Helen Herron Taft

author

Helen Herron Taft

1861–1943

An energetic and politically astute First Lady, she helped shape William Howard Taft’s rise and became known for bringing music and social life into the White House. She also left a lasting mark on Washington by supporting the planting of the city’s famous cherry trees.

1 Audiobook

Recollections of full years

Recollections of full years

by Helen Herron Taft

About the author

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1861, Helen Herron Taft grew up in a politically active family and developed an early interest in public life. She married William Howard Taft in 1886 and became one of his closest advisers as his career carried the family from Ohio to Washington, the Philippines, and back again.

As First Lady from 1909 to 1913, she was admired for her intelligence, strong will, and keen sense of politics. She encouraged a more lively White House social scene, arranged regular musical performances, and is widely remembered for her role in the planting of Washington’s Japanese cherry trees.

After leaving the White House, she wrote a memoir, Recollections of Full Years, becoming the first First Lady to publish one. She lived long enough to see her husband serve not only as president but also as chief justice of the United States, and after her death in 1943 she was buried beside him at Arlington National Cemetery.