William Howard Taft - biography.

William Howard Taft - biography. 27th president of the United States Birth September 15, 1857 Death March 8, 1930 Home State Ohio Party Republican Term In Office 1909-1913 Vice President James S. Sherman Significant Acts Enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act, overseeing the filing of 67 antitrust suits. Increased the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1910 by placing communications companies under its control. Signed the Publicity Act in 1910 requiring political parties to disclose the amount and sources of federal election campaign funds. Divided the Department of Commerce and Labor into two departments in 1913. Encouraged 'dollar diplomacy,' persuading U.S. businesses to invest abroad in order to expand the U.S. presence worldwide. Career 1890-1892 Served as U.S.solicitor general. 1892-1900 Served as U.S. federal circuit court judge. 1901 Served as governor general of the Philippines. 1904-1908 Served as secretary of war under William McKinley. 1909-1913 President of the United States. 1921-1931 Served as chief justice of the Supreme Court. Did You Know Taft weighed more than 300 pounds and had a special oversize bathtub installed in the White House. Taft was the first president to throw the opening pitch for a baseball season. After his presidency Taft became chief justice of the Supreme Court, his lifelong ambition. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.