William Prentice Cooper - The Road To Tennessee Governor, Part IV (September 28, 1895 - May 18, 1969)

Governor William Prentice Cooper

If it is true that the person in power is the one that dictates how the story gets written, then history will regard imposters Biden and Harris as great leaders and not as the corrupt criminals that should have defined them. Sadly, the American mainstream media will play a vital role in creating Harris and Biden's fictional history. A recent poll by Rasmussen Reports illustrated the mainstream's abilities to manipulate facts and data. The poll showed that the viewers who admitted that MSNBC and CNN were their favorite news outlets were far more likely to get the facts wrong regarding crime statistics in America. According to Justin Haskins, writer, columnist, and Editorial Director of the Heartland Institute, "There is a strong correlation between a likely voter's favorite television show and his or her understanding of basic facts about police shootings and homicides revolving rifles." Their lack of knowledge extends beyond crime statistics, as well. Admittedly, it's not easy sifting through the available misinformation on the web to get to the truth, but the truth is out there if you choose to seek it. Globally, President Trump has become one of our most revered politicians, and with just a few clicks of a mouse, it's easy to find countless videos of those supporting him around the world. It is equally easy to find tweets and comments supporting those working towards revealing November's election fraud. But most Americans view life myopically and through the prism of news anchors whose viewpoints originate in the scripts created by their producers. Those who believe that their perception of the truth is reality, as the adage foreshadows, do not understand that their perception is only an opinion. Perception is not always the truth, regardless of the manipulation of our minds. The truth is the truth! And here is the continuation of my distant cousin, William Prentice Cooper's story as his character and truth become challenged globally.  

1946, June 16, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville,Tennessee, Page 12

At fifty years old, Prentice had already accomplished a lifetime. But what still eluded him was love and marriage. So, when Prentice set sail on June 13, 1946, on the Santa Olivia toward Peru, his mother, Argentine, accompanied him [1-2]. During Prentice's term as Governor, Argentine aided her son by serving as the First Lady of Tennessee [3]. This time, she would be helping him by becoming the Ambassadress to Peru [3-6]. Jokingly, his father told the press regarding Argentine accompanying him, "He (Prentice) couldn't find a Tennessee girl who would have him [3]." Standing on the pier waiting to depart, Prentice said, "I know I am going to like this job because they are a country of fine people [3-6]." Prentice added, "Peru is traditionally friendly to the United States, and I hope to keep that tradition going [3-6]." 

When Prentice and Argentine disembarked in Lima, Peru, a crowd of Peruvians and people from the U.S. Embassy eagerly greeted the two [1]. On July 1, Prentice had his first official meeting with Jose Luis Bustamente y Rivero, President of the Republic of Peru, and presented him with his diplomatic papers [1]. What started as pleasantries would soon turn into an adversarial relationship, though. By August the following month, the American newspapers began reporting on their conflict. After discovering the amount of aid Peru received from America to educate, feed, and improve the health of the Peruvians, Prentice insisted that American funding stop [7-8]. Instead, he wanted those dollars reallocated back home, stating, "There are plenty of problems in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana that the United States could use its money to solve before trying to uplift Latin America [7-8]". Prentice felt that it didn't serve the Peruvians to be fed and pampered during peacetime and that they would benefit further by learning to become self-reliant [7-8]. Washington disagreed, however, and refused to reallocate the $300,000 a year the Peruvians were receiving, believing that it was in America's best interest to help weaker nations [7-8]. Prentice argued, stating, "Taxpayers should not be paying taxes to help Latin Americans do those things of which they are capable and should do for themselves [7-8]." 

1946, December 10, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 18

On Saturday, July 27, 1946, ten American soldiers stationed at the El Plato U.S. Army Air Base decided to venture off base into Talara, Peru, and crash a dance [1, 8-9]. When the evening ended, they all assembled outside in the parking lot, organizing themselves to return to base [1, 8-9]. But as they were standing there, a Peruvian officer, Ensign Alberto Rubio, another officer, and their girlfriends began sneering and making derogatory remarks towards the American soldiers [1, 8-9]. After the confrontation continued for a while, Peruvian Ensign Rubio pulled out a pistol, declaring, "This is enough of this conversation," and then left the scene [1, 8-9]. Angry, the ten soldiers followed Rubio's vehicle to another local tavern, the English Club [1, 8-9]. When Rubio exited his car to enter the establishment, one of the American soldiers, drunken Sergeant Oscar J. Eiland, pursued him, escalating matters into another verbal altercation [1, 8-9]. Rubio fired a warning shot and then a second shot, critically injuring Eiland [1, 8-9]. In retaliation, two other American soldiers beat Rubio into unconsciousness [1, 8-9]. The U.S. Army filed court-martial charges against the three men with direct involvement; however, the Peruvian government didn't file charges against Rubio [1, 8-9]. Prentice was enraged, believing neither government wanted to intervene, keeping it "politically quiet [1, 8-9] ." 

