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Harry S Truman 1884-1972
 Harry
S Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, was born
on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri. In 1890, the year the
Little White House was built, the Trumans moved to
Independence.
His
poor eyesight prevented Truman from participating in sports
but led him to two of his greatest passions, reading and
music. An avid reader, he was proud of the fact that he had
read every book in the Independence Public Library. Truman
was also a fine musician, playing the piano.
An
excellent student, Truman's parents were unable to afford
college for Harry and his eyesight prevented him from
attending West Point. Following his high school graduation
in 1901,
Truman worked at a variety of jobs including farming, oil
drilling and banking In 1917, with World War I in full
force, Truman joined the Army. He served in France and left
the army as a Captain in May of 1919. One month later, he
married Elizabeth Wallace.
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After
failing in the haberdashery business, Truman ran for judge
in Jackson County, MO. In 1924, he ran for re-election and
lost, the only election he ever lost. In 1926 he was again
elected judge, a post he held until 1934 when he ran for the
U.S. Senate. Truman remained in the Senate until President
Franklin Roosevelt tapped him as his running mate for his
fourth term in 1944.
On
April 12, 1945, less than three months as vice president,
Harry S Truman was sworn in as the 33rd president following
the unexpected death of Roosevelt. Though not particularly
popular during his terms in office, Truman is thought to be
one of the best presidents in U.S. history.
On
December 26, 1972, Harry S Truman died in Kansas City, MO at
the age of 88.
In the year 2000, a C-Spann Roll ranking of all U.S. Presidents was conducted
by 58 presidential historians & scholars. Harry S Truman
ranked 5th behind Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Washington
and Theodore Roosevelt. |
Harry
Truman and Elizabeth "Bess" Wallace on their wedding day
in 1919 |
