PART OF A SERIES" * " . . v , _ , . . . . t . trv * A After leaving the White House in 1913, Taft accepted a professorship at Yale Law William Howard Taft-Finale School. He also wrote numerous magazine and newspaper articles and authored several legal philosophy books. He became an outspoken critic of prohibition that By Charlie McBriaity eventually became a reality with the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution. He continued to support world peace and, even before the outbreak of The United States presidential election of 1912 ended the reign of one party World War I, supported the formation of the League of Nations. With the outbreak of and shattered a long-term friendship between William Howard Taft and Theodore the war, he served on the National War Labor Board as its co-chair. Roosevelt. However, less than a decade later a dream of one of the friends was Taft’s long-time dream became a reality on June 30, 1921, when he was appointed realized. The disappointing Republican results of the 1910 midterm elections Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Ironically, he replaced Chief Justice Edward D. were a signal to President Taft that something was amiss with his political and White, one of six judges appointed during his presidency. As Chief Justice, Taft had personal relationship with his friend of more than 20 years. Theodore Roosevelt had the distinction of being the only former president to give the oath of office to two expressed his disappointment to members of the press and his fellow progressives presidents—Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. Some of his accomplishments in the Republican Party that President Taft had not eifectively pursued progressive as Chief Justice included the reorganization of the court and uniting the various ideals during his first term. Determined not to let Roosevelts displeasure split the federal courts into what we currently recognize as the third branch of the federal Republican Party, Taft renewed his commitment to seek his party’s nomination for government. He was also the prime mover in the building of the first and current reelection. When Roosevelt announced in February of 1912 that he would also do his Supreme Court building, which was completed after his death. Because of ill health, best to acquire that nomination, the battle between these former friends began. Taft resigned as Chief Justice on February 3, 1930, and died just five weeks later on Tafts early strategy focused on amassing convention delegate support among March 8, 1930. the non-progressives of the party in order to gain control of the convention. The Looking back at the life of William Howard Taft reveals some interesting facts progressive wing of the party lobbied for Roosevelt to become the party’s candidate. about the man. He was physically large, standing nearly six feet and weighing as However, Taft’s strategy worked and he became the 1912 Republican candidate. much as 340 pounds when he left the White House. It is alleged that he became Feeling betrayed by Taft and the Republican Party, Roosevelt and fellow progressives wedged into his presidential bathtub and that the assistance of several staff members bolted from the party and created the Progressive Party (also known as the Bull was needed to free him. Whether this event actually occurred is unclear, but it is known that a new, much larger, bathtub was installed in the White House during Moose Party). Although aware that he might not be reelected, Taft steadfastly held the position his tenure. Taft was also afflicted with sleep apnea. This condition, coupled with that the Republican Party must remain a viable organization during his campaign. excessive weight, contributed to his nodding off during meetings. After leaving office, Election eve found Taft had received only 23% of the popular vote, Roosevelt won 27% he lost more than 75 pounds and found he was no longer subject to apnea-related and Democrat Woodrow Wilson garnered 41% to win the election. For an incumbent. issues. He also was able to renew his interest in various outdoor activities. President Taft’s defeat margin was the largest ever. In addition, the Republicans Helen Louise “Nellie” Herron Taft was not only the mother of the couple’s three children, but she was a significant source of support. Nellie also came from a political lost control of both houses of Congress. Finally, it marked the bitter end of a long family and was considered to be an astute politician in her own right. Taft himself friendship, which was not reconciled imtU 1919 shortly before Roosevelt’s death. often referred to Nellie as his campaign manager and speech writer. Her support and advice were both important to Taft, although he tended to favor the law and judicial opportunities, and Nellie was more apt to suggest he pursue elective office. Nellie often revealed that one of her most memorable chUdhood events was when she and her family were invited to visit the home of one of their friends in Washington, D.C. The friend was Rutherford B. Hayes, and at the time his home was the White House. During this visit she experienced a very positive sense of tlie excitement of the White House and Washington, and she dreamed of going to Washington—and even living in the White House. This childhood dream became a reality with Taft’s election, and she was excited to become the First Lady. This excitement was dampened as a consequence of a We inspire our clients to lead more fulfilling lives. stroke that left her unable to speak. However, her determination to regain her speech At Atlantic Wealth Management, we believe a client’s financial life must take into account ultimately prevailed. One of Nellie’s most lasting accomplishments as First Lady was where they are and where they want to go, as well as all of the unique facts that apply to arranging for the planting of more than 3,000 Japanese cherry trees. Each spring their situation. As independent financial advisors, we work with individuals and families to customize and manage investment plans that include a full offering of comprehensive wealth thousands of visitors flock to Washington’s Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blossoms. management solutions arranged to advance the probability of success. Nellie outlived her husband by more than a decade. When she died in May 1943, she

To learn more about our services or to schedule an initial consultation, call us today at was buried next her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. 252.515.7800 or email at [email protected] The so-called Taft Political Dynasty of Ohio was continued when William and Nellie’s eldest son, Robert A. Taft II, became the third generation of this Cincinnati family to become involved in a national political office when he was elected to Atlantic represent Ohio in the United States Senate. In contrast to his father, Robert Taft was Wealth Management a conservative. During his 15 years of service in the Senate he was identified as Mr. Republican. His son, Robert Taft Jr. (Young Bob), served two terms in the House Greg Patterson* and James Allen “JA” Canady of Representatives. Although he did not go to Washington, Robert A. Taft III (Bob 712 Bridges Street Taft) served two four-year terms as governor of Ohio. He was the fifth generation to Morehead City, NC 28557 252.515.7800 continue the family political tradition. www.myatlanticwealth.com William Howard Taft experienced a substantial number of “firsts” during his more [email protected] than 50 years of public service. The single most significant to him was probably his [email protected] being the only former President of the United States to serve as Chief Justice of the 'Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FlNfWSIPC, a nation’s Supreme Court. In fact, during Taft’s tenure as Chief Justice various sources Registered Investment Adviser. attribute to him the remark, “I do not remember that I was ever president.”

8 The Shorelitte I November 2014