Days after the incident, on August 7, Prentice received a notice from the Prime Minister of Peru stating that their government wanted to try the American soldiers through their criminal system [1, 8-9]. Prentice refused to surrender the men [1, 8-9)]. Instead, he assured the Peruvian government that the soldiers would be subject to court-martial proceedings, and if they were found guilty, they would receive severe and harsh punishments [1, 8-9]. Prentice met with Peruvian officials for days afterward, hoping to intervene in the soldiers' fate [1, 8-9]. However, the State Department did not support Prentice's actions, fearing an international incident [1, 8-9]. The State Department also refused to honor the mutual compromise agreed upon by the Peruvian government and insisted that Prentice surrender the soldiers [1, 8-9]. However, Prentice's hands were tied, and on September 6, he complied with State Department orders and forfeited the soldiers [1, 8-9]. But Prentice demanded five things from the Peruvian government before relinquishing the men into their hands [1, 8-9]:  

• Peru would ensure their health and safety.
• Peru would expedite their trial. 
• Americans would supply their food.
• The men would stay in Talara military barracks until their court proceedings began and possible incarceration.
• A special judge would be assigned to expedite the case.

Fortunately, the two remaining soldiers (Eiland passed away) were found not guilty during their Peruvian court proceedings [1, 8-9]. On October 24, Prentice wrote in his diary, "The fruit of my diplomacy came true in one day. Everyone involved in the Talara incident [was] found not guilty and now finally freed by the Piura court and can return to the U.S [1, 8-9]." 

On November 10, Peru was shocked by one of the worst recorded earthquakes in Peru and, on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, a 10 [1, 10-12]. The earthquake devasted Provinces La Libertad and Ancash, killing nearly 1000 people [1, 10-12]. Due to the harsh terrain, Prentice flew into the nearest area close to the affected area, then drove a car for 100 miles, followed by three days on a mule to inspect and assess the ravaged area [1, 10-12]. Immediately, Prentice reacted to the devastation and began coordinating the American Red Cross and the United States Army to aid and comfort the victims [1, 10-12]. Prentice's mercy mission lasted six days [1, 10-12]. When he returned to the embassy, thousands of pounds of medical supplies had already arrived by U.S. Army C-54 airplanes. And thanks to Prentice's trip, the organizational efforts to provide aid went quickly and seamlessly [1, 10-12]. Prentice's dedication to the Peruvian people led to many accolades and gratitude from the Peruvian President and his people [1, 10-12]. A Peruvian newspaper wrote, "Love is abundant, Mr. Minister." "Never will we forget the American diplomat who knew how to be our best friend since it is a rule for we Latin Americans to recognize our true friends when calamity assails us (1, 10-12)." Senator Luis F. Galvan stated Prentice's "humanitarian and graceful action prove that he duly fulfills the central ideas of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt's good neighbor policies (1)."

1947, January 31, The Tennessean,Nashville, Tennessee, Page 3

In Peru, Prentice faced many obligatory tasks and official duties. One item that lingered was Peru's excessive debt to the United States, and Prentice wanted it paid back [1]. The principal amount that Peru owed was nearly $83 million, and Prentice wasn't pleased with their current repayment terms [1]. Peru's exports were less than their imported goods, and their lack of dollar exchange created a fiscal problem [1]. Peruvian economist Dr. Alfredo Alvarez Calderon exclaimed, "There is no exchange for want of production! There is no production for want of exchange! When do we break the cycle [1]?" On top of their current debt, Peru was also applying for an additional loan of $25 million (1). Prentice opposed it, telling the State Department that the new debt would prevent Peru from repaying its old debt [1]. After much debate and negotiations between the Export-Import Bank, the State Department, and the Peruvian government, Prentice's mediation efforts successfully negotiated mutually agreed-upon terms for Peru's debt reconstruction [1].

