William Howard Taft was a man of dual legacies, the only person in American history to serve as both President and Chief Justice of the United States.
Born into a politically connected family, Taft’s career was marked by a steady rise through the legal and judicial ranks before stepping onto the national political stage.
Though his presidency (1909-1913) was often overshadowed by his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt, Taft played a crucial role in antitrust enforcement, tariff reform, and the modernization of government agencies.
After a turbulent political career that saw him lose re-election, he achieved his lifelong dream when he was appointed Chief Justice in 1921.
His tenure on the Supreme Court became the crowning achievement of a life dedicated to law and public service.
This timeline explores the key milestones of Taft’s life, tracing his journey from his early legal career to his lasting impact on American law and governance.
| September 15, 1857 | William Howard Taft is born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Alphonso Taft and Louisa Maria Torrey. |
| 1874 | Graduates from Woodward High School in Cincinnati. |
| 1878 | Earns his Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College, ranking second in his class. |
| 1880 | Graduates from the Cincinnati Law School and is admitted to the Ohio bar. |
| 1881 | Becomes Assistant Prosecutor for Hamilton County, Ohio. |
| June 19, 1886 | Marries Helen Herron, known as “Nellie” Taft. |
| 1887 | Appointed judge of the Superior Court of Ohio at age 29. |
| 1890 | President Benjamin Harrison appoints him U.S. Solicitor General. |
| 1892 | Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. |
| 1900 | Appointed head of the Philippine Commission by President William McKinley. |
| 1901 | Becomes the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines. |
| 1904 | President Theodore Roosevelt appoints Taft as Secretary of War. |
| 1907 | Travels to Japan to ease tensions between the U.S. and Japan. |
| June 16, 1908 | Nominated as the Republican candidate for president with Roosevelt’s endorsement. |
| November 3, 1908 | Wins the presidential election against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. |
| March 4, 1909 | Inaugurated as the 27th President of the United States. |
| 1909 | Signs the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, raising tariffs and causing rifts in the Republican Party. |
| 1910 | Establishes the Bureau of Mines to oversee conservation and worker safety. |
| 1911 | Breaks up large monopolies, including Standard Oil and the American Tobacco Company. |
| November 5, 1912 | Loses the election to Democrat Woodrow Wilson after Roosevelt splits the Republican vote. |
| 1913 | Becomes a professor of law at Yale University. |
| 1915 | Co-founds the League to Enforce Peace, advocating for international arbitration. |
| June 30, 1921 | Appointed Chief Justice of the United States by President Warren G. Harding. |
| 1925 | Oversees the adoption of the Judges’ Bill, giving the Supreme Court control over its docket. |
| February 3, 1930 | Resigns as Chief Justice due to failing health. |
| March 8, 1930 | Dies in Washington, D.C., and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. |
Timeline of William Howard Taft
September 15, 1857 – William Howard Taft is Born
William Howard Taft is born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Alphonso Taft and Louisa Maria Torrey. His father, Alphonso, was a prominent attorney and politician who served as U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of War under President Ulysses S. Grant.
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This prestigious background exposed young Taft to political and legal environments early in life, shaping his future ambitions.
1874 – Graduates from Woodward High School
Taft completes his early education at Woodward High School in Cincinnati. Known for his disciplined and diligent nature, he excelled in academics and demonstrated leadership qualities that would later define his career in both law and politics.
1878 – Earns a Bachelor of Arts from Yale College
Taft graduates from Yale College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, ranking second in his class. During his time at Yale, he was a member of the elite secret society Skull and Bones. His time at the university was marked by success in debate, academics, and building a network of influential connections.
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1880 – Graduates from Cincinnati Law School and Passes the Bar
Taft completes his law degree at Cincinnati Law School and passes the Ohio bar, marking the start of his legal career. His early ambitions focused on the judiciary, a goal he would steadily pursue before entering the national political stage.
1881 – Appointed Assistant Prosecutor for Hamilton County
Shortly after beginning his legal career, Taft becomes Assistant Prosecutor for Hamilton County, Ohio. This position allows him to gain firsthand experience in courtroom procedures, casework, and legal advocacy, further preparing him for future judicial roles.
June 19, 1886 – Marries Helen Herron (“Nellie”) Taft
Taft marries Helen Herron, known as “Nellie” to friends and family. Nellie plays a crucial role in Taft’s political career, encouraging him to take risks and aim for higher office, including the presidency. Her ambition often exceeded his own, but together they formed a supportive and influential partnership.
1887 – Appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Ohio
At the age of 29, Taft is appointed to the Superior Court of Ohio, making him one of the youngest judges in the state. His reputation for fairness, integrity, and knowledge of the law begins to grow during his time on the bench, catching the attention of national leaders.
