Alphonso Taft

Alfonso Taft (November 5, 1810 - May 21, 1891) was an American lawyer, diplomat, politician, Attorney General and Secretary of War under President Ulysses S. Grant. He was also the founder of the American political dynasty and the father of President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft. As Minister of War, Taft reformed the War Department, allowing commanders in Indian forts to choose who can start and manage after-sales operations. Working as the attorney general, he firmly believes that African Americans should not be denied the right to vote through intimidation and violence. Attorney General Taft co-authored a bill in Congress signed by President Grant, who created an election commission that handled the controversial Hayes Tilden election. Taft was appointed Minister of Austria-Hungary by Chester A. Arthur in 1882. He served until July 4, 1884, and then was transferred by President Arthur to the Minister of Russia and served in St. Petersburg until August 1885. Taft had a reputation for serving in politics with honesty and character.