1946, October 15, Nashville Banner, 
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 13

After a year at his post, Prentice discovered a parasite in his intestinal tract [1]. However, instead of returning home, as planned, to improve his health, he decided to stay in Lima to negotiate terms for a new embassy location [1]. The FBI also wanted Prentice to remain to help aid them in expelling his secretary, who they believed was guilty of espionage [1]. Prentice did stay, but not without reluctance [1]. On November 18, 1947, Prentice again planned to return home [1]. However, this time, though, his departure was delayed when his mother became ill from Bright's disease [1]. Bright's disease is a range of kidney disorders characterized by inflammation in the nephrons, and her diagnosis was severe [13]. Prentice wrote in his diary, regarding his mother's condition, that it was a dark day. But while his mother, Argie, fought to overcome her illness, speculation grew back home that Prentice would enter the 1948 Tennessee senatorial race [14-16]. The following month, he returned to Tennessee to evaluate his chances of winning [14-16]. After receiving advice from one of his confidants, Representative Estes Kefauver, Prentice decided to return to Peru and continue as Ambassador [1].  

1947, December 5, Chattanooga Daily Times,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 3

On January 15, 1948, Prentice faced his mother's mortality when she suffered a severe heart attack [17-18]. For months, Prentice nursed his mother back to health [17-18]. While Prentice did so, rumors in Nashville persisted regarding his run for the state senate [17-18]. In April, Prentice received a confidential message from the Secretary of State that President Truman wanted to assign new diplomats, requesting his resignation [19-22]. Prentice wasn't disappointed and submitted his resignation the following day, stating, "It is now two years that I have been away. I feel that my work in Peru is complete [19-22]." In the last week of June, Prentice and his ailing mother set sail to America on the same ship that brought them to the tropics of Lima [1]. The Nashville Tennessean sarcastically printed, "The Tiger Tamer from Peru is left without a blanket to protect him from the icy temperature of a Crump political winter [1, 23]." But Prentice was battling more than the battlefield of politics. He was also fighting cancer, and it would become a fight for his life that he might not win [1]!

When Prentice and his mother returned to Nashville, it became apparent that Prentice was afflicted with an illness. He had lost 25 pounds and was suffering from intestinal cancer. In late July, he told reporters, "I am glad to [get back] to Tennessee. Two years is long enough in the tropics, and besides, I feel my work in Peru was about completed [1, 24]." On August 17, accompanied by his parents, Prentice registered at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for further testing [25-27]. To help save his life and successfully remove his cancer, Prentice underwent surgery [1]. While his parents waited anxiously in the waiting room, Prentice nearly died on the operating table as the doctors fought to save his life [1]. Prentice remained at the Mayo Clinic, recuperating for almost a month before returning to his home to contemplate his next career choice [28-29]. As Prentice lay in his hospital bed trying to preserve his life, political adversaries were challenging his reputation by accusing him of inciting a revolution of the APRA in Callo [30]. However, those charges were later absolved [30].   

1950, April 23, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 6

In 1950, what had always escaped Prentice, he finally found love and marriage. He had met Hortense Hayes Powell, daughter of Ferdinand Powell and Margaret McGavock Hayes, in 1939 on Tennessee Day at the New York World's Fair [31-36]. However, their lives had gone in different directions. But on April 22, eleven years after their first encounter, the two stood before their friends and family at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City and exchanged their vows [31-36]. Hortense was twenty-two years younger than Prentice, born April 28, 1919, but she was well-educated and a staff member of the Department of Public Information of the United Nations [31-36]. Immediately, they began their family, and on January 1, 1952, the two of them welcomed a son, William Prentice Cooper III, into their lives [37]. Two years later, blessings came again with the birth of another son, James Hayes Shofner Cooper, on June 19, 1954 [38-39]. On October 15, 1956, a third son, John Norment Powell Cooper, is delivered into their awaiting arms [40-41]. Together, the two began raising their sons on a "steady diet of books, Democratic politics, and purposeful travel [35-36]. 

1962, July 29, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 17

For years, Prentice stayed in the shadows of politics, finding contentment in his family life and private practice [45]. He farmed his vast acreage, built houses, made furniture, and did stonework [45]. Believing in "do-it-yourself customizing," Prentice enjoyed using his hands to make something [45]. However, occasionally, he surfaced at local events, making guest speeches that advocated building a sea-level Panama Canal and ending segregation [42-43]. Prentice warned that a new canal was vital in America's oil resources from Latin America and that it was imperative in maintaining the U.S. economy and mobilizing its defenses [42]. With segregation, Prentice said, there was "no room for demagoguery" anymore and that there should be "pride in the races [43]." But by 1957, rumors began circulating again that Prentice was about to reenter the political arena, seeking a fourth term as Governor [43-45]. On January 1, 1958, Prentice announced his intent to run, confirming the rumors, stating, "The people are with me! Tell all your friends that Prentice is in the Governor's race and in to win [46-47]." 

