Hi Dawn,

Thank you for your response. It is my understanding that my grandfather was born during a period of time when Virginia did not keep state birth records. (1896-1900, perhaps) Therefore it is difficult to find birth information on him. My grandmother's name was Marie Goodman of Richmond, Va.(born around 1897-1899) I am not sure if they were married because she kept her maiden name. I asked my uncles, and they all state that they are not certain either. It seems as if some things were not discussed back then.

Dawn, I believe that the 'Arthur Cooper' that you found in the WWI veteran draft registration is my grandfather. I saw this registration also and noticed the birth year discrepancy;however,the rest of the information is correct, particularly that he resided in Richmond when he was young. Furthermore, his signature on the draft card is almost identical to the signature on his will which I found at the Newport News courthouse. Also, his name appears in the veteran
cemeteries listings. Again, thank you for your help.