated from VMI in 1904, and maintained contact with his classmates throughout his life.
The photograph includes the following individuals: Robert B. Allport Samuel K. Funkhouser Alfred P. Upshur Thomas C. Gordon William Couper Paul R. Camp James S. Easley Ellis C. Caldwell
Fort Jackson (South Carolina) was constructed in 1917 to meet United States Army training needs during World War I. William Couper served as Construction Quartermaster.
Index, notes, and full-text of William Couper's speeches.
Typescript list of speeches compiled by William Couper.
Topics include the following: VMI history Stonewall Jackson Claudius Crozet Battle of New Market Rockbridge County, Virginia maps Early Rockbridge County history Local history topics
Many of the items in this series were hand drawn by William Couper and are annotated, and/or are accompanied by related correspondence and notes. Some additional maps are filed separately in oversized (map case).
Many of these, particularly the plat maps, were drawn by William Couper.
City limits drawn in for 1778, 1847, 1850, and 1877.
Drawn by J. A. Champe, Jr. in 1912 and reprinted in 1952.
By D. E. Brady with notations by William Couper.
By D. E. Brady.
Surveyed September 2, 1819.
Sold to Sally C. P. Miller. Survey by Jas. C. C. Moore in 1853.
Isaac Campbell to George Brown.
William Moore to John Hoffman.
Elizabeth Hoffman and Daniel Hoffman to James McDowell.
E. S. Tutwiler lots.
The Campbell Farm.
Survey made by James C. C. Moore in 1845.
Twenty-seven lots on plat.
Division of Campbell Land, east area between South Main-Taylor-Houston Streets. Map created by D. E. Brady.
W. A. Rhoads Development on Taylor Street.
Sketch done from insurance maps.
Created by the United States Geological Survey and reproduced in 1923.
Lapsleys to Zachariah Johnson.
William Graham to Andrew Reid.
Borden to Craighead to John Bowyer.
Telford (Tedford)
Joseph Walker to William Graham.
L. D. Hamric and Carolyn E. to T. B. Martin.
Ruff Estate, will book 20-280
C. W. Barger Estate. Attached EE-228.
Surveyed for T. B. Martin in 1921.
Dower of Elizabeth Moore.
Survey by D. E. Brady in 1953.
The T. S. White farm was purchased by VMI in 1920 and used for cavalry and other military training exercises.
Compiled by D. E. Brady.
Survey and drawn under the direction of John Wood in 1821.
Topics include the Campbell family and home, VMI and Lexington, Colonel and Mrs. Robert A. Marr, and Willoughby Beach.
Includes drawings and sports photographs.
Topics include the following: Richmond Hill, New York (1910) Norfolk, Virginia (1910) Washington, D.C. (1910 and 1912) Willoughby Beach, Virginia (1910 and 1911) Corps at Jamestown Exposition (1907) VMI (1910) International Aviation Meet, Belmont Park, Long Island, New York (October 1910) VMI football team (November 1902) Family pictures PA RR, NY Tunnel Bear's Den, Virginia (1912) Trip through West (1911)