1958, August 1, The Knoxville News-Sentinel,
 Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 11

When asked why he wanted to return to his former position, Prentice said, "I am constantly amazed at the amount of money that [could be saved] and at the same time enlarge public service [46-48]." He vowed a platform that promised "aggressive progress with common sense economy [46-48]." Prentice added we have "reached a crucial time in history [46-48]." But opponents of Prentice's vying for the gubernatorial office said, "Prentice only has two drawbacks as a candidate. The young voters don't know him, and the older ones do [49]." As one of the seven candidates running in the primaries for Governor, this would not be the only political slur that Prentice would need to debunk [50]." There would be many more! 

In May, a statewide effort from Prentice's supporters began solidifying to block the re-election of unopposed Senator Albert Arnold Gore, Sr. [50]. They wanted Prentice to forfeit his gubernatorial campaign and run against the Senator who sought to win a second term [50]. Gore had acquired numerous political enemies for supporting reciprocating trade that his opponents thought would injure Tennessee workers, and they believed that Prentice would easily win against him [50]. A month later, Prentice acquiesced to their pleas, and his attack on Gore was relentless [51-52]. Prentice swung with acidity towards Gore, "We can't make friends by giving away large sums of money in foreign banks [51-52]." He accused Gore of being "deceitful" and "untruthful" to his constituents and that his pro-globalization ideals were causing him to "turn his back on Tennesseans [51-52]." In counterpoint, Prentice vowed to "never turn his back," believing that "public interest was paramount [53]." However, in the end, despite hundreds of miles campaigning with his wife and children by his side, Prentice could not defeat Gore [54-56]. Some said that Prentice's attacks on Gore went too far, along with his extreme conservativeness, causing Gore to win by a margin of 120,000 votes [54-56].  

After Prentice's political career ended, Prentice returned to private practice. However, he continued to make speeches where he spoke of his time in Peru. On May 18, 1969, after years of struggling, Prentice died of gastrointestinal cancer in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota, at the Mayo Clinic [61-64]. Governor Buford Ellington of Tennessee said of Prentice, "He rendered a true service to his state. He had a great sense of history, [and he] took great pride in Tennessee [63]." His internment is in Jenkins Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee [64]. His wife, Hortense, never remarried. She died peacefully on September 18, 2017, in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee [65-66]. Her internment is next to Prentice's [66]. In 1945, the Prentice Cooper State Park in Marion County, Tennessee, was named in his honor [67]! Prentice's sons have followed in his footsteps and are his most profound legacy. William Prentice Cooper III, their oldest son, is a practicing attorney in Nashville. Their middle son, James Hayes Shofner Cooper, is a Representative for the 5th congressional district of Tennessee. Their youngest son, John Norment Powell Cooper, is the current Mayor of Nashville. See blogs on Jim and John for references.  

1962, October 26, Nashville Banner,
Nashville, Tennessee, Page 8

Those who read my blogs understand the first and last paragraphs of any story are my opinions. They are structured so that my granddaughters, Natalie and Emmalyn, will know how their grandparents felt about the world and the time they lived. Hopefully, it will answer all their questions about their Amaw and Apaw they may eventually wonder. They are our answers to the questions I wished I would have asked my grandparents. My granddaughters have already shown grit and determination, even at their young age. A gift they have received from their mother. Hopefully, it will lead them to formulate their independent opinions founded on research someday. And in prayer, I hope their country is still free so that they may express themselves. The middle of every blog is a character that I formulate based on any knowledge I have gathered. I've done my best to remain neutral. Like the characters in a novel, I am not always sure that I like them when the story concludes. Regardless, I try to represent each character with honesty and objectivity so we can all learn from their lives and the history they created. History is relative! As I approach my 100th blog, I hope I have learned and grown as a writer, genealogist, and blogger. Years ago, Prentice saw globalization as a threat to American democracy and its economic stability. My opinion is the same. Around the globe, people from varying nations have warned everyone about the slope towards communism that the United States has begun leaning. As they fight to obtain freedom, we fight to give it away! Ignorance, laziness, illiteracy, and the mainstream are part of the reasons that so many in our country now believe that communism and socialism are a form of utopia. The survey mentioned at the beginning of this blog also demonstrated that viewers of CNN, MSNBC, and other liberal-leaning news media had no idea about the facts surrounding masks, the U.S. economy, vaccines, and a myriad of other points that divide the left from the right. Their knowledge is limited because their database of information is limited. Tragically, they cannot even detect the stupidity of their television broadcasters because they lack the comprehension to debunk it. With love, prayer, and direct parental education, perhaps our granddaughters will avoid the pitfalls of relying on limited viewpoints with limited minds! If you are someone who reads this blog and doubts the result of the survey, it is not surprising. It further proves that your database is biased and based upon the hyperbole constantly doled to you. 