1890 – Appointed U.S. Solicitor General
President Benjamin Harrison appoints Taft as U.S. Solicitor General, the youngest person ever to hold the position. In this role, Taft argues cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, honing his legal expertise and earning a reputation as a highly competent advocate.
1892 – Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Taft is appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a prestigious judicial position that solidifies his status as a respected legal mind. His work during this period focuses on labor law and the regulation of business, topics that would remain significant throughout his career.
1900 – Appointed Head of the Philippine Commission
President William McKinley appoints Taft as head of the Philippine Commission following the Spanish-American War. Tasked with overseeing the transition from military to civil rule, he plays a critical role in building government institutions, public infrastructure, and educational systems in the Philippines.
1901 – Becomes Civilian Governor-General of the Philippines
Taft becomes the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines, succeeding military leaders. He focuses on improving roads, bridges, and schools while fostering better relations between American officials and the Filipino population. His efforts help establish a functioning civil government and modernize the colony.
1904 – Appointed Secretary of War by President Theodore Roosevelt
Taft is appointed Secretary of War by President Theodore Roosevelt, a role that expands his influence in U.S. foreign policy and domestic infrastructure. He oversees projects like the construction of the Panama Canal and is trusted by Roosevelt to handle important diplomatic missions.
1907 – Travels to Japan to Ease U.S.-Japan Tensions
As Secretary of War, Taft travels to Japan to negotiate agreements aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations. With increasing friction over Japanese immigration and territorial issues, his efforts help maintain stability and strengthen diplomatic ties.
June 16, 1908 – Nominated as Republican Candidate for President
With the full backing of Theodore Roosevelt, Taft secures the Republican nomination for president. Despite his reluctance to enter the political fray, he accepts the challenge, running on a platform of continuing Roosevelt’s progressive reforms.
November 3, 1908 – Wins the Presidential Election
Taft defeats Democrat William Jennings Bryan in the presidential election. His victory is largely attributed to Roosevelt’s popularity and support. He assumes the presidency with expectations to balance progressive reform and conservative governance.
March 4, 1909 – Inaugurated as the 27th President
Taft is inaugurated as the 27th President of the United States. During his presidency, he seeks to address issues like tariff reform, antitrust regulation, and conservation but faces challenges from within his party.
1909 – Signs the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act
Taft signs the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act, intended to lower tariffs but ultimately raising them in many areas. The decision alienates progressive Republicans and causes a rift between him and Roosevelt, leading to long-term political consequences.
1910 – Establishes the Bureau of Mines
To address worker safety and resource management, Taft establishes the Bureau of Mines. This agency is tasked with promoting safe mining practices and conserving mineral resources, reflecting his commitment to regulating industry.
1911 – Breaks Up Major Monopolies
Using the Sherman Antitrust Act, Taft breaks up monopolistic giants like Standard Oil and the American Tobacco Company. Despite these achievements, he struggles to gain the same public recognition for antitrust efforts that Roosevelt had received.
November 5, 1912 – Loses Re-Election to Woodrow Wilson
Taft loses the 1912 presidential election to Democrat Woodrow Wilson. His defeat is largely due to Roosevelt running as a third-party candidate under the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party, splitting the Republican vote.
1913 – Becomes a Professor at Yale University
Following his political defeat, Taft returns to academia and begins teaching law at Yale University. He enjoys this period of intellectual work and becomes a respected figure on campus, influencing future legal scholars.
1915 – Co-Founds the League to Enforce Peace
Taft co-founds the League to Enforce Peace, advocating for international arbitration to prevent future conflicts. His early support for the concept of collective security foreshadows the creation of the League of Nations after World War I.
June 30, 1921 – Appointed Chief Justice of the United States
President Warren G. Harding appoints Taft as Chief Justice, fulfilling Taft’s lifelong ambition. As Chief Justice, he works to improve the efficiency of the federal courts and asserts judicial independence.
1925 – Oversees the Adoption of the Judges’ Bill
Taft is instrumental in the passage of the Judges’ Bill, which gives the Supreme Court control over its docket and the ability to choose cases it wishes to hear. This reform enhances the Court’s power and streamlines the federal judiciary.
February 3, 1930 – Resigns as Chief Justice
Due to failing health, Taft resigns as Chief Justice. His contributions to the legal system are widely recognized, and he leaves behind a legacy of judicial reform and leadership.
March 8, 1930 – Death and Burial at Arlington National Cemetery
Taft dies in Washington, D.C., at the age of 72. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, becoming the first U.S. president to be honored with this burial site. His dual role as President and Chief Justice cements his place in American history.