Samuel Cooper (general)

Samuel Cooper
Born(1798-06-12)June 12, 1798
New Hackensack, New York, US
DiedDecember 3, 1876(1876-12-03) (aged 78)
Alexandria, Virginia, US
Place of burial
Christ Church Cemetery,
Alexandria, Virginia, US
Allegiance
Service / branch
Years of service
  • 1815–1861 (USA)
  • 1861–1865 (CSA)
Rank
Commands
  • Adjutant general
  • Inspector general
Battles / warsSecond Seminole War
Mexican–American War
American Civil War

Samuel Cooper (June 12, 1798 – December 3, 1876) was an American career Army staff officer, serving during the Second Seminole War and the Mexican–American War. Although little-known today, Cooper was technically the highest-ranking general officer in the Confederate States Army throughout the American Civil War, even outranking Robert E. Lee. After the conflict, Cooper remained in Virginia as a farmer.