Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Helen Taft
Helen Herron was born in Ohio in 1861. Nellie, as she was called by her family and friends, visited the White House when she was seventeen. Her parents were friends of President Rutherford Hayes. This week-long visit made Nellie want to live in the White House one day. Nellie met William Taft, a lawyer, when she was eighteen. They fell in love and got married. They talked of reaching Washington, D.C., someday. Nellie was very ambitious. She encouraged her husband to take jobs to promote his career. William was chosen as a judge for several positions in the government. One job moved the family to the Philippines. His job also took them to Japan, China, and the Vatican. Nellie loved to travel. William was appointed Secretary of War in 1904. Four years later, Nellie helped William became the nominee for president. He won the election. Nellie was the first First Lady to ride with her husband in the inaugural parade. Two months after William took office, Nellie suffered a .....
