There are no restrictions.
There are no restrictions.
William Couper Papers, MS 0053, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, VA.
The bulk of the collection was donated by John Lee Couper in 1964.
William Couper spent the majority of his professional life devoted to the Virginia Military Institute 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 General Stonewall Jackson. At VMI, in addition to his official duties, 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 a man notable for his research and publications about the history of the Virginia Military Institute; the Lexington, Rockbridge County and Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) areas; Virginia history and genealogy; Civil War General Stonewall Jackson; and Claudius Crozet.
A significant portion of the papers consist of publication manuscripts (drafts, galleys, proofs), notes, and other material related to Couper's major historical research projects (many of which were published). These include
Couper's passion for the history of Lexington and Rockbridge County (VA) 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 miscellaneous correspondence.
The papers are organized into 12 series.
1. Books and Articles by William Couper-- Research,
drafts, related materials.
2. Stonewall Jackson Research Materials.
3. Lexington and Rockbridge County (Virginia) History.
4. Genealogy
5. Gen. William Harvie Richardson Subject File.
6. VMI Class of 1904.
7. Fort Jackson, South Carolina, construction.
8. Correspondence.
9. Speeches and Addresses.
10. Maps.
11. Photograph Albums.
12. Printed Material.
Researchers should note that, because 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 (SC) Museum, selected Couper papers relating to the construction of Fort Jackson were placed on indefinite loan to the Museum.
Materials relating to the research and publication of Couper's four volume history of the Virginia Military Institute, published in 1939. Related items are located in oversized.
Notes, correspondence, and financial records related to the publication of 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.
Thom, Morton, Sturm.
Notes by Joseph Reid Anderson, Jr., Torbett and Echols, re: Gen. Breckinridge and Gen. Sigel.
Paperback copy of the final publication
Bank books, account book, balance sheets relating to the publication of the New Market book.
New Market anniversary address delivered in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hall. Typescript draft.
Correspondence re: publication of the pamphlet; printed copies with corrections by William Couper.
Galley proofs, manuscript, 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 Jackson's life, proceeding chronologically from birth to death.
One of Couper's primary research interests was the
history of the Lexington and Rockbridge County area.
This series, including notes, clippings, & other
material, covers a wide range of local history topics.
In addition to the files listed below, related material
is located separately in oversized (map cases).
Research material concerning local properties, including notes on plats, deeds, lots, property owners.
Rockbridge, Augusta, Botetourt Counties
Concerning lots, deeds, grants, early lots and annexations, maps.
Concerning property owners,
General William Harvie Richardson had a long and close association with VMI. He served as the Adjutant General of Virginia and on the VMI Board of Visitors from 1841-1876. The transcriptions of correspondence 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 was constructed in 1917 to meet Army training needs during World War I. Couper served as construction Quartermaster.
Written by William Couper
Fry (VMI Class of 1901) was a newspaperman and writer.
Index, notes and/or full-text of Couper's speeches.
Typescript list of speeches, compiled by Couper.
Topics include: VMI history, Stonewall Jackson; Claudius Crozet; Battle of New Market; Rockbridge County maps; early Rockbridge County history; other local history topics (Lexington/Rockbridge Co. Virginia).
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).
Includes notes, keys
Many of these, particularly the plat maps, were drawn by William Couper.
City limits drawn in for 1778; 1847; 1850; 1877.
Drawn by J. A. Champe, Jr. (1912); reprinted 1952.
By D. E. Brady, with notations by William Couper.
By D. E. Brady
Topics include: Campbell family and home (1901); VMI and Lexington (1901); Col. and Mrs. Robert A. Marr; Willoughby Beach.
Includes drawings, sports photographs.
Topics include: Richmond Hill, NY (1910); Norfolk, VA (1910); Washington, DC (1910, 1912); Willoughby Beach, VA (1910, 1911); Corps at Jamestown Exposition (1907); VMI (1910); International Aviation Meet, Belmont Park, Long Island, NY (Oct. 1910); VMI Football Squad (Nov. 1902); Family pictures; PA RR, NY Tunnel; Bear's Den, VA (1912); Trip through West (1911).