Mineral Patent signed by a Secretary for William H. Taft - 1909 dated Autograph

5 page Mineral Patent of the land district of Durango, Colorado signed by a Secretary for William H. Taft.

William Howard Taft (September 15, 1857 – March 8, 1930) served as the 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913 and subsequently as the 10th Chief Justice of the United States from 1921 until his death in 1930, making him the only individual to have held both positions. A member of the Republican Party, Taft's professional journey prior to his presidency included his appointment to the Superior Court of Cincinnati in 1887, his role as Solicitor General of the United States in 1890, and his judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1891. In 1900, he was appointed Governor-General of the Philippines by President William McKinley, and in 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt selected him as Secretary of War, positioning him as his potential successor.

Taft secured the presidency in the 1908 election with considerable backing from Roosevelt; however, he faced challenges during his term, particularly with his domestic policies, which aimed at trust-busting, civil service reform, enhancing the Interstate Commerce Commission, improving postal services, and advocating for the Sixteenth Amendment. On the international front, he championed "Dollar Diplomacy" to foster economic growth in Latin America and Asia and approached the Mexican revolution with a blend of decisiveness and caution. Despite notable accomplishments, Taft's presidency was hindered by his limited political acumen and strained relations within his party, culminating in his loss in the 1912 election. His administration represented a transition from Roosevelt's vigorous leadership style to a more restrained, law-oriented approach.

He appointed Philander Chase Knox, who was opposed to progressive reforms, as Secretary of State and demonstrated less political skill than his predecessor. Following his presidency, Taft engaged in academia, arbitration, and efforts to promote global peace through the League to Enforce Peace. In 1921, he was appointed Chief Justice by President Warren G. Harding, a role he maintained until shortly before his passing in 1930.

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