Taft, William Howard

William Howard Taft (1857–1930) was an American lawyer, jurist, and statesman best known as the only person to serve both as President of the United States and later as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft built his early career in public service as a federal judge, Solicitor General, and Secretary of War. He was elected the 27th president in 1908, governing from 1909 to 1913 with a strong emphasis on constitutional law, administrative order, and trust-busting, though his cautious style put him at odds with Progressive reformers, including Theodore Roosevelt. After leaving the presidency, Taft achieved his lifelong ambition when he was appointed Chief Justice in 1921, a role in which he strengthened the federal judiciary and championed judicial independence.

Taft spoke in Englewood on Saturday May 25, 1912. He gave speeches at the Lyceum, the Armory, and the Palisades House. Five hundred prominent citizens from the Northern Valley greeted Taft in Englewood. Company F of the 5th National Guard accompanied Taft while he was in Englewood.

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

1908