Part I: https://progenitorportal.blogspot.com/2023/12/william-prentice-cooper-road-to.html

Part II: https://progenitorportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/william-prentice-cooper-road-to.html

Part III: https://progenitorportal.blogspot.com/2024/01/william-prentice-cooper.html

Sources:

1. Cooper, William Prentice. “Ambassador Prentice Cooper, 1946-1948, Part I.” Tennessee Historical Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 1, 1986, pp. 41–55. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/42626569. Accessed 13 May 2021.
2. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261109/argentine-cooper
3. “Hoskins Is Asked To Remain A Year-Trustees Want Time To Choose Success,” 1946, July 4, 1946, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1.
4. “Prentice Cooper Sails For New Post In Peru,” 1946, June 14, The Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, Page 1.
5. “Cooper Sees Truman-Leaves Soon For Perum,” 1046, June 11, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 7
6. “New Ambassador Leaves,” 1946, June 16, The Knoxville News, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 12.
7. Mynders, Alfres, “Next To The News,” 1946, August 31, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 8.
8. Hill, Ernie, “Prentice Cooper Opens State Department Rift - South America Stirred Up At Statement of U.S. Ambassador To Peru That U.S. Should Stop Giving Latins Handouts,” 1946, August, 29, The Knoxville News Journal-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1
9. “Wound Fatal To Autauganville Soldier In Peru,” 1946, September 12, The Pratville Progress, Pratville, Alabama, Page 2.
10. “Wounds Fatal To Alabamian, 1946, September 10, Alabama Journal, Montgomery, Alabama, Page 1.
11. “850 Dead In Quake-Cooper To Visit Scene,” 1946, October 17, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 18.
12. “Cooper Is Honored For Quake Mission Peruvians Are Thankful To Ex-Tennessee Governor For Works Of Mercy, “1946, December 10, The Chattanooga Daily Times, Page 1.
13. Mynder, Alfred, “Next To The News,” 1946, December 13, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 18.
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bright%27s_disease
15. Mynders, Alfred, “Next To The News,” 1947, November 15, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 2.
16. “Discounts Possibility of Prentice Cooper Entering Race,” 1947, December 15, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, Page 1.
17. Hixson, Fred, “Cooper On Live For Visit To U.S.-Speculation on Ambassador’s Role In State Politics Rife As Report Is Verified,” 1947, December 5, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 3.
18. “Cooper’s Mother Better; Due Home In Spring,” 1948, January 31, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, page 3.
19. “Cooper’s Mother Suffers Stroke,” 1948, January 31, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 7.
20. “Truman Refuses To Confirm Resignation Rumor,” 1948, April 16, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 26.
21. “Cooper Turns Up In Washington,” 1948, April 15, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 8.
22. Prentice Resigns As U.S. Envoy To Peru,” 1948, April, The Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol, Tennessee, Page 3
23. “Cooper Quits As American Envoy To Peru,” 1948, May 28, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1.
24. “The Tiger Tamer From Peru Is Left Without A Blanket To Protect Him From The Icy Temperature Of A Crump Political Winter,” 1948, May 28, Nashville, Banner, Page 1.
25. “Cooper Back Home To Practice Law Says Peru “Friend,” 1948, July 26, Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee, Page 1.
26. “Prentice Cooper III,” 1948, July 29, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, Page 1.
27. “Prentice Cooper Undergoing Medical Tests,” 1948, July 29, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 32.
28. “Prentice Cooper Enters Mayo Clinic,” 1948, August 12, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 13.
29. “Prentice Cooper Returns To His Home,” 1948, September 18, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, Page 1
30. “Cooper Home After Operation,” 1948, September 16, The Tennessean, page 1.
31. “Prentice Cooper Absolved in Revolution,” 1948, October 14, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 26.
32. “Ex-Governor Cooper To marry Miss Hortense Powell,” 1950, April 20, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 1.
33. “Mis Hortense Powell, Mr. Prentice Cooper,” 1950, April 23, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 34.
34. “Ex-Governor Cooper, Miss Powell Wed In New York City Ceremony,” 1950, April 23, The Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1
