In 1799, Aaron Taft settled on a 100-acre farm on Taft Hill. His grandson, Alphonso, born here in 1810, served as Secretary of War and Attorney General under President Grant, and as Minister to Austria-Hungary and Russia. Alphonso’s son, William Howard Taft (1857 – 1930) became 27th President of the United States and later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. William’s son, Robert A. Taft (1889 – 1953) was U.S. Senator from Ohio. Many other descendants became prominent in government service.

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick

Townshend, Vermont · USA