William H. Cooper. Jr.
Early Life
William Henry Cooper Jr. was born on October 7, 1895, in New York City, New York, the son of William Henry Cooper and Charlotte King Cooper. At an early age, he moved to Harrison, New York, where he was raised and educated, maintaining close ties to neighboring communities including Rye.
During the early twentieth century, this region of Westchester County developed as a residential and commercial extension of New York City, attracting individuals engaged in business, hospitality, and professional trades. Cooper’s early role as a hotel proprietor at the Beachthill Inn at Rye Beach placed him within this growing local economy, serving residents and visitors in a popular coastal destination.
World War I Service
Cooper registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, listing his residence and occupation at the Beachthill Inn in Rye Beach. His draft record noted physical conditions, including a defective right eye and fallen arches, which may have initially affected his eligibility for service.
Despite these limitations, he entered military service on August 28, 1918, at Port Chester, New York, during the final phase of the nation’s wartime mobilization under the American Expeditionary Forces.
He was first assigned to the 157th Depot Brigade, where new recruits were organized, trained, and prepared for further assignment. Depot brigades were central to the Army’s mobilization system, ensuring that soldiers were properly equipped and instructed before entering specialized roles.
Cooper was subsequently transferred to the Machine Gun Training Center at Camp Hancock, Georgia, serving with the 33rd Company of the Main Training Depot. This facility was one of the Army’s primary centers for instruction in the use of automatic weapons, reflecting the increasing importance of machine guns in modern warfare.
He later served with a Utilities Detachment of the Quartermaster Corps at Camp Hancock. In this role, he contributed to the logistical and operational support of the training installation, ensuring that troops were supplied and facilities maintained during a period of rapid expansion.
Cooper’s service was conducted within the United States, and his record indicates that he did not serve overseas. He sustained no wounds in action and held the rank of private.
He was honorably discharged on February 15, 1919, following the demobilization of American forces.
Life After Service
Following his military service, Cooper returned to Westchester County, where he continued his life in Harrison and the surrounding area. He later entered the radio business in White Plains, participating in a growing industry during the early years of commercial radio.
He was active in community and fraternal organizations, including membership in the Masons and involvement in regional social clubs, reflecting a strong engagement with civic life.
William Henry Cooper Jr. died on November 16, 1938, at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, New York, at the age of 43.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Hazel Castle Taylor; his daughter, Jean; and his brother, John K., all of Harrison.
Record Commentary: Strong stateside service narrative with excellent integration of draft record details and physical condition context. Military training and Quartermaster roles are clearly explained. Well-balanced civilian life, particularly with early radio industry involvement.
Tier Rating: A-