35. Ancestry.com. New York, New York, U.S., Marriage License Indexes, 1907-2018 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017. Record Number 9211
36. St. Joseph Gazette; Publication Date: 20 May 1969; Publication Place: St. Joseph, Missouri, United States of America; URL: https://www.newspapers.com/image/563275185/?article=5b490d52-ca18-4396-8785-fe212aabfad4&focus=0.5240752,0.023502577,0.74851114,0.13861641&xid=3355
37. Ancestry.com. U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2019.
38. “Son Born New Year’s To Prentice Cooper,” 1952, January 1, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 1.
39. “Son Born To Coopers,” 1954, June 20, The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 14.
40. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Cooper
41. “Personals,” 1956, October 15, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 8.
42.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cooper_(Tennessee_politician)
43. “Former Governor Prentice Cooper Advocates Sea Level Panama Canal,” 1956, The Greenville Sun, Greenville, Tennessee, Page 1.
44. Austin, Bill, “Could Be Cooper Says of 58' Governor’s Race,” 1957, December 4, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 1.
45. “Cooper May Make A Comeback,” 1957, December 8, Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee, Page 4.
46. Binkley, Don, “Prentice Cooper Served Three Consecutive Terms,” 1958, January 29, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Tennessee, Page 7.
47. “Cooper In Governor Race,” 1958, January 2, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 7.
48. “Prentice Cooper Has Tough Job In Trying To Win Governor’s Race,” 1958, January 27, Kingsport Times, Kingsport, Tennessee, Page 10.
49. “Prentice Cooper Candidate For Governor-Three Time Winner Tries Again, “ 1948, February 2, The Bristol Herald, Bristol, Tennessee, Page 5.
50. Means, John, “Headquarters For Taylor Will Open Here March 1, “ 1958, February 16, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, Page 1.
51. “Powerful Bloc Urging Prentice Cooper To Run Against Gore In Senatorial Race,” 1958, May 21, Knoxville Journal, Knoxville, Tennessee, Page 1.
52. “Cooper Shifts To Senate-Gore Defends Record After GOP Charge-Former Governor Candidate Says,” 1958, June 5, Nashville Banner, Nashville, Tennessee, Page 1
53. “Prentice Cooper To Open Senatorial Campaign At Murfreesboro,” 1958, June 23, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 17.
54. “Prentice Cooper Speech,” 1958, June 29, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 11
55. “Cooper’s Home Town Goes Heavily To Gore,” 1958, August 8, Chattanooga Daily Times, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Page 1
56. Ballad, Barney, “Cooper Loses By Big Margin, Orgill Second With Taylor Running Close, Allen Out,”1958, August 8, Johnson City Press, Johnson City, Page 2.
57. “Not Enough Votes Left To Beat Him,” 1958, August 9, Kingsport News, Kingsport, Tennessee, Page 7
58. Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File
59. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2014.
60. Original data: Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration.
61. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261042/william-prentice-cooper
62. “Ex-Governor Ambassador, Prentice Cooper Dies, “ 1969, May 19, The Leaf Chronicle, Clarksville, Tennessee, Page 1
63. “Governor Prentice Cooper Dies,” 1969, May 19, The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, Page 1
64. “Ex-Tennessee Governor Prentice Cooper Dies in Rochester Hospital,” 1969, May 19, The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Page 4.
65. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11261042/william-prentice-cooper
66. “Mother of Nashville Congressman, Metro Councilman, Dies At 98,” 1917, September 20, The Tennessean, Nashville, Tennessee, Page A7.
67. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183574594/hortense-hayes-cooper
68. https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/state-forests/prentice-cooper.html

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This blog has been created for my granddaughters, Natalie Elizabeth and Emmalyn Rose Herron, to share the experiences of Mitch and me, along with our viewpoints towards politics, religion, and the history we are creating. I respectfully understand that you may not always agree with our perspectives. We want to teach the two of them our history, their family history, and American history so they, too, will learn to question with boldness! Should you disagree with our viewpoints, please keep your negative commentary in your mind. This blog may not be for you. We will leave it up to our granddaughters to judge our character and the lives we led!

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𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘𐩘