William Taft: 15 Fascinating Facts

Introduction:

William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, served from 1909 to 1913. While he may not be as well-known as some of his predecessors or successors, Taft led an interesting life full of unexpected twists and turns. In this article, we will delve into 15 fascinating facts about William Taft, shedding light on the man behind the presidency.

Fact 1: Early Life

William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in a prominent family, as his father, Alphonso Taft, served as the Secretary of War and as Attorney General under President Ulysses S. Grant.

Fact 2: Education

Taft attended Yale College, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones secret society. After graduating from Yale in 1878, he studied law at the University of Cincinnati and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1880.

Fact 3: Legal Career

Before entering politics, Taft had a successful legal career. He served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and as Solicitor General of the United States. Taft was also appointed as the Governor-General of the Philippines in 1900.

Fact 4: Weight Issues

Taft was known for being one of the heaviest presidents in U.S. history, weighing over 300 pounds during his time in office. He struggled with his weight throughout his life and famously had a custom-made bathtub installed in the White House to accommodate his size.

Fact 5: Supreme Court Justice

After his presidency, Taft was appointed as Chief Justice of the United States in 1921. He is the only person to have served both as President and Chief Justice, solidifying his place in history as a respected legal mind.

Fact 6: Taft-Roosevelt Relationship

William Taft succeeded Theodore Roosevelt as President in 1909. While the two were initially close friends and political allies, their relationship soured over time, leading to a split in the Republican Party and Roosevelt running against Taft in the 1912 election.

Fact 7: Anti-Trust Actions

During his time in office, Taft continued Roosevelt’s trust-busting legacy by filing more anti-trust cases than his predecessor. He established the Bureau of Mines and signed the Mann-Elkins Act, which regulated railroads further.

Fact 8: Dollar Diplomacy

One of Taft’s foreign policies was known as dollar diplomacy, which aimed to strengthen U.S. economic interests in Latin America and East Asia through loans and investments. While controversial at the time, it marked a shift in American diplomacy.

Fact 9: Paying Off the National Debt

Taft is the only President to have successfully paid off the national debt, which he accomplished in 1912. By reducing spending and increasing revenues, Taft managed to bring the country out of debt for the first time in history.

Fact 10: Baseball Fan

Despite his busy schedule, Taft was an avid baseball fan and often attended games during his presidency. He even started the tradition of the President throwing the first pitch at the season opener, a tradition that continues to this day.

Fact 11: Yale University Connection

Taft had a strong connection to Yale University throughout his life. He not only attended the college but also served as a law professor there after his presidency. Taft’s alma mater held a special place in his heart.

Fact 12: Taft’s Presidency Post-White House

After leaving the White House, Taft remained involved in politics and public service. He went on to serve as the President of the American Bar Association and as a professor at Yale Law School. Taft’s dedication to law and education remained steadfast in his post-presidential life.

Fact 13: Taft’s Legacy

While Taft’s presidency may not be as well-remembered as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to American politics and law are enduring. His commitment to trust-busting, fiscal responsibility, and legal expertise left a lasting impact on the country.

Fact 14: Family Life

Taft was married to Helen Herron Taft, with whom he had three children. Despite the demands of his political career, Taft valued his family life and maintained a close relationship with his wife and children throughout his life.

Fact 15: Death and Legacy

William Howard Taft passed away on March 8, 1930, at the age of 72. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, alongside other prominent figures in U.S. history. Taft’s legacy lives on through his legal rulings, political accomplishments, and dedication to public service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, William Howard Taft was a complex and influential figure in American history. From his legal career to his presidency and beyond, Taft left a lasting impact on the country that is still felt today. By exploring these 15 fascinating facts about Taft, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the political office, showcasing his strengths, weaknesses, and enduring legacy.