Peter Rawson Taft

Peter Rawson Taft (April 14, 1785 – January 1, 1867) was an American lawyer, judge, and legislator. His son Alphonso Taft served as the U.S. Secretary of War, and U.S. Attorney General (1876–1877). Alphonso was the father and Peter was the grandfather of President William Howard Taft.

Early life and family Peter Rawson Taft was born to Aaron Taft and Rhoda (née Rawson) Taft on April 14, 1785, at Uxbridge in Worcester County, Massachusetts.

Aaron Taft was educated at Princeton College. The Taft's lived at the Aaron Taft House in Uxbridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aaron was a farmer. Taft was reared a farmer, with a common-school education. He enjoyed reading and was studious. Taft taught at local schools for five to six years and he worked as a surveyor for several years. (Taft's grandfather was also Peter Taft, and his grandfather was Robert Taft Sr.) (1640–1725),

Marriage and child

In 1810, Taft married Sylvia Howard of Townshend, Vermont, Windham County, Vermont.

Their son was Alphonso Taft, born on November 5, 1810, at Townshend.

Lawyer and legislator Taft who studied law by himself, became a successful lawyer and judge. He served many years in the Vermont House of Representatives, and was judge of the Probate and County Courts of Windham County, Vermont for eight years. Descendants of Taft's great-grandfather Robert Taft include judges, lawyers, educators, legislators, and community leaders.