Warren Harding
Warren Harding is widely considered the worst President in American history. Financial impropriety was rampant in the administration. Harding died of natural causes while in office.. Elected 1920
The Early Years
Warren Harding was born in a farmhouse in Corsica, Ohio. Throughout his childhood, Harding performed farm chores at home. His mother taught him at home. He received formal education at a one-room schoolhouse. At the age of 15, Harding entered Ohio Central College. In 1882, he graduated with a B.S. and gave the commencement address.
After graduating from college, Harding taught school for one term. He then briefly sold insurance. In 1884, with two partners, Harding purchased the Marion Star newspaper. He soon acquired full ownership of the paper.
In 1889, Harding successfully ran for Ohio State Senator. He served as a Republican in the State Senate until 1903, when he became Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He served as Lieutenant Governor until 1905. In 1910, he tried to oust the incumbent Democratic Governor but was unsuccessful.
In 1914, Harding was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1921. Harding had a very undistinguished career in the Senate. He had one of the worst attendance records, and his boldest effort in the Senate was his strong opposition to the League of Nations, which he called "a supergovernment of the nations which enter it or it will prove the colossal disappointment of that ages."
Accomplishments in Office
Warren Harding's early life was marked by perseverance and determination. Born in a farmhouse in Corsica, Ohio, he diligently performed farm chores and was first taught at home by his mother. His formal education began at a one-room schoolhouse, and at the age of 15, he entered Ohio Central College. In 1882, his perseverance paid off as he graduated with a B.S. and delivered the commencement address.
After graduating from college, Harding taught school for one term. He then briefly sold insurance. In 1884, with two partners, Harding purchased the Marion Star newspaper. He soon acquired full ownership of the paper.
In 1889, Harding successfully ran for Ohio State Senator. He served as a Republican in the State Senate until 1903, when he became Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He served as Lieutenant Governor until 1905. In 1910, he tried to oust the incumbent Democratic Governor but was unsuccessful.
In 1914, Harding was elected to the U.S. Senate, a platform where he would boldly stand by his convictions. His tenure in the Senate was marked by his strong opposition to the League of Nations, which he famously called 'a supergovernment of the nations which enter it or it will prove the colossal disappointment of that ages.' This unwavering stance showcased the strength of Harding's convictions.
The First Family
Father: George Tyron Harding
Mother: Phoebe Elizabeth Dickerson-Harding
Wife: Florence Mabel Kling DeWolfe
Major Events
The Cabinet
Secretary of State: Charles Evan Hughes Secretary of Treasury: Andrew Mellon Secretary of War: John Weeks Attorney General: Harry Daugherty Secretary of Navy: Edwin Denby Postmaster Generals: Will Hays Hubert Work Secretary of Interior: Albert Fall Hubert Work Secretary of Agriculture: Henry Wallace Secretary of Commerce: Herbert Hoover Secretary of Labor James Davis
Military
None
Did You Know?
First newspaper publisher to become President
Second President to marry a woman who was divorced
First President to ride in an auto in the inauguration
Fourth Ohioan to die in office