Hulbert Taft

Hulbert Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 19, 1877. He was the only son of Peter Rawson Taft II and Annie Matilda Hulbert. His paternal family belonged to the prominent Taft family of Ohio; his grandfather was Alphonso Taft, who served as Secretary of War during Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency. Hulbert Taft was a nephew of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, and a cousin of Ohio Senator Robert A. Taft.

He graduated from Yale University in 1900. Following his graduation, Taft joined the staff of the Cincinnati Times-Star as a reporter. In 1908, he became the editor of the newspaper. The paper’s ownership was held by Charles Phelps Taft, Hulbert’s uncle, who had acquired the publication in 1880. When Charles Phelps Taft died in 1929, Hulbert Taft succeeded him as publisher.

Throughout his career, Hulbert Taft was known for his political conservatism. He conducted notable interviews with international figures including Benito Mussolini in 1929 and Leon Trotsky at later dates. His editorial work and political endorsements in the Cincinnati Times-Star contributed to his reputation as an influential figure in both local and national politics. His influence extended over a period of fifty years, and he was regarded by some as a "king maker" in political circles, with many candidates considering his endorsements as critical to electoral success.

Taft retired from his role as publisher in 1954 but continued serving as chairman of the board of directors until 1958, when the Cincinnati Times-Star was acquired by the E.W. Scripps Company.

His personal life included three marriages. His first marriage was to Nellie Phillips Leaman on April 4, 1904. They had four children: Hulbert Taft, Jr.; Katherine Phillips Taft Benedict; Margot Leaman Taft Tytus; and David Gibson Taft. After their marriage ended, he married Virginia Kittredge, the niece of Nellie Phillips Leaman, on July 21, 1928. His third marriage was to Eleanor Lawrence Gholson on April 9, 1946, who was a distant relative of Virginia Kittredge.

Hulbert Taft passed away on January 19, 1959.