Years in Office: 1909 to 1913

William Howard Taft is the only man in the history of United States who served as president and then as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Taft did not want to be President; he had little taste for politics. His wife however, was very ambitious and she felt that since he spent 20 years of his career as a lawyer and a judge, he was in a rut and should get into politics.

No President was unhappy in the White House than Taft. When his term ended he stated, "I am glad to be leaving, this is the most lonesome place in the world."

Taft was the largest president, standing over 6 feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds.

When Taft was president, the North Pole was discovered by Admiral Robert E. Peary, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution was passed which gave Congress the legal power to levy income tax, and the state of New Mexico and Arizona were added to the Union. Taft was the first President to have a government car.

Quote: I am glad to be leaving, this is the most lonesome place in the world."