Helen Herron Taft; 1909-1913

Born: 1861
Died: 1943

Helen "Nellie" Herron and Will Taft seemed destined to become man and wife. Both were raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, by political families with ties to the White House. As a teenager, Nellie visited the Hayes White House and thought of becoming First Lady one day. Ever ambitious, Nellie was a 22-year-old teacher when she organized a weekly literary discussion group and invited 25-year-old Will, a fledgling attorney, to join. Three years later, they wed. While Will rose in judicial office, Nellie raised three children and helped found Cincinnati's symphony orchestra. But she aspired to a larger stage and was thrilled when Will became America's first Governor in the Philippines in 1900. In the course of four years, Nellie explored the Far East and became an accomplished hostess, much appreciated by the Filipino people. On a visit to Japan, she fell in love with the many flowering cherry trees.

Back in America, Will came under consideration for a U.S. Supreme Court vacancy. He favored the appointment, but his wife did not, preferring a run for the Presidency. When he won the White House, Nellie was happier than he. Unfortunately, a few months later, she suffered a stroke and took a year to recover. Besides resuming the social duties she loved, Nellie influenced several cabinet appointments. But her most lasting contribution was planting the beautiful Japanese cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin.

Twenty-Seventh President
William Howard Taft