COOPER, WILLIAM VAN LEAR (1829 ~ 1904). Private William Van Cooper was a soldier in the 5th Texas Confederate Infantry Regiment, Company G; also known as the Milam County Greys. He enlisted at the age of 32 in Houston.

Not long into the war on June 27, 1862, Cooper was injured in the battle of Gaines Farm, also known as the Battle of Gaines Mill. He was among 62 wounded in action that day, and it resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Cooper was discharged from the army October 18, 1862.

Not much is known about Cooper's early life. He was born in Washington County, Maryland and his listed profession was that of a carpenter. Records indicate Cooper was married at the time he entered the Confederate Men's Home on August 3, 1897.

Cooper died in the Confederate Men's Home Hospital in Austin, Texas on October 27, 1904. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery shortly after.

Biographical information taken from Texas State Cemetery file materials.