author
William H. (William Howard) Taft
1857–1930
A rare figure in American history, this statesman went from the White House to the Supreme Court, becoming the only person to serve as both U.S. president and chief justice. His career stretched from law and diplomacy to national leadership at a turning point in the early twentieth century.
3 Audiobooks
Ethics in Service
by William H. (William Howard) Taft
The South and the National Government
by William H. (William Howard) Taft
State of the Union Addresses
by William H. (William Howard) Taft
About the author
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1857, William Howard Taft built his career in law, government, and public service before reaching the presidency. He studied at Yale, practiced law in Ohio, and went on to serve as a judge, solicitor general, governor-general of the Philippines, and secretary of war.
In 1909 he became the 27th president of the United States. His presidency is often remembered for trust-busting, tariff battles, and a growing split within the Republican Party that helped reshape national politics in the election of 1912.
Taft later achieved the role he reportedly valued most: chief justice of the United States. Appointed in 1921, he served until shortly before his death in 1930, leaving behind the unusual legacy of having led both the executive and judicial branches of the federal government.