William Howard Taft | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : May 04, 2025

Who is William Howard Taft?

William Howard Taft was a significant figure in American history, serving as the 27th president of the United States from 1909 to 1913, and later as the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1921 until his death in 1930. Born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft emerged from a politically prominent family, with aspirations to be a jurist. Despite his initial preference for a judicial career, he was persuaded by his wife and the influential Theodore Roosevelt to pursue the presidency. Following a successful political ascent, Taft won the 1908 election and aimed to continue the progressive reforms of his predecessor, although his term was marred by political strife within the Republican Party.

Taft's presidency is often viewed as understated compared to Roosevelt's dynamic leadership style. Nonetheless, he championed important policies such as the corporate income tax and pursued aggressive antitrust actions, dismantling more corporate trusts in his four years than Roosevelt did in eight. His focus on legal principles and a more reserved demeanor often put him at odds with the progressive wing of his party. After leaving office, Taft finally attained his lifelong dream of becoming chief justice in 1921, making history as the only individual to serve as both president and chief justice. Taft passed away on March 8, 1930, leaving behind a complex legacy recognized for its significant contributions to American governance.

Early Life and Education

William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Louisa Maria Torrey and Alphonso Taft, who hailed from a prominent political lineage. Taft's family heritage traced back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where many of his ancestors pursued careers in law. His father, Alphonso Taft, was notably influential, serving as Secretary of War and Attorney General under President Ulysses S. Grant. This early exposure to politics and law significantly shaped Taft's aspirations and career.

Taft's education began in private schools, and he later attended Yale College, following in his father's footsteps. At Yale, he became a member of the secret society Skull and Bones, building a network of connections that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He graduated from Yale in 1878, and deviating from family tradition, he enrolled at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, earning his law degree in 1880. Shortly thereafter, he married Helen "Nellie" Herron, setting the stage for a career that would take him rapidly through notable political appointments.

Rise to Public Service and Political Career

William Howard Taft’s ascent to public service began in a politically rooted family in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from Yale College in 1878, he diverged from family tradition by attending the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1880. His early career was marked by swift advancements; he served as county prosecutor and state judge, but it was in 1890, at the age of 32, that he became U.S. Solicitor General under President Benjamin Harrison. This appointment not only shifted Taft's life trajectory but also marked his first significant foray into national politics, introducing him to key figures, including Theodore Roosevelt.

Taft's career continued to evolve as he took on notable roles, including Governor-General of the Philippines from 1901 to 1903, where he proved to be an adept administrator, improving local governance and economic conditions. Returning to Washington, D.C., he was appointed Secretary of War by President Roosevelt. Ultimately, through a confluence of personal persuasion and political circumstances, Taft was swayed to run for the presidency in 1908. His tenure as the 27th president was characterized by a staunch adherence to the rule of law, though it was beset by challenges, including tensions within the Republican Party and legislative complexities that shaped his administration.

U.S. Presidency and Key Achievements

William Howard Taft served as the 27th President of the United States from March 4, 1909, to March 4, 1913. He assumed the presidency following the popular Theodore Roosevelt, which set high expectations for his administration. Taft’s presidency was characterized by his adherence to the rule of law, often prioritizing legal principles over political expediency. He established a “policy of harmony” with Congress that helped push forward significant parts of his legislative agenda, including the introduction of a corporate income tax that raised national revenues by over $13 million. Taft's approach, however, also led to friction within the Republican Party, as he struggled to maintain unity among the differing factions.

One of Taft’s notable achievements was his aggressive stance on trust-busting, surpassing Roosevelt by dissolving more monopolies during his single term. He also introduced concepts such as "dollar diplomacy," enhancing U.S. economic influence in Latin America and East Asia. Taft’s commitment to civil rights included supporting Booker T. Washington's initiatives aimed at uplifting African Americans and vetoing a congressional literacy test that would have restricted immigrant unskilled labor. Although his presidency faced challenges and was eventually viewed as lackluster compared to his predecessor, Taft’s contributions laid important groundwork for future progressive reforms.

Weighty Issues and Challenges Faced

William Howard Taft, known for his considerable size and jovial demeanor, faced numerous challenges during both his presidency and subsequent years. Standing nearly six feet tall and weighing over 240 pounds in college, Taft became notorious for his weight, which ballooned to morbid obesity during his time in the White House. His size often became the subject of jokes, though he maintained a good-natured attitude about it. Urban legends, such as him getting stuck in a bathtub, often obscured his significant contributions to public service. Despite these personal challenges, Taft's intellect and legal acumen drove his professional endeavors.

Post-presidency, Taft’s health continued to be a concern, but he managed to lose weight, dropping to about 270 pounds. However, his weight issues took a toll on his mobility, leading to the use of a cane. Taft embraced academia as a law professor at Yale University and became politically active again by co-founding the League for Enforced Peace, demonstrating his commitment to international diplomacy. His most significant achievement came in 1921 when he achieved his lifelong dream by being appointed as the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, making him the only person in history to have served both as president and chief justice. Despite challenges, Taft's legacy in law and politics remains impactful.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

William Howard Taft’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his marriage to Helen "Nellie" Herron, whom he wed in 1886. Their relationship was marked by a strong partnership, as Nellie not only supported Taft's political aspirations but also infused their home life with warmth and affection. Taft appreciated her keen interest in political affairs, with their mutual enthusiasm for public service drawing them closer together. Nellie's influence was notable in Taft's decision-making, particularly during his transition from a judicial career to the presidency, where she encouraged him to embrace the political spotlight.

The Taft family expanded to include three children: Robert, Helen, and Charles. They were very much a close-knit family, often participating in various activities together. The children were raised amidst the backdrop of political life, as Taft's roles saw the family frequently moving. This environment provided them with unique experiences, from living in the Philippines during Taft’s governorship to the grandeur of the White House. Even as the children grew more independent, Taft remained actively involved in their lives, emphasizing education and service—values that were integral to the Taft household.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

William Howard Taft's financial details as a public servant were not particularly well-documented, but his net worth can be inferred from his various roles in government and law. Serving as the 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913 and later as the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Taft earned a government salary that reflected his esteemed positions. As president, his annual salary was set at $75,000, which was quite substantial for that era. However, his wealth also stemmed from his successful career in law, where he served in high-ranking legal positions and was well-regarded by his peers.

After his presidency, Taft transitioned to academia, serving as a law professor at Yale, where he also earned a salary. While monetary figures from this period may not be as explicitly recorded, it is understood that his professional standing as a former president and chief justice provided him with lucrative speaking engagements and opportunities that influenced his overall financial status. Notably, his legacy also encompassed far-reaching contributions to American society; thus, his net worth should be considered alongside his impact on the legal realm and the judiciary rather than purely from a financial perspective.