William B. Cochran, Jr. papersMS.0512.OversizedVirginia Military Institute Archives

VMI ArchivesPreston LibraryLexington, VA 24450Business Number: 540-464-7516archives@vmi.eduURL:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-06-30 07:03:21 -0400.Description is written in: Undetermined, Code for undetermined script script. Virginia Military Institute Archives William B. Cochran, Jr. papers Cochran, William B., Jr. (William Burr), 1868-1931 MS.0512.Oversized /repositories/3/resources/794 1 boxes 1 letter sized manuscript box, plus ovesized items 1888-1931 Manuscripts stacks and oversized case 2 English Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the personal papers of Brigadier General William Burr Cochran, VMI Class of 1888, including:

  • Correspondence
  • Photographs
  • An unpublished biographical essay titled "Reminiscences of Camp Life During the World War"
  • Other items, such as instructions for "final German Figures," a formal VMI dance

 Biographical / Historical

William Burr Cochran was born on July 9, 1868 in Middleburg, Virginia to John Henry Cochran and Charlotte Carr. He graduated from VMI in 1888, enlisted in the United States Army in 1892, and subsequently received a commission. Cochran served in the Spanish American War. During World War I he remained stateside to train troops. He retired in 1922 and was appointed Brigadier General (retired list) effective June 21, 1930.

Cochran married Mathilde "Tillie" Kessler of Helena, Montana in 1904 and the couple had three children.

Cochran died in an automobile accident near Salisbury, Maryland on July 2, 1931. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

 Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions.

 Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

 Preferred Citation

William B. Cochran, Jr. papers, 1888-1931. MS 0512. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

 United States. Army—Officers—Biography Generals—United States Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1888 Photographs Correspondence Memoirs "Reminiscences of Camp Life in the United States During the World War"/repositories/3/archival_objects/4325Cochran, William B., Jr. (William Burr), 1868-1931circa 1925Twenty page typescript and handwritten draft.EnglishScope and Contents

Typescript memoirs by William B. Cochran, Jr. that document his stateside service during World War I. He was stationed at numerous troop training camps, including Camp Taylor near Louisville, Kentucky.

World War, 1914-1918Air pilots, MilitaryWorld War, 1914-1918—Personal narratives, American Military training campsUnited States. Army—Officers—BiographyCorrespondence/repositories/3/archival_objects/4323Cochran, William B., Jr. (William Burr), 1868-19312 Folder1903-1930EnglishScope and Contents

This series includes correspondence (1903-1904) written by William B. Cochran, Jr. to his future wife, Mathilde Kessler. During this time Cochran was stationed at Fort Harrison near Helena, Montana.

Also included are letters written to Marion Lee Cochran, Cochran's daughter. The bulk are written from Cochran while Marion was visiting friends in North Carolina (1930). Also included are two letters from her mother (1926 and 1928) and one from her brotheriting friends in Charlotte (1929).

Love lettersCorrespondenceCochran, Mathilde KesslerPhotographs/repositories/3/archival_objects/432425 itemsApproximately 25 items1875-1930EnglishScope and Contents

Photographs span from childhood through post-retirement years and include images as a VMI cadet, United States Army officer, and as a civilian. Two images of William B. Cochran, Jr. are avaliable online.

PhotographsCochran, William B., Jr. (William Burr), 1868-1931Instructions for VMI dance "Final German Figures"/repositories/3/archival_objects/43261888EnglishScope and Contents

Handwritten instructions for "Final German Figures" at VMI. In this context, a "German" is a type of formal dance.

Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customsUnited States Army promotion certificate/repositories/3/archival_objects/43271930EnglishScope and Contents

A certificate appointing William B. Cochran, Jr. as a Brigadier General, retired.

CertificatesUnited States. ArmyCochran, William B., Jr. (William Burr), 1868-1931