William Howard Taft (1857-1930)
27th President of the United States of America (1909-1913) & 10th Chief Justice
He was preceded in the Presidency by Theodore Roosevelt and after serving one term in office for the Republican Party he was succeeded in 1913 by Woodrow Wilson. His Vice-President was James S. Sherman. His presidency was just one chapter in a distinguished legal and public service career spanning over four decades, having also served as the 10th Chief Justice of the United States. But, he is perhaps best remembered for being the heaviest President in U.S. history, tipping the scales at 340lbs.
Born to a distinguished father in Cincinnati, Ohio, he began his career as a lawyer and judge before entering federal service. President William McKinley appointed him as the first civilian Governor of the Philippines in 1901, where he oversaw the transition from military to civilian rule and implemented significant infrastructure and educational reforms. His administrative success there caught the attention of Theodore Roosevelt, who brought Taft into his cabinet as Secretary of War in 1904. Despite his preference for the judiciary, Taft accepted Roosevelt's endorsement for the Presidency in 1908. His administration focused on "dollar diplomacy" in foreign affairs and trust-busting at home, actually initiating more antitrust suits than Roosevelt. However, Taft's more conservative approach and his firing of popular conservationist Gifford Pinchot created a rift with Roosevelt, leading to the Republican Party split in 1912 that cost Taft re-election.
Born to a distinguished father in Cincinnati, Ohio, he began his career as a lawyer and judge before entering federal service. President William McKinley appointed him as the first civilian Governor of the Philippines in 1901, where he oversaw the transition from military to civilian rule and implemented significant infrastructure and educational reforms. His administrative success there caught the attention of Theodore Roosevelt, who brought Taft into his cabinet as Secretary of War in 1904. Despite his preference for the judiciary, Taft accepted Roosevelt's endorsement for the Presidency in 1908. His administration focused on "dollar diplomacy" in foreign affairs and trust-busting at home, actually initiating more antitrust suits than Roosevelt. However, Taft's more conservative approach and his firing of popular conservationist Gifford Pinchot created a rift with Roosevelt, leading to the Republican Party split in 1912 that cost Taft re-election.
After leaving the presidency, Taft achieved his lifelong dream when President Warren Harding appointed him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1921, a position he held until his death in 1930. He proved to be an exceptionally effective Chief Justice, modernizing court procedures, improving judicial efficiency, and helping secure passage of the Judiciary Act of 1925, which gave the Court greater discretion over its cases. His judicial philosophy emphasized constitutional restraint and institutional respect. Taft remains unique in American history as the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice. His legacy encompasses significant contributions to colonial administration, presidential leadership during the Progressive Era, and judicial reform. He died in 1930, having served with distinction in all three branches of government. In 1886, he married the "unconventional" Nellie Herron and they were the parents of three notable children.
