Ο William Howard Taft (William Howard Taft, 1869-1930) was the 27th President of the United States (1909-1913) and the 10th Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1921-1930), making him the only American to serve in both the top executive and judicial positions. Born on September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft was the son of a political family. He studied law at Yale University and had an illustrious career as a judge, public servant and government official.

As President, Taft focused on legal reform, breaking up monopolies and boosting trade. However, his conservative approach and his distancing himself from his predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt, led to political tensions and his defeat in the next election. After the presidency, he devoted himself to his dream of serving on the Supreme Court, where he promoted important judicial reforms.

Taft was a Freemason. He was initiated into the Lodge Mystic Tie Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also a member of the Naomi Chapter No. 7 of Order of the Eastern Star in 1909. It is known that his association with Freemasonry was an important part of his social and professional circle.

His participation in Freemasonry was consistent with the common practice of many U.S. presidents during his time, when Freemasonry was a prominent social organization among politicians and public figures.

Taft died on March 8, 1930 in Washington, D.C., of heart failure, leaving a legacy of justice and public service.