Douglas H. Cooper

Douglas Hancock Cooper (November 1, 1815 – April 29, 1879) was an American politician, soldier, Indian Agent in what is now Oklahoma, and Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Early life and career Cooper was born November 1, 1815, most likely in Amite County, Mississippi. His father, David Cooper, was a medical doctor and Baptist minister. His mother was Sarah Davenport.

Cooper supported the Mexican–American War; with many other Southerners, he believed that the US could gain territory for the expansion of slavery. He helped to raise a regiment, the 1st Mississippi Rifles. He served as a captain under the command of Colonel Jefferson Davis, participating in the battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista. He was cited for bravery and gallantry at the Battle of Monterrey. They settled in the Unassigned Lands. Three years later, he also was appointed as Indian agent to the Chickasaw tribe, also removed from Mississippi to Indian Territory. The Chickasaw respected and trusted Cooper, and officially adopted him into a family as a full member of the tribe.

In 1858, Cooper led a militia composed of Choctaw and Chickasaw volunteers against Comanche marauders in the territory.

Civil War With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Cooper pledged his allegiance to the Confederacy. and Chusto-Talasah, winning a decisive victory at Chustenahlah.

In 1862, Cooper led Confederate troops at the battles of Elkhorn Tavern, Newtonia and Honey Springs. He was promoted to brigadier general on May 2, 1862, and was named district commander of the Indian Territory on September 29, 1862. This promotion put him in command of all "... (Confederate) Indian troops in the Trans-Mississippi Department on the borders of Arkansas."