William Howard Taft Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Obituary, Children, Political Party

William Howard Taft was an influential American political and judicial figure who served as the 27th president of the United States from 1909 to 1913. It later became the tenth chief justice of the United States, holding that position from 1921 to 1930.

He remains the only individual in American history to have held these esteemed offices, demonstrating his significant contributions to the government’s executive and judicial branches.

Profile

• Full Name: William Howard Taft
• Stage Name: William Howard Taft
• Born: 15, September 1857
• Date of death: 8 March 1930 (Aged: 72 years)
• Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: The 27th president of the United States
• Height: unknown
• Parent: Alphonso Taft and Louisa Maria Torrey
• Siblings: Charles Taft, Peter Taft, Henry Taft, Horace Taft, and Frances Taft
• Spouse: Helen Herron Taft (m. 1886–1930)
• Children: Robert Alphonso Taft, Helen Herron, Taft Manning, and Charles Phelps Taft II
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life And Education

William Howard Taft was born on September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, to Alphonso Taft and Louisa Maria Torrey. He grew up in a large family with five siblings.

From his father’s first marriage, he had two half-brothers, Charles and Peter, while with his mother, Louisa, he had three full siblings: Henry, Horace, and Frances.

Taft pursued higher education at Yale University, where he graduated in 1878. During his time there, he was an active member of the Skull and Bones secret society and distinguished himself academically, finishing second in his class.

He later continued his studies at Cincinnati Law School, earning his law degree in 1880. Ethnically, he was of English descent, and in terms of religious beliefs, he was raised in the Unitarian Church, which acknowledges the existence of God but does not adhere to the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Career

William Howard Taft’s political career was defined by a shift from progressivism to conservatism, shaping his presidency and later judicial tenure.

Initially regarded as a progressive, Taft sought to continue the reformist policies of his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt, when he assumed office in 1909.

However, his support for measures like the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909, which failed to reduce tariffs significantly, alienated the progressive wing of the Republican Party.

His focus on foreign trade expansion through “Dollar Diplomacy” further underscored his pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing economic investment over direct military intervention.

While Taft’s presidency saw some continued trust-busting efforts, his growing alignment with conservative Republicans caused dissatisfaction among reformers who had once viewed him as an ally.

The growing ideological divide within the Republican Party during Taft’s tenure resulted in intense political conflict, particularly over issues such as conservation and antitrust enforcement. His administration’s legal action against U.S. Steel, a company Roosevelt had previously shielded from prosecution, deepened the rift between the two leaders.

This animosity culminated in Roosevelt’s decision to challenge Taft for the Republican nomination in the 1912 presidential election. Although Taft ultimately secured the nomination, Roosevelt’s breakaway candidacy under the Progressive Party fractured the Republican vote, allowing Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency.

Taft’s defeat marked the end of his direct involvement in elected office, but he remained influential in law and governance. Following his presidency, Taft transitioned to academia, becoming a professor at Yale University while continuing his engagement in public affairs.

His lifelong aspiration to serve on the Supreme Court was fulfilled in 1921 when President Warren G. Harding appointed him Chief Justice of the United States. In this role, Taft demonstrated his conservative judicial philosophy, favoring limited government intervention in economic matters.

A key example of his approach was the 1922 case Bailey v. Drexel Furniture Co., where he struck down a federal tax on goods produced with child labor, reinforcing his belief in state sovereignty over labor regulation.

Taft served as Chief Justice until 1930, modernizing the judiciary and advocating for procedural reforms, ultimately impacting the American legal system.

Social Media

William Howard Taft does not have a social media handle.

Personal Life

William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, was married to Helen Louise Herron, affectionately known as Nellie, who played an active role in his political career and served as First Lady during his presidency.

Their marriage, which lasted over four decades, was marked by mutual support and shared ambitions, with Nellie strongly influencing Taft’s public life.

Together, they had three children: Robert Alphonso Taft, Helen Herron Taft Manning, and Charles Phelps Taft II, all of whom pursued distinguished careers and contributed meaningfully to society.

Net Worth

When adjusted for today’s dollar value, William Howard Taft’s peak net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. He built his wealth primarily through his legal career before entering politics, establishing himself as a successful attorney.