calling for a repeal of the state's poll tax was introduced in the state legislature, but was defeated. In 1943, the repeal passed, but was thrown out by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Later life Cooper was among 12 nominated at the 1944 Democratic National Convention to serve as Franklin D. Roosevelt's running mate in the presidential election that year, receiving 26 votes. In 1946, Cooper was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Peru by President Truman. He convinced Peru to repay an outstanding loan to the United States, and had a reputation as a frugal entertainer. An Argentine newspaper accused Cooper of inciting a rebellion by APRA members in Callao in October 1948 (the rebellion took place several months after Cooper had left office), but Cooper adamantly denied any involvement. Cooper was chairman of the limited state constitutional convention of 1953, which proposed eight amendments to the Tennessee State Constitution, all of which were subsequently adopted by voters. The most notable of these amendments included the repeal of the poll tax, and the extension of the gubernatorial term from two years to four years. Encouraged by pro-segregation interests, Cooper challenged freshman U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr., in the 1958 Democratic primary, but lost handily, with Gore taking about 60% of the vote. Cooper remained an active participant in Democratic Party events until his death from cancer on May 18, 1969, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Family and legacy Cooper married Hortense Hayes Powell (1919-2017) in 1950. They had three sons: William Prentice Cooper, III, Jim Cooper, John Cooper. Since Cooper was a bachelor during his tenure as governor, his mother served as the state's first lady. Cooper's son Jim, is a U.S. congressman, while his son John is mayor of Metro Nashville. Prentice Cooper State Forest, located west of Chattanooga, is named for Cooper. Most of the land for the forest was acquired during Cooper's tenure as governor. Residence halls at Tennessee Technological University and the University of Tennessee at Martin have also been named for Cooper. Cooper's house still stands in Shelbyville, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See also List of governors of Tennessee References External links Governor Prentice Cooper Papers, 1939-1945 – Tennessee State Library and Archives Prentice Cooper – entry at the National Governors Association Portrait painting of Governor Cooper – Tennessee Portrait Project Photographic portrait of Governor Cooper – Tennessee