Taft (seated center) and classmates at the Woodward High School, circa 1870-74. William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 - March 8, 1930) was the 27th President of the USA (1909-13). Before becoming President, Taft, a Republican, was appointed to serve on the Superior Court of Cincinnati in 1887. In 1890, Taft was appointed Solicitor General of the US and in 1891 a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 1900, President McKinley appointed Taft Governor-General of the Philippines. In 1904, President Roosevelt appointed Taft Secretary of War, his close political ally, into his handpicked presidential successor. In his only term, Taft's domestic agenda emphasized trust-busting, civil service reform, strengthening the Interstate Commerce Commission, improving the performance of the postal service, and passage of the 16th Amendment. After leaving office, he spent his time in academia, arbitration, and the pursuit of world peace through his self-founded League to Enforce Peace. In 1921, after WWI, President Harding appointed Taft Chief Justice of the US. He served in this capacity until shortly before his death in 1930 at the age of 72.