PRESIDENTS DAY
Born: May 8, 1927 at Lamar, Missouri.
Education: Went to work after high school; attended law school, 1923-25.
Occupation: Judge, businessman, politician. Worked on farm 1906-17, joined the Army; fought in World War I until 1919, discharged as Major. Ran a haberdashery business, 1919-21.
Religion: Baptist.
Family life: Married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace in June 1919; they lived in Mrs. Wallace's home, where daughter Mary Margaret was born in 1924. After her husband's death in 1972, Mrs. Truman continued to live in the family home at Independence, Missouri. There she enjoyed visits from Margaret and her husband, Clifton Daniel, and their four sons. She died in 1982 and was buried beside her husband in the courtyard of the Harry S. Truman Library.
Political career: Appointed to local Democratic offices and judgeships in the 1920's. Elected to the United States Senate from Missouri, 1934-45. Nominated for the vice-president in 1944, and became President on the death of Franklin Roosevelt; reelected in 1948, in an upset election. Retired in 1953.
Highlights of his presidency: Extension of New Deal (Fair Deal). Created North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Presided over beginning of Cold War.
Appearance: Medium height, with graying hair, round face, bright eyes.
Died: December 26, 1972 at Independence, Missouri.
Buried:President Truman's gravesite, is located in the courtyard of the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, which sits in the Harry S Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri.
